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Red Maple Tree

Acer rubrum

  • Native Red Maple Trees Deliver Vibrant Crimson Fall Color Coast to Coast
  • Thrives in Zones 4-9
  • Grows 40-60 ft Tall and Wide
  • Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
  • Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Regular price $9790
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In Stock
Outside your zone (): not guaranteed Why

Rated for zones 4 to 9. Great in a pot brought indoors for winter, or as an annual.

Houseplant: grows indoors in any zone
Will it grow in your garden?

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Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils, Heat Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Fast-growing, Flowering, Disease resistant, Self-pollinating
Hardiness Zone 2a to 9b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 40-60 ft
Width 40-60 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate Fast
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Red
Native Yes
Native To Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin
+31 moreshow less
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Maple
Botanical Name Acer rubrum
Species rubrum
Class Magnoliopsida, Sapindales
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
J
James
Nice red maple

Healthy when I received.

A healthy tree right out of the box is exactly how it should arrive. Red Maples are tough and rewarding once established, and giving it a good deep watering in those first few weeks will help it settle in well. Thanks for sharing, James.

R
Robert
We are in extreme S.E.

We are in extreme S.E. Ga and our tree is doing great we hope the leaves will turn red now that the weather is cooling down,the keaves are still green when do they turn red in our region?

Hello Robert,

Thank you so much for sharing an update on your tree! We’re delighted to hear that it’s doing great in extreme southeast Georgia. Regarding the leaf color change, since your area tends to have milder temperature fluctuations, red hues often develop gradually as cooler nights arrive in late October to early November. Keep in mind that factors like sunlight, soil conditions, and tree species can also influence the timing and intensity of fall colors.

To encourage vibrant reds, make sure your tree receives adequate sunlight—especially morning sun—and consider a balanced fertilizer to support its overall health. If you’d like, we can recommend specific nutrients ideal for your variety. You can also check our Fall Color guide on NatureHills.com for additional tips tailored to your growing zone.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions—we’re happy to help keep your tree thriving and full of seasonal beauty!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

R
Robert
We are in extreme S.E.

We are in extreme S.E. Ga and our tree is doing great we hope the leaves will turn red now that the weather is cooling down,the keaves are still green when do they turn red in our region?

Hello Robert,

Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful update on your tree’s progress! We’re thrilled to hear it’s doing great in extreme southeast Georgia. Regarding your question about when the leaves will turn red, in your region, many deciduous trees typically display their vibrant fall colors between late October and early November, depending on cooler night temperatures and less daylight. Since the leaves are still green, you can expect the reds to appear soon as the weather continues to cool.

To encourage the best fall coloration, make sure your tree is well-watered (but not overwatered) and healthy, as stress can impact leaf color intensity. If you’d like, we can also recommend specific fertilizers or mulching tips tailored to your tree type to support robust color changes.

Glad to be part of your gardening journey — please feel free to reach out anytime with updates or questions!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

G
Guest
Red Maple Tree

Tree arrived sooner than expected which was a pleasant surprise. Tree is doing well.

Hi,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with us! We’re delighted to hear your Red Maple tree arrived earlier than expected — that’s always a wonderful bonus. It’s even better to know the tree is thriving; we’re confident it will continue to flourish and bring vibrant color to your landscape.

If you ever have any questions about care tips or want to explore complementary plants to enhance your garden, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

R
Rodolfo
Red Maple Tree

Tree arrived sooner than expected which was a pleasant surprise. Tree is doing well.

Hi,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Red Maple tree! We’re delighted to hear it arrived sooner than expected and that it’s doing well in your garden. Timely delivery and healthy plants are top priorities for us, so your feedback truly means a lot.

If you ever have questions about care routines or want tips on how to help your Red Maple thrive through different seasons, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your trees flourish!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

G
Guest
Beautiful little tree

Our red maple arrived promptly and in good shape. Because of lots of rain and delays in landscape work, we were delayed in planting it. It had already leafed out before I could get it in the ground, but it has been planted now for approximately three weeks. It has grown about 9 inches already and is covered with bright green leaves.

