Red Sunset Maple Tree

The Red Sunset Maple tree is a fast growing tree that gets up to 40-60 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide. With symmetrical branching and strong structure, this Maple tree a real winner! They are very easy to grow and require no maintenance.

Do you have a open area in your front yard or back yard? Add a Red Sunset Maple. This fast growing tree will provide shade within a few years. Up to 2 feet growth per year!

Red Sunset Maple Trees have a nice pyramidal form and over time they start to round on the top. The leaves turn orange-red in the fall and make this maple one of the best trees for fall color. The Red Sunset Maple is one of the first trees to start turning color. In the summer, the leaves are shiny green.

Red Sunset Maples prefer full sun especially in cooler zones. However, these Maples do well in part shade in warmer zones. When planting, remember to stake your new maple tree to get it growing straight!

When planting your Red Sunset Maple tree be sure you have the right location and conditions for your new tree to thrive. Spring and Fall are ideal times to plant. However, if you avoid freezing and hot temperatures you can plant your Maple almost any time of the year.

These trees tolerate full sun to part shade and prefer soil that is well-drained, slightly acidic, and nutrient rich. However, Maples will adapt to a variety of soils. If you have alkaline soil, you can amend your soil. To acidify your soil, amend with compost, elemental sulfur, or use fertilizers specific for acid loving plants. Mulching with pine straw or pine bark will help over time as they begin to break down, but are not an immediate solution for increasing acidity. Mulching will also aid in keeping the roots cool and moist. Add a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as this increases the chances of pests and disease. Maples should be watered often enough to keep the soil moist. Red Sunset Maples tolerate wet conditions including standing water. Fertilize in early spring and when planting to give your tree a boost. Choose a slow release fertilizer. When planting take care not to burn the roots by mixing the fertilizer into the soil before placing your tree in the hole. Maple trees don't generally require pruning, but, if needed, prune when they are dormant to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches, or to maintain shape. Maples are salt intolerant so keep them away from road sides in cooler climates and beach areas as well as any area known for soils with high salinity.

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. Scale and Aphids are insects that can affect Maples. You can treat these pests naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections you can use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Occasionally fungal issues can arise. Generally, treating after infection isn't extremely effective, so if you have problems yearly treat in early spring with fungicides to prevent infection. Neem Oil is an organic method of treating some fungal diseases and pests. It can be effective, but the entire tree must be coated in order for this method to be effective.

Planting Directions

Step 1:

Unpack all of your plants right away! Look for the perfect location. Make sure you are planting in the correct light conditions.

Step 2:

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. Position your plant in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the original grade of the bed. Also check to make sure it is straight from all sides.

Step 3:

Fill up hole with water before placing new plant in hole in order to saturate the surrounding soil. Once the water is absorbed place your plant in the hole and water thoroughly.

Step 4:

Mix the potting soil and the soil removed from the hole. Start by backfilling soil around the root ball. Carefully pack in the soil to remove any air pockets. Water plant thoroughly again until the soil will not hold any more water. This will ensure that your new plant will be a success.

Step 5:

Fertilize around your plant with the amount recommended on the package. Our special Fertilizer contains all of the nutrients to keep your plants growing and healthy. Repeat every 3 months.

Step 6:

Finish up by mulching around your new plant. Apply 2 - 3 inches of mulch around the plant and plant bed. Mulch will help keep the soil moist and keep weeds out.

Step 7:

Keep watered with a hose every 2-3 days for 2 weeks. This is critical for plant survival. In the third week, begin to water as needed depending on the weather. Always check by placing your finger under the mulch to see if the soil is moist.

The Red Sunset Maple tree is a great tree for your yard. With a mature width of up to 35 feet and height around 50, this is a good sized shade tree. Be sure to give it plenty of room to thrive. Plant 1, 2, or 3 in your front or backyard as individual specimen trees or plant a row to line your backyard or a long driveway. Space your maple hedge so that each tree has at least 12 feet to the next tree. You will enjoy shade within a few years with this fast growing tree.