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Red Maple
(Acer rubrum)
Red Maple is a stunning ornamental and shade tree and an outstanding woodland tree. It can be found growing in diverse habitats; from low wetlands to the moist, deciduous forests of the uplands and into the high mountain regions.
In the fall, Red Maple colors emerge earlier than other trees and their vibrant colors can vary from tree to tree, displaying spectacular colors of scarlet, orange-red, and yellow.
Red Maple is an easy, low maintenance tree when grown in its preferred conditions and it's an excellent choice for recreational play areas, rain gardens and pollinator habitats. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to nectar of the flowers and its seeds are enjoyed by birds.
Like all maples, Red Maple hosts Imperial Moth larvae from April to December. In the late winter and again in early spring, Red Maple serves as a primary food source for gray squirrels.
Although the Red Maple is moderately resistant to damage from deer, they do love its tender buds and sprouts. On the topic of resistance, true Red Maple (cultivars may lack these resistances) cope well with pollution, stressful urban conditions, summer heat, compacted soils and, in woodland environments, the juglone of nearby Black Walnut trees.
Red Maple are beautiful trees for large urban landscapes and streetscapes, however, if carbon sequestering is a goal, be sure to factor-in the carbon release contributions of planting and ongoing maintenance efforts as it may take 10 years to reach a net zero impact.
Commercially, Red Maple wood is used in the manufacture of furniture, cabinetry, wood wares and pulpwood. Additionally, the sap contains sugar that can be concentrated into a syrup and used as a sweetener on many foods.
***TOXIC TO HORSES ***
Do not plant near paddocks or pastures. The twigs, branches, and particularly the fallen, dried, wilted leaves of Red Maple are toxic to horses. The toxic affects range and include red blood cell damage, anemia, dark urine, laminitis, and miscarriage.
For information regarding common diseases and pests of Red Maple trees visit Clemson Cooperative Extension's Home and Garden Information Center.
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Conditions
Light:
- Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soils:
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- High Organic Matter
- Moist-Wet with Good Drainage.
- Soil pH of 4.5-6.5; Slightly Acidic
- Manganese chlorosis can occur in alkaline soils.
Tolerance:
- Occasional dry
- Occasional moderate drought
- Occasional wet
- Temporary flooding
Growth
Expect a Red Maple to grow at a moderate-fast pace in an elliptical form with ascending branches, a single upwardly straight trunk and dense mat of surface roots.
When planning and planting, due to these surface roots, Red Maple impedes other grasses and plants growing within its shade and may eventually cause heaving to sidewalks or patios when planted too close.
Mature Red Maple sizes will vary significantly. In urban settings, expect 40’ tall to 60’ tall with a spread of 25' to 35’ and a trunk diameter of 1.5' to 2.0’ or greater. In moist to wet forest environments Red Maples can grow to 90' -120'.
Red Maples are expected to live for 60 to 100 years. In ideal forest locations and optimal climate conditions, they can survive for 150 years.
Production Note:
Red Maple is polygamo-dioecious, meaning they are primarily dioecious and may likely need a counterpart tree, but, in some cases, it can also display a mix of male, female, or bisexual flowers on the same tree.
Manufacturer's Specs
Carbon Storage Characteristics:
(Low)
- Moderate to Fast Growth
- Short to Medium Lifespan
- Medium Wood Density
Carbon Storage Estimate for
Lifetime/Mature Tree:
- CO₂e = 0.8 to .9 tons
Pollution/Dust Interception:
- High
Tropospheric Ozone Tolerance:
- Moderate
Flood/Stormwater Abatement:
- Moderate to High
Oxygen Yield:
- Low