Hi,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your new red maple! We’re delighted to hear it arrived promptly and in great condition. It’s wonderful to know that despite the unexpected delays, your maple is thriving and already sprouting bright green leaves—that impressive 9-inch growth is definitely something to celebrate!

If you’ve noticed the tree leafed out before planting, just be sure to keep it well watered throughout those first critical weeks as it establishes its roots. Adding mulch around the base can help retain moisture and protect the roots as well. If you ever need tips on feeding or protecting your maple from pests during the growing season, we’re always here to help.

Thanks again for choosing NatureHills, and may your red maple continue to flourish beautifully for years to come!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

L
Lynn
Beautiful little tree

Our red maple arrived promptly and in good shape. Because of lots of rain and delays in landscape work, we were delayed in planting it. It had already leafed out before I could get it in the ground, but it has been planted now for approximately three weeks. It has grown about 9 inches already and is covered with bright green leaves.

Dear Lynn,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your red maple! We’re delighted to hear that it arrived promptly and in great condition. It’s fantastic that despite the rain and delay in planting, your maple has already shown such impressive growth and vibrant leaves. That bright green canopy is a sure sign it’s settling in nicely!

If you haven’t done so already, keeping the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) will really help support its continued growth, especially in these early weeks after planting. Should you need any tips on fertilizing schedules or pest prevention as your tree matures, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help you nurture your beautiful little tree every step of the way.

Thanks again for choosing us and for your thoughtful review. May your garden continue to flourish beautifully!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

G
Guest
Red Maples

I have purchased about 15 red maple trees from Nature Hills. I have planted them on both sides of our long driveway. They are all healthy and have leafed out, and are replacements for the same number of ash trees, now threatened by the emerald ash borer. The red maples are doing fine, and I look forward to their beautiful red color in the fall.

Hi,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the red maples you purchased from us! We’re delighted to hear that all 15 of your trees are healthy and thriving along both sides of your driveway. It’s great to know they have taken the place of the ash trees that were affected by the emerald ash borer—a smart choice for both beauty and resilience.

As you look forward to that gorgeous red autumn color, be sure to provide your maples with consistent watering during dry spells and mulch around the base to help retain moisture and protect roots. If you need any tips on seasonal care or want to ensure they keep flourishing for years to come, we’re always here to assist.

Thank you again for choosing NatureHills.com to enhance your landscape. We’re honored to be part of your garden’s ongoing journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

E
Elizabeth
Red Maples

I have purchased about 15 red maple trees from Nature Hills. I have planted them on both sides of our long driveway. They are all healthy and have leafed out, and are replacements for the same number of ash trees, now threatened by the emerald ash borer. The red maples are doing fine, and I look forward to their beautiful red color in the fall.

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your red maple trees! We’re thrilled to hear that all 15 are healthy and thriving along your driveway—what a lovely way to create a vibrant, natural border. It’s such an important and thoughtful decision to replace ash trees threatened by the emerald ash borer, and we’re glad the red maples are rising to the occasion with great success.

As those gorgeous red fall colors begin to appear, rest assured that proper watering and mulching will continue to keep your trees strong and vibrant. If you ever have questions about pruning or managing your maples through seasonal changes, feel free to visit our blog or reach out—we’re always happy to help.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
J.J.
great tree with great color

I have a very large yard and have two red maples in my front yard. Each year the color can be differant. The first year, the color was dark red, which I really liked. The next year, it was a shocking red orange--really neat too, but I preferred the dark red the year prior. This year our fall has been very cold and rainy and the trees are a really pretty dark orange with hints of yellow. I guess the weather conditions can hinder the color. However, I also have planted a deborah maple, and 9 autumn blazes as well. The growth of the red maple is definitely more even and symmetrical than the autumn blaze. It is my favorite tree is my yard. However, I think I need a sugar maple because the color of that tree is a shocking yellow/orange which I love.

Hello J.J.,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful experience with your beautiful red maples! We’re delighted to hear they bring such vibrant colors and charm to your large yard each year. You’re absolutely right—fall coloration can vary depending on the weather conditions like temperature and rainfall, which affect pigment production and can result in wonderfully different autumn displays.

