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Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree

$15995 $23995
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Risk-Free 1 Year Warranty
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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree

Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree Planting Guide

The Autumn Blaze® Red Maple (Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’) is a fast-growing hybrid known for its brilliant fall color, combining the best qualities of the Red Maple and Silver Maple. It offers beautiful red-orange foliage in the fall, making it a stunning addition to any landscape. This hardy tree thrives in a variety of conditions and requires minimal care. Here's how to plant and care for your Autumn Blaze® Red Maple tree:

1. Planting Instructions

  • Location: Choose a spot that receives full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) for the best fall color and vigorous growth. Autumn Blaze® Maples are adaptable to a variety of soil types and climates, performing well in USDA zones 3-8. However, they prefer slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soils.
  • Soil Preparation: Although the Autumn Blaze® Maple can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay soils, it does best in well-draining, loamy soil. If your soil is heavy or compacted, loosen it with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage.
  • Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth as the root ball or slightly shallower. This ensures the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) sits slightly above ground level, allowing the tree to establish properly without sinking.
  • Planting: Position the tree in the hole and backfill with native soil mixed with organic compost. Be sure to avoid covering the root flare with soil. Lightly tamp the soil to eliminate air pockets but avoid compacting it too much. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest problems.

2. Care Instructions (Establishment Period)

  • Watering: Water the tree deeply after planting, and continue to water regularly during the first couple of years, especially during hot or dry periods. Autumn Blaze® Maples like consistently moist soil, so aim to water once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains damp but not waterlogged.
  • Fertilizing: After planting, you won’t need to fertilize for the first year if your soil is healthy. In subsequent years, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive, weak growth.
  • Monitoring: Check the tree regularly for any signs of stress, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, especially during dry spells. Ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy.

3. Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  • Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote healthy growth and good air circulation. This tree naturally develops a strong central leader, so heavy pruning is usually not necessary. Always prune lightly to maintain the tree's shape.
  • Pest and Disease Control: The Autumn Blaze® Maple is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, watch for common issues such as aphids, scale, and leaf spot. If you notice pest infestations, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. For fungal issues like leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and ensure good airflow through light pruning.
  • Cold and Heat Tolerance: This tree is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from the cold winters of zone 3 to the warm climates of zone 8. It has good drought resistance once established but benefits from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.

4. Seasonal Tips for Fall and Winter

  • Fall Leaf Display: Enjoy the stunning red-orange foliage of your Autumn Blaze® Maple in the fall. After the leaves drop, rake them up to avoid fungal diseases that can arise from decomposing leaves around the base of the tree.
  • Winter Care: This maple doesn’t require special winter care in most regions. However, in areas with heavy snow or ice, be mindful of potential damage to young trees from snow accumulation or ice storms. Consider staking newly planted trees for added support during their first winter.
What Customers say about the Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree:

The Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree thrives in Zones 4-10

Growing Zones for the Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 4-10
Mature Height 40-55 ft.
Mature Width 30-40 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Acer × freemanii 'Autumn Blaze'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Bright red autumn blaze red maple tree with its fiery red leaves on display in a median of a parking lot

Beware- not all Autumn Blaze® Red Maples are the same.

Be sure to get superior shade trees, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" shade trees to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Autumn Blaze® Red Maples in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall shade trees in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

Vibrant red colors of the autumn blaze red maple tree next to a sidewalk

The Autumn Blaze® Maple is a fast-growing shade tree known for reliable, fiery red-orange fall color.

  • Very fast growth: adds 3-5 ft. per year in good conditions
  • Big shade tree: 40-55 ft. tall with a 30-40 ft. canopy
  • Brilliant red-orange fall color, even in less-than-ideal conditions
  • Hardy and adaptable in zones 4-10, with good pest and disease resistance

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

foliage of the autumn blaze maple tree

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "6-7 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!
Beautiful Country Scene with a vibrant red Autumn Blaze Maple Trees and lush green grass near a white country home.

You Want Autumn Blaze® Red Maples Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship tall but skinny shade trees grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" trees struggle after planting and take much longer to give you real shade.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Autumn Blaze® Red Maples, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means your tree settles in quickly and starts giving you shade and fall color sooner.

Read more about the Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree

Fast-Growing Beauty with Fiery Fall Color

Transform your landscape with the stunning Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree, a fast-growing favorite that lights up your yard with brilliant red-orange foliage each fall. Known for its vibrant color and hardy nature, this tree combines the best traits of its parent species, the red maple and silver maple, offering beauty, resilience, and exceptional growth. Whether you’re looking for quick shade, a dramatic focal point, or an eco-friendly way to enhance your property, the Autumn Blaze® Red Maple delivers in every season.

Why Choose the Autumn Blaze Maple Tree?

