Autumn Blaze Maple

Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ Autumn Blaze®

Autumn Blaze Maple is a fast-growing, hybrid maple (a cross between Red Maple and Silver Maple) known for its brilliant red-orange fall color, strong branching, and adaptability. It is cold-hardy (Zone 3-8), drought-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for prairie landscapes, urban settings, and large yards in Southwest Saskatchewan.

This variety combines the strong wood and vibrant fall color of Red Maple with the fast growth and adaptability of Silver Maple.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-8 (thrives in prairie climates)
• Mature Size: 40-50 feet tall, 30-40 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Fast (2-3 feet per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade (best fall color in 6+ hours of sun)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers moist, well-drained loamy soil.
  • Tolerates clay, sandy, and slightly alkaline soils.
  • Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils—needs good drainage.
• Spacing: 30-40 feet apart to allow full canopy development.

Watering

• Young Trees (First 2-3 Years): Water deeply once per week to establish roots.
• Established Trees: Drought-tolerant; water every 2-3 weeks in dry periods.
• Avoid Overwatering: Prefers moderate soil moisture but does not tolerate soggy roots.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Trees:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring if growth is slow.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure in spring.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
  • Maintain a strong central leader and prune lightly to shape.
  • Avoid excessive pruning in summer, as it may stress the tree.

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Common maple diseases, including verticillium wilt and tar spot.

Common Pests:

• Aphids – Can cause sticky honeydew on leaves.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or encourage ladybugs.
• Scale Insects – May appear on branches, causing yellowing leaves.
  • Solution: Use horticultural oil in early spring.

Common Diseases:

• Leaf Scorch – Causes browning of leaf edges in drought.
  • Solution: Water deeply during prolonged dry spells.
• Root Rot (Phytophthora) – Occurs in poorly drained soil.
  • Solution: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Winter Protection

• Highly winter-hardy, but young trees may benefit from mulching around the base.
• Sunscald Prevention: Wrap trunks of young trees in late fall to prevent winter sun damage.
• Rodents & Deer: Use tree guards if browsing is an issue.

Landscape Uses

Excellent shade tree for large yards and parks
Fast-growing and low-maintenance
Brilliant red-orange fall foliage
Drought-tolerant once established
Resistant to most maple diseases

Additional Notes:

• Autumn Blaze Maple is a superior alternative to Silver Maple, with better fall color and stronger wood.
• Lifespan: 50+ years with proper care.
• Works well as a street tree, windbreak, or focal point in landscapes.

Photo courtesy of brighterblooms.com