PopularBrandywine Maple
Acer rubrum ‘Brandywine’Local DFW Delivery Only
Product Details
Brandywine Maple
Acer rubrum ‘Brandywine’Brandywine Maple is a standout cultivar of the native Red Maple, chosen for its spectacular autumn show and seedless nature - no helicopter seeds here! With a strong oval shape and dense canopy, it provides excellent shade in the summer and a fiery finale in the fall. This tree grows 45 feet in height and 35 in width at full maturity. It holds its color longer than most maples, making it a favorite for fall landscapes.
- Deciduous tree
- Moderate to fast growth rate
- Vibrant two-stage fall color: red to purple
- Seedless - no mess or unwanted seedlings
- Upright, symmetrical shape great for shade or street planting
Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, Brandywine Maple thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil but can adapt to a range of environments. If you want a no-fuss shade tree with unforgettable color, this maple is a timeless pick.
While it’s generally hardy and low-maintenance, proper care ensures longevity, vibrant color, and healthy growth.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during the first growing season, to establish a strong root system. Once established, Brandywine Maple is quite drought-tolerant, but benefits from deep, frequent watering during dry periods.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, crossing, or weak branches to encourage a strong central leader and good canopy structure. Light pruning after flowering is optional but can help refine shape. Avoid heavy pruning during late summer or fall, as it may reduce fall foliage vibrancy.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote strong growth and rich foliage. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage rapid leafy growth at the expense of structural strength and fall color. Mature trees generally require fertilization only once a year.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, moderate temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch about 6 inches from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues. Refresh annually as it breaks down.
Common Issues and How to Take Care of Them
Brandywine Maple can experience a few challenges under certain conditions:
- Verticillium Wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease can cause wilting, yellowing, or branch dieback. Plant in well-drained soil, avoid planting near infected trees, and prune affected branches promptly.
- Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects that can distort leaves and produce sticky honeydew, which attracts sooty mold. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Leaf Scorch: Browning or curling of leaf edges caused by drought, heat stress, or inconsistent watering. Deep, consistent watering and mulch to retain moisture can help prevent damage.
- Scale Insects: Small, hard-bodied insects that feed on sap and weaken the tree over time. Apply horticultural oil or systemic insect treatments if infestations appear.
Maintain proper spacing and regularly inspect your Brandywine Maple for pests or stress to reduce disease risk. Avoid overwatering, ensure good drainage, and remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent fungal issues and overwintering pests.
It has a rapid growth rate, reaching approximately 2-3 feet per year under optimal conditions.
Early fall is the ideal time to plant Brandywine Maple, closely followed by spring. Planting it in early fall allows the roots to establish before the first frost, encouraging a healthy root system.
During the first two years water daily when temps are above 95 degrees and every other day when temps are between 80-95 degrees. After establishment, supplement during dry spells every 7 days.
Light pruning annually helps maintain canopy shape and removes dead or weak branches. Heavy pruning is rarely necessary.
Poor soil nutrients, insufficient sunlight, or irregular watering can dull fall color. Balanced fertilization and consistent care usually restore vibrant hues.
Brandywine Maple grows slightly faster and has a narrower, more symmetrical canopy, making it well-suited for urban and smaller spaces. October Glory Maple develops a wider canopy with consistently bright red fall color and is ideal for larger landscapes or streetscapes.
Yes, it adapts well to city environments, tolerating moderate pollution, compacted soils, and variable moisture. Proper spacing and soil preparation improve success.
With proper care, it can live 50-60 years, depending on soil quality, watering, and overall maintenance.
Yes, it is, as its leaves are not a preferred food source for them.
Yes, it can. Its rapid growth, strong branch structure, and vibrant fall color make it a great choice for streetscapes, parks, and large yard shade applications.
Special Features
You might also like
Compare Similar Plants
Brandywine Maple This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acer rubrum ‘Brandywine’ | Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred' |
| Size at Maturity | 45' H x 35' W | 45' H x 35' W |
| Leaf Retention | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Fall Color | Red | Red |
| Sizes Available | 15, 30, 45, 65, 95 gal | 15, 30, 45, 95 gal |
Our 1-Year Planting Guarantee
We take pride in our plants and installation services. If any plants or trees installed by Treeland fail to thrive within the first year, we'll provide a replacement credit in accordance with our guarantee program.
Learn More About Our Guarantee