It’s fantastic that you’ve also planted Deborah maples and Autumn Blazes to diversify your yard’s foliage. Your observation about the more even and symmetrical growth of the red maple compared to the Autumn Blaze is spot on; red maples often develop a balanced canopy that many find very appealing.

Given your love of warm fall tones, adding a sugar maple sounds like an excellent idea! Sugar maples are known for their brilliant yellow to orange hues that can really elevate your autumn color palette. If you decide to plant one, be sure to give it enough room to grow, as they can become sizable trees with mature, strong canopies.

For optimizing color intensity throughout the years, maintaining good overall tree health is key. Regular watering, especially in dry spells, and adding mulch around the base can encourage deep roots and consistent growth. Avoid excessive fertilization in late summer or fall so the natural colors develop properly before leaf drop.

If you want, we’d be happy to provide additional guidance on choosing the right sugar maple cultivar or even help with care tips that suit your climate and soil conditions.

Thank you again for your wonderful review—your yard sounds like a true autumn showcase!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

L
Linda
Amazing Trees

I purchased six red maples several months ago and could not be more pleased with them. They look like sticks when they arrive but in just a short time you will see branches growing with leaves already opening up. They will be beautiful in my yard. I previously purchased Cleveland Pears and they are doing very well. You will not be disappointed for investing in these trees.

Dear Linda,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Red Maple trees! We’re delighted to hear how beautifully they’re establishing in your yard—even if they do arrive looking a little bare. It’s truly amazing to watch those first leaves and branches appear as the tree settles, and you clearly have a green thumb nurturing their growth. It’s great to know your Cleveland Pears are thriving as well—a testament to your care and the quality trees you’ve chosen from us.

If you ever want tips on caring for your maples as they mature, such as seasonal pruning or optimal watering schedules, we’d be happy to provide guidance to keep them healthy and vibrant. Also, consider mulching around the base to retain moisture and protect roots during seasonal changes—it really helps with long-term growth.

Thank you again for your kind words and support. We’re rooting for every one of your garden dreams to grow tall!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

L
Linda
Amazing Trees

I purchased six red maples several months ago and could not be more pleased with them. They look like sticks when they arrive but in just a short time you will see branches growing with leaves already opening up. They will be beautiful in my yard. I previously purchased Cleveland Pears and they are doing very well. You will not be disappointed for investing in these trees.

Dear Linda C.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your six red maples—and for your continued trust in Nature Hills with your Cleveland Pears as well! We’re delighted to hear how quickly your red maples have started thriving, especially the way their branches and leaves are emerging out of what at first looks like bare sticks. It’s truly rewarding to see them transforming your yard into a beautiful, vibrant space.

As your maples continue to grow, be sure to water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering to encourage strong roots. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and provide nutrients as the trees grow. You might also enjoy watching how red maples change their leaf colors through the seasons—it’s one of their signature delights!

Please never hesitate to reach out if you’d like tips on seasonal care or have any questions at all. Your thriving garden is our greatest joy.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

R
Roger
Very impressive.

Received my order in five days. It was a single stick with bare root just as described when I ordered them. I planted them the next day following the directions provided, in less than one week I had several six inch branches and leaves the size of my hand. I am very impressed and I cannot wait to see what it will be in a few years. So do not be discouraged when you receive the product.

Hi Roger,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Red Maple Tree! We're delighted to hear that it arrived as described and that your attentive planting has already resulted in such vigorous growth. It’s always encouraging to know our care instructions are making a positive difference and helping our customers achieve healthy, thriving plants.

As your Red Maple continues to grow, you might want to consider occasional deep watering during dry spells and applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support further branch and leaf development. Also, keep an eye on its exposure to sunlight—a spot with partial to full sun is ideal for vibrant foliage.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as your tree matures; we’re here to help every step of the way.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

R
Roger
Very impressive.

Received my order in five days. It was a single stick with bare root just as described when I ordered them. I planted them the next day following the directions provided, in less than one week I had several six inch branches and leaves the size of my hand. I am very impressed and I cannot wait to see what it will be in a few years. So do not be discouraged when you receive the product.

