AUTUMN BLAZE MAPLE

Interestingly, the Autumn Blaze Maple is a hybrid created from two of the finest, classically American trees – the red maple and the silver maple – taking the most exquisite features from each. Feast your eyes on its quintessential fall colors. The Autumn Blaze Maple transitions from orange to crimson red, gifting your environment with charm and beauty, especially as a visual sightline when planted in rows.

How Fast Does Autumn Blaze Maple Grow?

The Autumn Blaze Maple is a fast-growing tree, 3 to 5 feet per year, with the ability to reach a vertical height of 50 feet by 40 feet wide. Working together in concert, the silver maple origins contribute to the Autumn Blaze Maple’s energy without interfering with the red maple’s natural strength.

The Autumn Blaze Maple trees tolerate full sun to part shade and prefer well-drained soil, slightly acidic and nutrient-rich. These trees grow well in USA growing zones 3-8 and can be planted in rural or urban areas, effectively blossoming in the midst of pollution. Not only can this hybrid tree grow incredibly fast and strong under many conditions, it is disease and insect resistant, with the ability to adapt to soil conditions present.

How and Where to Plant an Autumn Blaze Maple Tree

Spring and fall are the best times to plant because mild temperatures reduce water stress while the soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth. For the best results, plant this tree in alkaline soil. Maples are salt intolerant, so do not plant near roadsides that get salted in winter weather and beach areas known for soils with high salinity. To enrich or acidify your soil, amend with compost, elemental sulfur, or use fertilizers specific to acid-loving plants. Mulching with pine straw or pine bark will help over time as they begin to break down, but they are not an immediate solution for increasing acidity. Mulching is very much important for keeping the roots cool and moist. Add a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch and do not allow the mulch to contact the trunk as this increases the chance of pest and disease.

Above all, water often in order to keep the soil moist. Maples can tolerate a wet area, but they shouldn’t be standing in water. Fertilize with a slow-release product when planting and again early each spring to give your tree a boost. When fertilizing after planting, be cautious not to burn the roots by mixing the fertilizer into the soil before placing your tree in the hole.

Maple trees don’t generally require pruning, but, if needed, prune when they are dormant, by removing any dead, dying, or crowded branches to maintain an attractive shape.

How to treat insects eating my Autumn Blaze Maple

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. Scale and Aphids are insects that can affect Maples. You can treat these pests naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections, you can use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Occasionally fungal issues can arise. Generally, treating after an infection is not extremely effective, so if you have problems yearly treat in early spring with fungicides to prevent infection. Neem Oil is an organic method of treating some fungal diseases and pests. Neem Oil can be effective, but the entire tree must be coated in order for this method to be effective.

Landscape Ideas

The Autumn Blaze Maple tree is an exceptional shade tree for your yard with a mature width of up to 40 feet and height around 50 feet. Plant in an impressive row of two or three in your front or backyard. Be sure to give each tree plenty of room to thrive with at least 15 feet to the next planting, so they do not have to compete for light, water, space, and air. This unique hybrid tree is a top choice of homeowners and landscapers to create a beautiful year-round display, especially in the fall with its fabulous spectacle of red and orange foliage.