Maintenance Landscaping Design

Autumn blaze maple is a hybrid of red maple and silver maple. It is a deciduous tree that is grown for its beautiful fall foliage. The leaves of this tree turn a brilliant red in the fall. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 50 feet. This tree is best suited for growth in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Popular name

• fall fire maple
  
• scarlet maple
  
• crimson king maple
  
• red maple
  
• sugar maple

Things to Know

• The autumn blaze maple is a hybrid cross between the red maple and the silver maple.
  
• The tree was introduced in the 1970s by the J. Frank Schmidt Nursery in Boring, Oregon.
  
• The autumn blaze maple is one of the most popular landscaping trees in North America.
  
• The tree is fast-growing, reaching a height of 30 to 50 feet (9-15 m) in just 20 years.
  
• The autumn blaze maple has a rounded crown and branches that grow horizontally.
  
• The tree is known for its vibrant fall foliage, which ranges in color from orange to red.
  
• The autumn blaze maple is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions.
  
• The tree is resistant to most pests and diseases.
  
• The autumn blaze maple is an excellent choice for use as a shade tree or as a specimen tree in the landscape.
  
• The tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring to control its size and shape.

Related plant:
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue

Planting Process

1. For autumn blaze maple, first step is to choose the right location. This tree prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils.
   
2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
   
3. Next, backfill the hole with soil and water it well.
   
4. After that, place the tree in the hole and fill in around it with soil.
   
5. Water the tree deeply and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
   
6. Fertilize the tree in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
   
7. Prune the tree as needed to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
   
8. Autumn blaze maple is generally a low-maintenance tree, but it may suffer from diseases such as Verticillium wilt or aphids.
   
9. Watch for these problems and treat them as soon as possible.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful autumn blaze maple!

Related plant:
Autumn Trees

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the autumn blaze maple grows best in deep, moist, well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of a wide range of soils, except for wet, poorly drained soils. It also has some drought tolerance once it is established.

About light

Like the other maples, the autumn blaze maple is a beautiful tree that is perfect for adding some color to your yard in the fall. One of the best things about this tree is that it is relatively low-maintenance, especially when it comes to sun exposure. It can tolerate partial sun or full sun, making it a great option for areas that get a lot of sun or a little sun.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of the autumn blaze maple is perfect for growing this type of tree. The leaves are beautiful and the tree is strong. The tree can withstand colder temperatures and still produce vibrant leaves.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The plant does not tolerate high or low humidity well. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and crispy.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant does not need much. In the case of the Autumn Blaze Maple, too much fertilizer will cause the roots to grow too fast and the leaves to fall off. The best time to fertilize is in early spring before the new leaves appear.

About light

Pruning an autumn blaze maple is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. First, identify the branches that you want to remove. then, using a sharp pair of pruning shears, cut the branches at a 45-degree angle. Finally, dispose of the branches in a compost pile or in the trash.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done by seed, which should be sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. The seed should be sown in a cold frame or outdoors in a seed bed. The seedlings need to be transplanted into their permanent positions in the autumn or spring.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid during the first 10 years after planting. The average growth rate is around 2.5 feet per year, but can be as high as 5 feet per year. Once the tree reaches maturity, the growth rate slows down to around 1 foot per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scorch, Verticillium wilt, root rot, and anthracnose. Scorch is caused by environmental stressors such as drought, excessive heat, or cold damage. Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that attacks the vascular system of the tree, causing the leaves to wilt and eventually die. Root rot is caused by a number of different fungi, and it can attack the roots of the tree, causing the tree to be unstable and eventually die. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the tree, causing them to develop dark lesions.

Growing Tips

• Do not forget to water your plant regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  
• Apply fertilizer to your plant every few months to ensure optimal growth.
  
• Place your plant in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and take action immediately if any are found.
  
• Be sure to mulch around your plant to help retain moisture and protect the roots.
  
• When transplanting, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
  
• Once established, your plant will be relatively drought tolerant; however, during extended periods of drought, you may need to water it more frequently.
  
• In the fall, your plant will produce beautiful red leaves that are perfect for adding color to your landscape.
  
• With proper care, your autumn blaze maple will

Alternative Plants

• Michigan maples
  
• Norway maples
  
• Sugar maples
  
• Red maples
  
• Mountain maples
  
• Paperbark maples
  
• 3-flowered maples
  
• Box elder maples
  
• Amur maples
  
• Bigtooth maples

Source:
Acer × freemanii Autumn Blaze® - Oregon State University
Autumn Blaze maples create fiery fall color | Mississippi State ...
Autumn Blaze Maple - Michigan State University