Acer rubrum ‘Brandywine’
SIZE: approximately 35’ tall by 20’wide
HARDINESS: zones 4 to 8
LIGHT: full sun, tolerates some shade
SHAPE: oval, dense canopy
RATE: moderate to fast
FLOWERS: very small, abundant, red flowers bloom in spring before leaves appear
OTHER FEATURES:
Seedless
Brilliant red fall color turns to deep purple-red.
Resistant to leaf-hopper insect pests
Red maple is native to the eastern United States and Canada, west to Michigan and Texas.
Consider the Benefits of Planting Natives!
POSSIBLE LANDSCAPE USES:
Non-messy shade tree near patio or deck
Visual screen and sound barrier
Relatively small shade tree for small spaces or combined with larger trees in large spaces
See Tips for Designing your home landscape.
PRUNING:
Do not prune or fertilize after July; this promotes late-season growth that is vulnerable to winter damage.
Learn about Basic Pruning Principles.
COMPANION PLANTS:
For very large spaces, create a stunning fall display by adding the golden fall color of American beech. Include eastern white pine for winter foliage. For smaller spaces, use common serviceberry to achieve orange fall color.
In nearby beds, you can use ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum for dusty pink fall flowers, dwarf fothergilla for reddish-orange fall color, or prairie dropseed (an ornamental grass) for orange fall color. Prairie dropseed will also add diversity in plant texture.
Avoid planting other plants too closely to red maple because the dense canopy will reduce the amount of light and rain that reaches the ground. Furthermore, the tree’s shallow roots will likely use any moisture available under the tree. This will interfere with the healthy growth of nearby plants.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Avoid planting next to sidewalks. Roots are shallow and may ruin sidewalks.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a healthy root system.