Hi Roger,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Red Maple Tree! We're thrilled to hear that it arrived promptly and started thriving so quickly after planting. It’s great that you followed the directions closely—those early signs of growth are always so rewarding. As your tree continues to mature, consider occasional deep watering and mulching to retain moisture and protect the roots, which will help your maple flourish even more beautifully over the years. Please feel free to reach out if you ever want tips on pruning or fertilizing as it grows.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

P
Paul
Outstanding Choice

I had my red maple for 7 years. It's almost 30' tall.. A well behaved low maintenance tree with many outstanding features. Minimal ground roots, Flaming red, orange and yellow leaves in fall. Reddish twigs in winter, red flowers in spring. The upright branching habit provides good ground clearance. Place your picnic table underneath its cool refreshing shade in summer. Stands up to storms.

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Red Maple Tree! It’s truly inspiring to hear how your tree has thrived over the past 7 years, growing nearly 30 feet tall and offering such dynamic seasonal beauty from fiery fall colors to refreshing summer shade. Your detailed description perfectly highlights why the Red Maple is such a versatile and low-maintenance choice.

We’re especially glad to know it’s stood strong through storms and that its minimal root spread allows for landscaping flexibility—really reassuring insights for other plant lovers. If you ever want to keep your maple at its best, a light annual pruning to maintain that lovely upright habit can boost both health and aesthetics. Also, mulching around the base helps retain moisture while keeping roots cool, particularly during harsh summers.

Thank you again for your thoughtful review. It’s stories like yours that bring enthusiasm to our team and help fellow gardeners make confident decisions.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

P
Paul
Outstanding Choice

I had my red maple for 7 years. It's almost 30' tall.. A well behaved low maintenance tree with many outstanding features. Minimal ground roots, Flaming red, orange and yellow leaves in fall. Reddish twigs in winter, red flowers in spring. The upright branching habit provides good ground clearance. Place your picnic table underneath its cool refreshing shade in summer. Stands up to storms.

Hello Paul,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Red Maple tree! We’re absolutely delighted to hear how beautifully it has thrived over the past seven years and how its vibrant seasonal changes have enhanced your outdoor space. Your detailed description—highlighting everything from the minimal root interference to the stunning fall colors and resilient branching—paints a perfect picture of why this tree is such a cherished choice.

It’s great to know it offers not only breathtaking beauty but also practical benefits like providing a cool shaded spot for picnics and sturdy wood structure during storms. Your care and attention have clearly given you a robust, low-maintenance tree ideal for any landscape. If you ever need tips on pruning techniques to maintain that upright branching habit or advice on mulching to keep roots healthy, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks again for giving future gardeners insight into the rewarding Red Maple experience!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

K
Kcq
Fast

I remember when I first purchased the tree, it came (dormant) with no leaves and had thin branches. It hasn't been a year yet and it's grown 6+" in height and has big leaves all over it and we live in a 9 zone! I can't wait to see what it looks like in a few years :)

Dear Kcq,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful update about your Red Maple Tree! We’re delighted to hear how well it’s thriving, especially given your Zone 9 location. It’s impressive that it’s already grown over 6 inches with lush foliage—that certainly speaks to your care and the tree’s adaptability.

As your maple continues to grow, remember that regular watering and occasional mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep roots healthy. Since Red Maples prefer slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil, you might also consider using a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage vibrant growth.

We’re just as excited as you are to see its full, glorious canopy develop in the coming years. If you ever have questions or need planting tips, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

K
KCQ
Fast

I remember when I first purchased the tree, it came (dormant) with no leaves and had thin branches. It hasn't been a year yet and it's grown 6+" in height and has big leaves all over it and we live in a 9 zone! I can't wait to see what it looks like in a few years :)

Dear KCQ,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear your Red Maple Tree is thriving and putting on such impressive growth, especially in zone 9—that’s fantastic progress for under a year. Dormant trees can sometimes feel uncertain at first, so it's so rewarding to know yours has filled out with big leaves and sturdy branches. With a little time and care, it’s bound to become a stunning focal point in your landscape.

