Autumn Blaze Maple

Autumn Blaze Maple - Fast Growing Red Fall Color Shade Tree | 40-50 Feet Tall, Individual Trees

Add fast-growing shade and spectacular fall color to your landscape with the Autumn Blaze Maple. This popular hybrid maple tree is prized for its rapid growth, strong branching structure, and brilliant red fall foliage. Known for combining the best traits of red maple and silver maple, Autumn Blaze Maple provides dependable performance and vibrant seasonal color in a wide range of climates.

Throughout spring and summer, the tree produces a dense canopy of rich green leaves that provide excellent shade for yards and landscapes. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a stunning display of fiery red and orange tones that brighten the entire landscape. With its upright growth habit and symmetrical branching, Autumn Blaze Maple creates an impressive shade tree that delivers beauty and comfort for decades.

Why You'll Love the Autumn Blaze Maple

Brilliant Fall Color: Leaves turn vibrant shades of bright red and orange, creating one of the most dramatic fall displays.

Fast Growing Shade Tree: One of the fastest-growing maple varieties, quickly establishing a large shade canopy.

Strong And Durable Structure: Improved branching structure reduces breakage compared to many fast-growing shade trees.

Large Landscape Presence: Growing 40 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide at maturity, providing excellent shade coverage.

Autumn Blaze Maple Details

Botanical Name: Acer × freemanii 'Autumn Blaze'
Type: Deciduous shade tree
Mature Size: 40-50' tall × 30-40' wide (upright oval canopy)
Growth Rate: Fast growth rate
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil adaptable to many soil types
Water: Water regularly until established, moderate drought tolerance once mature
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Performs best in well-drained soil but adapts easily to clay, sandy, or loamy soils. Avoid areas with standing water.

Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best growth and fall color.

Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8, making it extremely cold hardy and suitable for a wide range of climates.

Care Instructions

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this tree becomes moderately drought tolerant.

Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain strong branch structure and remove any crossing or damaged branches.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and canopy development.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Autumn Blaze Maple’s fast growth and large canopy make it suitable for: shade trees, front yard plantings, street trees, large landscape focal points, and property line plantings.

Shade Tree Excellence: Its rapid growth and dense canopy make it ideal for creating comfortable shaded areas in lawns and outdoor living spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Autumn Blaze Maple? Space trees 30 to 40 feet apart on center to allow for mature canopy spread.

How fast does Autumn Blaze Maple grow? This variety is known for its fast growth and can grow several feet per year under ideal conditions.

When does Autumn Blaze Maple change color? The foliage typically turns brilliant red in mid to late fall depending on local climate conditions.