  • Brilliant Fall Foliage: Its fiery red-orange leaves steal the show every autumn, creating a breathtaking display that enhances any landscape.
  • Rapid Growth: Growing up to 3–5 feet per year, it quickly fills out your yard with lush foliage and a striking silhouette.
  • Low Maintenance: Naturally pest-resistant, disease-resistant, and drought-tolerant once established, this tree thrives with minimal care.
  • Hardy and Adaptable: From northern winters to southern heat, the Autumn Blaze® thrives across a wide range of climates and soils, making it a reliable choice for almost any location.
  • Eco-Friendly: Provides excellent shade, improves air quality, and supports wildlife while beautifying your property.

Improve Your Yard with the Autumn Blaze® Red Maple

Picture a tree that grows quickly to provide refreshing shade in summer, then transforms into a vivid masterpiece of red and orange hues in fall. The Autumn Blaze® is perfect for lining driveways, creating natural privacy, or serving as a stunning standalone centerpiece. Its strong, upright growth habit and dense canopy make it ideal for large yards or properties where a touch of dramatic beauty is needed.

Imagine hosting fall gatherings under a canopy of radiant red leaves or simply enjoying the view as your tree brightens the season. With the Autumn Blaze®, your yard becomes the envy of the neighborhood.

Planting and Care Tips

  • Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, ensuring vibrant fall color and healthy growth.
  • Soil: Adaptable to most soil types, but prefers well-draining soil for optimal health.
  • Watering: Requires regular watering during its first year to establish strong roots. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant.
  • Spacing: Allow 30–40 feet of space to accommodate its mature size, with a height of up to 50–60 feet and a spread of 40 feet.

Why Homeowners Love Autumn Blaze Maple Trees

  • Grows faster than most shade trees, providing instant impact.
  • Its reliable fall color stands out even in less-than-ideal conditions.
  • Virtually fuss-free once established—just plant it and enjoy!

Order Your Autumn Blaze Maple Today!

With its rapid growth, fiery fall foliage, and easy care, the Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree is a must-have for any yard. Whether you’re creating a bold new landscape or upgrading your current space, this tree delivers beauty and practicality year after year.

Order now and enjoy free shipping—your tree will arrive healthy and ready to plant. Don’t wait to add this stunning favorite to your landscape!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Autumn Blaze® Red Maple Tree

How big does an Autumn Blaze Maple get?

An Autumn Blaze Red Maple typically grows 40 to 55 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide, with a strong, upright, oval canopy. It becomes a large shade tree, so choose an open spot with plenty of room. Allow about 30 to 40 feet of space for its mature spread.

How fast does an Autumn Blaze Maple grow?

Autumn Blaze Maple is a very fast-growing shade tree, adding 3 to 5 feet per year in good conditions. That rapid growth provides shade and landscape impact within just a few years. Full sun, regular watering during the first couple of years, and well-drained soil help it grow at its fastest pace.

What zones does Autumn Blaze Maple grow in?

Autumn Blaze Maple grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 10. As a hybrid of red and silver maples, it combines cold hardiness with heat tolerance and adapts to a wide range of climates and soils, from northern winters to warm southern summers.

What color are Autumn Blaze Maple leaves in fall?

Autumn Blaze Maple turns brilliant red-orange in fall and is known for reliable, fiery color even in less-than-ideal conditions. In summer the foliage is a lush green. Planting it in full sun gives the most vivid autumn display, making it a standout focal point in the landscape.

How far from a house should I plant an Autumn Blaze Maple?

Plant an Autumn Blaze Maple at least 20 feet from your house, and allow about 30 to 40 feet of space for its mature canopy. Keep it away from septic lines, sidewalks, and overhead power lines. Giving it room from the start prevents crowding and avoids heavy pruning later on.

Does an Autumn Blaze Maple need full sun?

Yes, Autumn Blaze Maple needs full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct light each day. Full sun produces the most vigorous growth and the brightest fall color. It is adaptable to sandy or clay soils but performs best in well-draining, loamy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.

How often should I water a new Autumn Blaze Maple?

Water a new Autumn Blaze Maple deeply once or twice a week for the first couple of years, especially in hot or dry weather. Keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. Once established, the tree becomes fairly drought tolerant. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch helps conserve moisture around the roots.

When should I prune an Autumn Blaze Maple?

Prune an Autumn Blaze Maple in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and structure. The tree naturally develops a strong central leader, so heavy pruning is usually unnecessary; light, regular shaping is best.

Should I fertilize an Autumn Blaze Maple?

An Autumn Blaze Maple usually does not need fertilizer in its first year if your soil is healthy. In later years, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive, weak growth on this already fast-growing tree.

Is Autumn Blaze Maple a red maple or a silver maple?

Autumn Blaze is a hybrid of red maple and silver maple, known botanically as Acer x freemanii. It combines the brilliant fall color of red maple with the fast growth and adaptability of silver maple. The result is a vigorous, low-maintenance shade tree with good resistance to pests and diseases.
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