PopularAutumn Blaze Maple
Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'Local DFW Delivery Only
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Autumn Blaze Maple
Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'This gorgeous hybrid of the Red and Silver Maple will add a splash of vibrant color to your yard every fall with its scarlet and orange foliage. If you're looking for a quick growing and vibrant shade tree, Autumn Blaze Maple should be on your list.
Due to its rapid growth rate, this maple will grow into a mature tree in a relatively short time. Its height can reach 40-55 feet, while its spread can be 30 to 40 feet.
- Gorgeous Fall color
- Thrives in full sun
- Perfect mid-sized shade tree
- Grows 3 feet per year on average
- Provides excellent shade
This deciduous tree delivers a breathtaking display of color every autumn, becoming a focal point in your yard. Be sure to plant it in full sun to ensure it grows strong and vibrant.
Autumn Blaze Maple is a resilient plant adaptable to various climates. Though it’s considered a low-maintenance tree, consistent care will help it reach its full potential year after year.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first two years after planting to help the roots establish. Once mature, Autumn Blaze Maple tolerates brief dry periods but performs best with occasional deep watering during long hot or dry spells.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve structure and airflow. This variety has a naturally symmetrical shape, so heavy pruning isn’t required. Avoid pruning in late spring or early summer, as sap flow can be heavy during that time.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote steady, healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to overly fast growth, weaker branches, and reduced fall color intensity. A single feeding per year is typically sufficient for mature trees; younger ones may benefit from a light mid-summer boost if soil nutrients are poor.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, protect roots, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch 6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot or pest issues. Replenish mulch annually as it breaks down to improve soil quality over time.
Common Issues and How to Take Care of Them
Like all trees, it may encounter a few challenges.
- Leaf Scorch: Brown or dry leaf edges caused by heat, drought stress, or insufficient watering.
- Chlorosis: Yellowing leaves, often due to high soil pH or poor nutrient availability, especially iron deficiency.
- Aphids or Scale: Small sap-feeding insects that cause leaf curling and honeydew.
- Borers: Insects that tunnel throughout the wood, weakening it and disturbing the flow of nutrients.
Provide deep, consistent watering, proper spacing, and good drainage to promote healthy growth, while treating pests and nutrient issues promptly with targeted care such as chelated iron, insecticidal soap, or pruning.
One of the fastest-growing maples, it can grow 2-3 feet per year under ideal conditions, quickly providing shade and structure to your landscape.
Mature height is typically 45-55 feet, with a spread of about 30-40 feet, forming a balanced oval canopy.
Early spring or fall is ideal. These seasons allow roots to establish before the stress of summer heat or winter cold.
The primary difference between the Autumn Blaze and October Glory maple lies in their genetic origin and resulting characteristics. The October Glory is a cultivar of the native red maple (Acer rubrum), known for its consistent and long-lasting, deep crimson red fall foliage. It typically grows to a moderate height of 40–50 feet with a rounded canopy, and it exhibits good tolerance for urban conditions and compacted soils. In contrast, the Autumn Blaze is a hybrid (Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred') resulting from a cross between a red maple and a silver maple (Acer saccharinum). This hybrid parentage grants it a faster growth rate (often 2–3 feet per year), greater adaptability to both wet and drought-prone soils, and a more upright, oval shape. Its fall color tends to be a vibrant orange-red to scarlet, appearing earlier than October Glory, but its branches may be more prone to damage from ice storms due to its silver maple heritage, and it is known for more aggressive surface roots.
During the first two years, water daily when temps are above 95 degrees and every other day when temps are between 80 to 95 degrees. After establishment, deep water every week during dry spells.
Not necessarily. Fertilize once yearly in early spring if growth slows or leaves appear pale.
Nutrient imbalance, insufficient sunlight, or excessive watering can dull fall color. Correct with proper fertilization and watering adjustments.
Mulch well to keep roots cool, and ensure consistent watering during heatwaves. Avoid planting too close to pavement, where reflected heat can worsen scorch.
Staking is recommended during the first year or two, especially in windy areas, to encourage a strong trunk. Remove stakes once the tree is stable to avoid the stakes from growing into the trunk.
Yes, its root system is considered invasive. Avoid planting too close to sidewalks or driveways to prevent potential lifting.
With proper care, it can live 30-50 years or longer. Lifespan depends on growing conditions, maintenance, and protection from soil compaction and drought.
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Autumn Blaze Maple This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred' | Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ |
| Size at Maturity | 45' H x 35' W | 45' H x 35' W |
| Leaf Retention | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Fall Color | Red | Orange & Red |
| Sizes Available | 15, 30, 45, 95 gal | 15, 30, 45, 65, 95 gal |
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