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Red Sunset Maple Tree
Red Sunset Maple Tree
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Acer rubrum 'Franksred'
Red Sunset Maple
The Red Sunset Maple is a top-performing red maple cultivar known for its fiery scarlet-orange fall color, strong structure, and rapid growth. This bare root variety is a landscape favorite for homeowners and city planners alike, offering reliable shade, brilliant seasonal color, and exceptional adaptability across a wide range of climates.
With its dense, upright branching, symmetrical form, and early fall display, the Red Sunset Maple is ideal for front yards, streetscapes, or parks where bold fall beauty meets everyday function.
Red Sunset Maple (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Bare Root |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Red Sunset Maple, Red Maple |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 40–50 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 30–40 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (2–3 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 60–100+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 4–8 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Moist, well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.0–6.5) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Glossy green in summer; vivid red to orange in fall |
| 🌸 Flower/Berry Production | Small red spring flowers; minimal seed production |
| 🐝 Wildlife Attraction | Pollinators, songbirds, beneficial insects |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, oval to rounded crown |
| 🌸 Self-Pollinating? | Yes |
| ↔️ Spacing | 25–40 ft depending on use and placement |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Shade tree, front yards, streetscapes, parks |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🍁 Produces intense fall color earlier than most red maples
🌞 Provides dense, cooling shade to lower surrounding temperatures
🌍 Supports urban reforestation and air quality improvement
🐦 Attracts pollinators and birds with seasonal habitat value
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🍂 Early and brilliant scarlet-orange fall color | 💧 Requires consistent moisture when young |
| 🌳 Fast-growing with strong structure | 🧪 Best color in slightly acidic, well-drained soil |
| 🏡 Excellent for street and residential use | 🌬️ May require staking in high-wind areas as it establishes |
| 🐝 Pollinator-friendly with spring flowers | 🍁 Seasonal leaf drop requires cleanup in manicured spaces |
| 🌞 Tolerates heat, cold, and a range of soils | 🪵 Surface roots may develop in compacted soils over time |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
🛁 Soak roots for 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread; plant with crown level to soil
🌾 Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to maintain moisture and suppress weeds
💦 Water weekly during the first year; adjust based on rainfall and soil
✂️ Prune in late winter to shape and encourage strong branching
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with a balanced tree formula if needed
The Red Sunset Maple (Bare Root) is the go-to choice for bold fall color, fast shade, and tough performance in nearly any climate. Whether you’re lining a street, anchoring a yard, or adding autumn brilliance to your landscape, this red maple cultivar is as reliable as it is radiant.
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