Red Maple Tree (Acer rubrum) – Native Shade Tree with Brilliant Fall Color

Elevate your landscape with the Red Maple Tree (Acer rubrum), a classic North American native prized for its rapid growth, stunning red fall foliage, and adaptability across a wide range of soils and conditions. Whether you’re planting a shade tree, building a native garden, or landscaping a property, this tree checks many boxes.

Why Choose a Red Maple Tree?

• Spectacular Fall Colors: Leaves turn vivid red, orange, or crimson in autumn.

• Quick Establishment: Red maples grow 12–18 inches per year under ideal conditions. 

• Highly Adaptable: Thrives in wet soils, dry soils, acidic or loamy soils.

• Attractive Spring Features: Produces red flowers and red-tinged samaras (winged seeds) just as leaves emerge.

• Wildlife Friendly: Seeds and buds feed birds and small mammals.

Growth & Planting Specifications

Planting & Care Tips

• Site selection: Choose a location with room for the expansive root and canopy system.

• Planting: Dig a hole twice the root ball width, loosen sides, and backfill with native soil.

• Watering: Keep soil moist in year one; reduce watering as tree establishes.

• Mulching & Feeding: Use a 2–3 in. layer of mulch away from trunk; feed lightly in early spring.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches.

• Fall Color Tip: For best red fall color, plant cultivars selected for strong red pigment and provide adequate soil nutrition.

Landscape Uses & Design Ideas

• Feature tree in yards, parks, and avenues

• Native or woodland-style gardens

• Autumn foliage focal point in landscape layouts

• Shade tree over patios, driveways, or seating areas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does a red maple begin showing red foliage?
Red maple typically starts turning color in mid to late fall, with peak red tones dependent on cultivar and climate.

How fast does a red maple grow?
It commonly grows 1 to 1.5 ft (12–18 in) per year under favorable conditions. 

Are there red maple varieties known for better fall color?
Yes — cultivars like ‘Red Sunset’, ‘October Glory’, and ‘Autumn Flame’ are bred for more intense and reliable red hues. 

Can red maple tolerate a variety of soil types?
Absolutely. It grows well in clay, loam, acidic, or even wet soils. 

Is red maple good for wildlife?
Yes — its seeds, buds, and foliage provide resources to birds, squirrels, and other woodland creatures.

What You’ll Receive

When you order from Tennessee Wholesale Nursery, you’ll receive a strong, healthy bare-root Red Maple Tree (Acer rubrum), carefully dug and packaged for optimal survival. The tree will be ready to plant and bring years of beauty and value to your landscape.