This falls in the same category as the Autumn Blaze maple, except it is not a hybrid. #2 Red sunset Maple ( Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’ RED SUNSET) If you have already, I would keep it and enjoy it today. I would also recommend you consider planting a slower growing, hopefully longer lived non maple tree, not far from it. Not recommended as a long term tree. If you need a quick growing tree to provide shade then this tree might work for you. This means they add very little to the genetic diversity of our landscapes. All Autumn Blaze maples are genetic clones of each other. Wildlife value: As a hybrid of two native trees, you can expect this tree to provide some of the same wildlife benefits of it’s parents. I expect this one to be one of the major casualties. But I firmly believe we will see it soon. It may be the Asian long horned beetle or it might be something else.

I thoroughly expect an exotic insect or disease to ravage our native maples soon. When trees are very common, they are more susceptible to spreading diseases and pests among themselves, think Dutch Elm Disease.īesides being over planted, there are other reasons to be concerned about this and in fact all of our native maples. There is probably not a subdivision in my state where you can’t find this tree. This tree, along with one of it’s parents which we will cover in a bit, is way over planted. Autumn Blaze maple fall color in a good year. It also does not hurt that this tree has a great red fall color. They were so fast growing that the couple of years of slower growth due to transplant shock on the larger trees allowed the smaller ones to catch up. I remember seeing a display at a Minnesota arboretum years ago that showed how over a five year period Autumn blaze maples with a trunk diameter of 1 inch were larger then 3″ diameter sized ones. The same Autumn Blaze maple 9 years later. This was the size of an Autumn Blaze maple at planting. Nurseries get to sell you a bigger tree years quicker and customers get the shade they want sooner. This fast growth has made this tree an absolute favorite of nurseries and impatient customers. This hybrid of the native silver maple ( Acer saccharinum) and the red maple ( Acer rubrum) is a very fast growing specimen. This tree is planted by just about everybody and for good reasons, it is a great tree by many criteria. While I sorted this list by Latin name, this tree would have been at the top if I sorted it by most used also. Landscapers favorite trees #1 Autumn Blaze Maple ( Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ AUTUMN BLAZE) Since I have my own strong opinions on these, I’ll get add more of my own rambling commentary about landscapers favorite trees.

Over the next few posts we will also cover shrubs and the area I am learning the most new info about, the perennials. Since it is still prime time for tree planting, we will start there. We however can be a little more picky.ĭo your landscaping goals include helping wildlife? (and why shouldn’t it?) Just because a plant looks great may make it one of landscapers favorite trees. Most of these landscape designs are for normal people who want a low care, great looking landscape. When planting in the ground, plant it at the same depth it is growing in its nursery container, in a large hole well prepared with any necessary amendments-which can be especially important if the soil is not sufficiently acidic.Since switching from a public garden to a commercial landscaping industry, I’ve had a chance to pay more attention to what plants are being used by landscapers in my area.Or, you can place the pot in a sheltered outdoor location (a cold frame, for example) through the winter, then continue to grow it for another season before planting it. Seeds started in spring will often be ready for landscape planting in the fall. Continue growing the seedling tree in a sunny location until planting time.The seeds usually germinate and sprout within 10 days. Water the pot regularly, keeping it uniformly moist but not soggy.Plant the seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, moisten the soil mix, then place the pot in a sunny location. Fill a well-draining 8-inch pot with a commercial potting mix.Select seed pods that are beginning to turn brown and break them open to remove the seeds. Collect seeds from a mature red maple tree in late spring or early summer.The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Red sunset red maple