Red Sunset Maple

Red Sunset Maple - Brilliant Red Fall Color Shade Tree | 40-50 Feet Tall, Individual Trees

Add reliable shade and stunning fall color to your landscape with the Red Sunset Maple. This improved red maple variety is prized for its consistent growth, strong branching structure, and brilliant red autumn foliage. Known for its adaptability and vibrant seasonal display, Red Sunset Maple is one of the most popular shade trees for residential and commercial landscapes.

Throughout spring and summer, the tree produces a dense canopy of rich green leaves that provide cooling shade. As fall approaches, the foliage transforms into a vivid display of bright red and orange tones that create a striking landscape feature. With its symmetrical growth habit and dependable performance, Red Sunset Maple delivers year-round beauty and long-lasting shade.

Why You'll Love the Red Sunset Maple

Brilliant Fall Color: Leaves turn vibrant shades of bright red and orange for a spectacular autumn display.

Reliable Shade Tree: Dense canopy provides excellent shade for yards and outdoor spaces.

Strong Branch Structure: Improved branching makes it more durable than many other maple varieties.

Adaptable And Hardy: Thrives in a wide range of soil conditions and climates.

Red Sunset Maple Details

Botanical Name: Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset'
Type: Deciduous shade tree
Mature Size: 40-50' tall × 30-40' wide (upright oval canopy)
Growth Rate: Moderate to 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: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Performs best in well-drained soil but adapts easily to clay, sandy, or loamy soils. Tolerates occasional wet conditions better than many shade trees.

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

Hardiness: USDA zones 4-9, making it 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 structure and remove any damaged or crossing branches.

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

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Red Sunset Maple’s vibrant fall color and strong growth make it suitable for: shade trees, street plantings, front yard trees, large landscapes, and landscape focal points.

Shade Tree Excellence: Its dense canopy and dependable growth make it ideal for creating shaded outdoor living areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

When does Red Sunset Maple change color? The foliage typically turns bright red in mid to late fall depending on climate conditions.

Is Red Sunset Maple easy to grow? Yes, it is a hardy and adaptable shade tree that performs well in a wide range of conditions once established.