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Plant an Autumn Blaze maple in a sunny, open spot with room for a mature tree roughly 40–50 feet tall and 30–40 feet wide. Set it with the root flare visible at or just above the soil surface, water it consistently while it establishes, and keep mulch away from the trunk. Before buying, check that the site’s soil, drainage, and climate suit this cultivar; advice about heavy or alkaline soils varies by region.
What to expect from an Autumn Blaze maple
Autumn Blaze® is the named Freeman maple cultivar Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’, a hybrid of red maple and silver maple. Oregon State University lists ‘Jeffsred’ as a synonym. Check the botanical name on the nursery label: a listing for a red maple or a Freeman maple does not by itself establish that the tree is Autumn Blaze. Utah State University Extension, Oregon State University, and North Carolina State Extension describe the cultivar or hybrid.
It is a fast-growing shade tree selected for orange-red to red autumn foliage. Plan for substantial mature dimensions: Utah State gives 40–50 feet in height and 30–40 feet in width; Oregon State gives approximately 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Actual size depends on site conditions. North Carolina State gives broader, species-level Freeman maple dimensions of 45–70 feet tall and 35–50 feet wide, so allow extra room where nearby buildings, paving, utility lines, or other tree crowns could constrain growth.
Utah State lists USDA hardiness zones 3–8, and Oregon State describes the cultivar as hardy to zone 3. These are broad horticultural references, not guarantees for every yard. Local climate and site conditions still matter.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Decide whether your yard is a good fit
Allow for a broad, sunny canopy
Choose an open location where the eventual crown can spread without being crowded by buildings, paving, overhead lines, or neighboring trees. Oregon State lists full sun for the cultivar. Confirm mature-space needs before digging, and check local utility-location requirements before any excavation.
Check drainage, soil, and regional performance
Soil recommendations are not uniform. Utah State says Autumn Blaze is not suitable for clay or heavy soils and notes iron chlorosis in many intermountain soils. North Carolina State’s profile for Freeman maple as a species says it prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil but tolerates heavy clay and occasional wetness. South Dakota State reports relative tolerance of alkaline soils, while cautioning that hardiness can be an issue in parts of North Dakota and the Prairie Provinces.
Rank #2
- You are buying two Autumn Blaze Maple Trees 10-22" tall in quart pots
- Hardy in zones 3-8
Those differences make local conditions important: consider drainage, soil pH, climate, and local experience with this cultivar rather than assuming it will thrive in every soil. If you are uncertain about your yard’s conditions, ask a local extension office or knowledgeable nursery for region-specific guidance.
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Look for Autumn Blaze® or Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ on the label. Ask the nursery whether the tree is container-grown or balled and burlapped, what root preparation it needs, and how the cultivar performs locally. Follow the nursery’s instructions for the specific stock you buy.
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
How to plant an Autumn Blaze maple
The steps below are general tree-planting guidance, not a claim of a cultivar-specific homeowner trial. The tree’s actual root form and local conditions may call for adjustments.
- Choose and prepare the site. Confirm that the sunny location has enough room for the mature crown and suitable drainage for your region. Check local utility-location requirements before digging.
- Locate the root flare. Find the widening at the base of the trunk where the structural roots begin. Keep it visible at or just above finished grade. University of Minnesota Extension advises against a deep, narrow hole: make the hole two to three times the root ball’s width and no deeper than the root ball’s height. See its tree-planting guidance.
- Prepare the roots for the stock type. For a container-grown tree, look for circling roots and gently loosen or cut them to interrupt the circular pattern. For balled-and-burlapped stock, expose the root flare and remove tie material and upper basket material as directed by extension guidance and the nursery. Do not leave wrapping or ties around the trunk.
- Set the tree and backfill. Center it in the hole at the correct depth and keep it upright. Backfill with the original site soil rather than creating a sharply different pocket of potting mix. Water slowly to settle soil around the roots and reduce air pockets.
- Water after planting. Water the root ball and surrounding soil thoroughly. Then adjust the ongoing schedule to rainfall, drainage, heat, wind, and soil moisture; the establishment schedule is covered below.
- Mulch the root zone. Apply a broad ring of organic mulch about 2–3 inches deep, as University of Minnesota Extension recommends, and leave the trunk and root flare clear. Do not pile mulch against the bark or make a “mulch volcano.”
- Protect and monitor the tree. Watch for wilting, leaf drop, dry soil, and trunk damage from mowers or string trimmers. Adjust watering to conditions, and seek local extension advice if symptoms persist or the site presents unusual challenges.
Watering during establishment
Newly planted trees need regular water as roots spread, even though established Freeman maples can tolerate some drought. University of Minnesota Extension’s guidance for Minnesota recommends watering daily for the first 1–2 weeks, every 2–3 days during weeks 3–12, and weekly after that until the tree is established. It suggests 1–1.5 gallons per inch of trunk caliper per watering. These are Minnesota starting points, not fixed prescriptions for every U.S. yard. See the extension’s watering guidance.
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
Use that schedule as a reference, then check soil moisture and local weather. Rainfall, soil drainage, heat, wind, and tree size all affect how often to water. Keep the root ball from drying out, but do not keep the soil saturated. Roots may take multiple seasons to establish; the time varies with tree size and growing conditions.
Ongoing care and problems to watch for
Keep the root zone protected
Maintain a broad mulch ring at about 2–3 inches deep, replenishing it as needed without covering the root flare or touching the trunk. Prevent mower and string-trimmer injuries, which can damage the trunk as the tree grows.
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
Inspect young trees for pests and stress
Utah State characterizes Autumn Blaze as low maintenance but notes possible pest issues on young trees. North Carolina State lists leafhoppers, borers, and scale as possible problems on immature Freeman maples. These are issues to inspect for, not inevitable infestations. Check foliage, branches, and trunk for unusual symptoms, and consult local extension services if you find a persistent problem.
Watch for soil-related chlorosis and regional hardiness limits
Utah State notes that iron chlorosis can occur in many intermountain soils. South Dakota State’s regional guidance cautions about hardiness in parts of the northern Plains despite the tree’s broader hardiness ratings. If foliage or growth concerns arise, consider local soil and climate conditions rather than assuming the cause or treatment is the same everywhere.
Quick Recap
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