How to Grow Red Maple - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Red maple is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous tree that can grow to be 30-35 meters tall. The leaves of the red maple are dark green in color and have a smooth texture. The flowers of the red maple are small and red in color. The fruit of the red maple is a small, red, winged seed.

How to Grow Red Maple - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Acer rubrum
  • Swamp maple
  • Soft maple
  • Red sugar maple
  • Scarlet maple

Good to Know

  • The scientific name for the red maple is Acer rubrum.
  • It is a native tree to North America, growing in the eastern and central parts of the continent.
  • The red maple can grow to be anywhere between 20 and 30 metres tall.
  • The tree gets its name from the red colour of its leaves in autumn.
  • The red maple is a popular tree for landscaping and is often used as a street tree.
  • The tree flowers in spring, with the flowers being small and red.
  • The red maple fruits are small, reddish-brown seeds that are contained in a two-lobed winged structure.
  • The red maple is a deciduous tree, meaning that it loses its leaves in autumn.
  • The wood of the red maple is hard and strong, making it suitable for a range of uses including furniture and flooring.
  • The red maple is considered to be an important symbol of Canada.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Planting Process

  1. For red maple, first step is to find a good location. Look for an area with full sun and well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the planting area by clearing away any weeds or grass.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  4. Loosen the roots of the tree before placing it in the hole.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  6. Water the tree deeply immediately after planting.
  7. Stake the tree if necessary.
  8. Apply a layer of mulch around the tree’s base, keeping it away from the trunk.
  9. Keep the tree watered during its first growing season.
  10. Fertilize the tree in early spring.

Related plant:
Pieris Japonica

The Soil

About soil condition, red maple can grow in a wide range of soil conditions, from very wet to very dry. It is adaptable to both acid and alkaline soils, although it prefers slightly acid conditions. It can also tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from very sandy to very clayey.

About light

Not too different with other maples, the red maple needs full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. If the tree does not receive enough sun, it will not produce the vibrant red leaves for which it is named. In too much sun, the leaves may scorch or the tree may become stressed. The ideal spot for a red maple is an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition necessary for the growth of the red maple is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The red maple can also tolerate a range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained, sandy soils. The red maple is also tolerant of shade, making it a good choice for planting under trees.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%-50%. The plant will start to experience negative effects when the humidity drops below 30%. At this point, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl. If the humidity drops below 20%, the plant will die.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this plant doesn't need much. A little every now and then is fine, but too much will actually harm the plant. The roots of the red maple are strong and can reach deep into the ground for nutrients, so it doesn't need as much help from fertilizer as other plants.

About light

Pruning is an important part of caring for a red maple tree. It helps to encourage new growth and to keep the tree healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. Also, prune back any branches that are growing too close to the trunk of the tree. This will help to prevent the tree from becoming overcrowded and will allow it to grow more evenly.

The Propagation

Propagation of red maples is typically done through rooting stem cuttings, which can be taken from the tips of young shoots in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and have at least two leaf nodes. They can be placed directly into pots filled with moistened potting mix or propagation medium. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or planted in the garden.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have found that trees add between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.4 and 8.9cm) of vertical growth per year. The horizontal spread of the crown is generally equal to the vertical growth. Most trees will double in height in 20 to 25 years, and in 30 to 35 years will reach their full potential height.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are chlorosis, dieback, and leaf scorch. Chlorosis is a condition where the leaves of the red maple turn yellow due to a lack of chlorophyll. Dieback is a condition where the leaves of the red maple turn brown and dry out. Leaf scorch is a condition where the leaves of the red maple turn black and dry out.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant your red maple in an area that receives full sun.
  • Choose a spot that has well-drained soil.
  • Be sure to water your red maple regularly, especially during the summer months.
  • Fertilize your red maple twice a year, in the spring and autumn.
  • Prune your red maple as needed to keep it healthy and looking its best.
  • Protect your red maple from strong winds by planting it in a sheltered location.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • Mulch around your red maple to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Harvest the leaves in the fall, before the first frost.
  • Enjoy the beautiful red foliage of your red maple for many years to come!

Substitution

  • Bald Cypress
  • Beaver
  • Birch
  • Black walnut
  • Blueberry
  • Chestnut
  • Crab apple
  • Dogwood
  • Elderberry
  • Hickory

Source:
Red Maple - Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems
Red Maple - MSU Extension
RED MAPLE - ACER RUBRUM | The UFOR Nursery & Lab

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category