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Identify the tree and plan for its mature size
Autumn Blaze is a named Freeman maple cultivar: a hybrid of red maple (Acer rubrum) and silver maple (A. saccharinum). It is usually listed as Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’; Oregon State University also records the spelling ‘Jeffsred’. Check the botanical label to distinguish it from other Freeman maple cultivars.
Its five-lobed leaves, upright branching and dense, broad oval canopy make it a substantial shade tree, not a compact ornamental. Reference profiles estimate mature dimensions at roughly 40–55 feet tall and 30–40 feet wide; Oregon State lists about 50 feet by 40 feet, while the University of Minnesota gives a height range of 40–55 feet and spread of 30–40 feet. These are profile estimates, not guaranteed dimensions for a particular site. [Oregon State University; University of Minnesota]
Allow enough open space for the eventual canopy and shallow root system. Avoid tight planting locations where the tree’s size or roots will conflict with nearby construction, paving or utilities; ask a local arborist or extension service about a site-specific setback rather than relying on a universal spacing figure.
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- Due to agricultural laws, we unalbe to ship to California, AZ, AK, or HI
- At maturity, Autumn Blaze Maples typically reach a height of 40-50 feet with a spread of 30-40 feet, forming a symmetrical and rounded canopy
- Known for its vibrant fall foliage, the leaves transition from green to shades of bright orange and red, providing a striking autumn display
- Autumn Blaze Maples are characterized by their fast growth rate, making them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking relatively quick landscape impact
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Typically Zones 3-8
Choose a sunny site with suitable soil
Full sun is recommended for the strongest fall color. A good general soil target is moist and well drained. Freeman maple can tolerate clay, alkaline soils, some drought and some flooding, and Utah’s profile notes tolerance of urban conditions and poor soil. Those are resilience traits, not a reason to choose a chronically dry or waterlogged site. [Conservation Garden Park; University of Minnesota Extension; Utah State University]
Check regional hardiness before planting
Published zone recommendations are not uniform: Oregon State reports USDA Zone 3; the University of Minnesota cultivar profile and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District list Zones 3–8; and Utah’s Freeman maple profile lists Zones 3–7. Treat these ranges as starting points, not a guarantee that the tree will thrive in every location within a zone. [Oregon State University; University of Minnesota; Conservation Garden Park; Utah State University]
Rank #2
- You are buying two Autumn Blaze Maple Trees 10-22" tall in quart pots
- Hardy in zones 3-8
Regional conditions matter. John Ball, an SDSU Extension forestry specialist, describes Autumn Blaze as fast-growing and tolerant of droughty and alkaline soils, while also cautioning about hardiness issues in North Dakota and the Prairie Provinces—even near Aberdeen, South Dakota. Consult local extension or a knowledgeable nursery about performance in your area. [SDSU Extension]
Water young trees according to soil conditions
Newly planted trees need monitoring as they establish. Check moisture in the soil around the root area and water when it is drying; avoid both prolonged drying and persistently saturated soil. The needed frequency depends on rainfall, soil texture, drainage, climate and establishment, so a fixed calendar cannot suit every site.
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Rank #3
- FALL COLORS: Stunning red maple tree known for its brilliant scarlet-red fall foliage that creates a spectacular autumn display in your landscape
- 1'-2' ESTABLISHED HEIGHT: Arrives in a 1-gallon container, minimizing transplant shock and giving you a strong start for your landscape
- FAST GROWTH RATE: Gains up to 2 feet per year, quickly maturing into a stunning shade tree for your yard
- HORT ZONES 3–8: Cold-hardy, heat-tolerant, and ideal for a wide range of U.S. climates
- SUPPORTS A GREENER PLANET: Every purchase from the Arbor Day Foundation helps plant more trees in forests and communities
Conservation Garden Park assigns the tree a high irrigation requirement and lists one-half inch of water more than once per week. That is its local profile guidance, not a universal schedule. The same profile says drought tolerance improves with age, so do not assume an established tree and a newly planted one have the same water needs. [Conservation Garden Park]
Prune for health and protect the trunk
Remove dead or damaged branches and prune to maintain a sound shape and good air movement through the canopy. Utah advises avoiding spring pruning of Freeman maple to reduce sap bleeding. Because general deciduous-tree pruning calendars and local conditions can differ, ask an arborist or local extension service about timing for structural work. [Utah State University; Conservation Garden Park]
Rank #4
- This Autumn Blaze Maple Tree will come in a 1 Gallon
- Mature size can reach 40'-50' high x 30'-40' wide
- Light: Full sun
- Hardiness zone: 3 - 8
- Growth rate: Fast
- Keep lawn mowers and other maintenance equipment from striking the trunk.
- In high-exposure locations, consider winter trunk protection for a newly planted tree, as recommended by Conservation Garden Park.
Watch for pests, disease and stress
The University of Minnesota cultivar profile reports no substantial pest or disease problems, though young trees may be affected by leafhoppers or scales. Its broader Freeman maple profile lists verticillium wilt and maple bladder gall as possible issues, and says Freeman maple is less susceptible to chlorosis than either parent species. These are possibilities, not a prediction that a particular tree will develop them. Inspect foliage and branches; seek a local diagnosis if symptoms appear. [University of Minnesota; University of Minnesota Extension]
Quick Recap
Best Value
- For sale is one Autumn Blaze Maple Tree that is approximately 12-18" tall and shipped in a quart pot
- Stunning Fall Foliage: Radiates a brilliant fiery-red color in autumn, living up to its "blaze" namesake
- Fast Growth Rate: Among the fastest-growing trees, providing a mature look in a shorter time span
- Drought Resilient: Once established, this tree can handle periods of dry weather, making it suitable for various climates
- Sturdy Structure: Features a strong, single leader trunk and a well-branched canopy, minimizing the risk of storm damage
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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