Red Sunset Maple

Red Sunset Maple is one of the most popular maples for vivid autumn color and reliable performance. Its dense, rounded canopy and glossy green leaves transform into fiery shades of red, orange, and scarlet each fall - among the earliest and most consistent of any maple. In spring and summer, its clean branching and rich foliage provide cooling shade and refined structure. Reaching 40 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide at maturity, Red Sunset Maple forms a balanced, oval shape ideal for residential or commercial landscapes.

• Deciduous shade tree
• Rounded, symmetrical canopy with strong branching
• Brilliant red-orange fall color
• Moderate to fast growth rate
• Excellent for streets, lawns, and focal landscape plantings

Red Sunset Maple thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, it delivers vibrant seasonal color, dependable growth, and enduring beauty across Texas landscapes.

Red Sunset Maple offers reliable performance in a variety of climates - this easy going nature makes it a favorite across Texas landscapes. Here’s what you can expect in terms of maintenance needs:

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the first several years to build a strong root system. Once established, Red Sunset tolerates moderate drought, though consistent moisture ensures the brightest color and fullest canopy. Avoid prolonged saturation, which can cause root stress.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove crossing limbs, weak branches, or any damage from storms. The tree naturally forms a balanced shape, so only modest pruning is typically needed. Avoid early-spring pruning when sap flow is high.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support steady growth and vigorous foliage. In nutrient-poor soils, compost or leaf mold helps enrich the root zone. Excessive nitrogen may reduce fall color intensity.
• Mulching: A 2-3 inch mulch layer helps conserve soil moisture and protect shallow feeder roots. Keep mulch several inches from the trunk to prevent bark decay. Refresh yearly for the best soil structure.
• Winter Care: Red Sunset Maple is highly winter-hardy and maintains its structure well through cold seasons. Young trees may need brief wind protection in very exposed areas, but mature specimens withstand winter easily. Perform any necessary corrective pruning in early spring.

Red Sunset Maple is strong and adaptable, though a few manageable issues may arise under stress:

• Leaf Scorch: Browning around leaf edges during extreme heat or drought is common. Consistent watering and a bit of afternoon shade help prevent recurring scorch.
• Chlorosis: Pale leaves with green veins indicate nutrient deficiency, often from alkaline soils. Apply chelated iron and gradually improve soil pH for long-term correction.
• Aphids: Curled leaves or sticky honeydew point to aphid activity. Rinse foliage or use insecticidal soap to restore healthy growth.
• Powdery Mildew: A white coating may appear on leaves during humid or shaded conditions. Increasing airflow and avoiding overhead watering reduces disease frequency.
• Scale Insects: Small bumps along stems accompanied by sticky residue indicate scale. Treat with horticultural oil and monitor new growth closely.