To keep your Red Maple flourishing, consider providing consistent watering during dry spells and adding mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Pruning in late winter can also help maintain a healthy structure as it grows. If you ever want more details on Red Maple care or tips tailored to your region, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Thank you again for choosing NatureHills.com and for taking such wonderful care of your tree. We’re excited to watch it mature along with your garden journey.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

R
Red
Fast growing

I bought my first bareroot tree 11 years ago for my front yard. I still find it hard to believe that that little, scrawny plant is a very nice looking tree already. I really like the branch intervals, very nicely shaped.

Dear Red I.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Red Maple Tree! It’s truly heartwarming to hear how a small bare root tree you planted 11 years ago has grown into such a beautiful and well-shaped part of your front yard. The way you appreciate the branch intervals shows your keen eye for healthy tree structure—your Red Maple must be a real standout!

If you ever need tips on continued care or seasonal pruning to keep it thriving, we’d be happy to assist. Making sure your tree is well-watered during dry spells and mulched to retain moisture can promote strong growth for many years to come.

We’re grateful to be part of your planting journey and hope your Red Maple continues to bring beauty and shade to your home for many more decades.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

R
Red
Fast growing

I bought my first bareroot tree 11 years ago for my front yard. I still find it hard to believe that that little, scrawny plant is a very nice looking tree already. I really like the branch intervals, very nicely shaped.

Dear Red Eye in IA,

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt experience with your Red Maple Tree! It’s truly wonderful to hear about how much it has flourished over the past 11 years—and there’s something special about watching a plant grow from such humble beginnings into a beautifully formed tree. Your appreciation of its branch intervals and shape shows you have a keen eye for tree aesthetics, which makes the story even sweeter.

If you’d like tips on continuing its care or perhaps want guidance on amplifying its vibrant fall color, we’d be happy to help with pruning suggestions or soil nutrient advice. Proper maintenance encourages healthy growth and keeps your red maple looking terrific for many years ahead.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a red maple tree get?

  • Red maple trees typically reach 40-60 feet tall with a 25-40 foot spread at maturity. These fast-growing natives develop their full size relatively quickly compared to other shade trees. Plan for adequate space when planting, as they'll provide substantial shade coverage within 10-15 years.

How fast do red sunset maple trees grow?

  • Red Maple trees are fast-growing shade trees that establish quickly in your landscape. They thrive across a wide range of zones from cold Minnesota winters to subtropical Florida. You won't wait long for shade coverage, making them excellent choices available at naturehills.com.

Are red maples fast growing?

  • Yes, red maples are fast-growing trees that quickly provide the shade you're looking for. These reliable natives grow rapidly across USDA zones 2-9, from Minnesota to Florida. You won't wait long to enjoy substantial shade from your red maple.

What hardiness zones can Red Maple trees survive in?

  • Red Maple trees are hardy across USDA zones 3-9, thriving from cold Minnesota winters to subtropical Florida conditions. This native species adapts well to diverse climates throughout most of the United States. Choose Red Maple for reliable performance in almost any location.

How long does it typically take for a Red Maple to be delivered?

  • Red Maple delivery times vary by location and season, but most orders ship within 7-10 business days. Since these fast-growing native trees establish quickly across zones 3-9, spring and fall are ideal planting windows. Check current availability and shipping estimates when you shop at Nature Hills.

What are the best companion plants to grow near a Red Maple tree?

  • Red Maples have well-behaved roots and wide branches that create ideal conditions for shade-loving companion plants. Hostas, ferns, and native wildflowers thrive beneath their canopy across all hardiness zones. Plant companions at least 3-4 feet from the trunk to allow proper air circulation.

What common diseases or pests should I watch for with Red Maple trees?

  • Red Maples are generally hardy and pest-resistant across zones 3-9, but watch for aphids, scale insects, and occasional fungal issues like tar spot or verticillium wilt. Good air circulation and avoiding overwatering help prevent most problems. Monitor new growth in spring and treat any issues early.

Do Red Maple trees require any special fertilization or ongoing care?

  • Red Maples are remarkably low-maintenance trees that don't require special fertilization. These hardy natives adapt well across zones and grow quickly on their own. Simply provide regular water during establishment and occasional pruning to maintain their naturally even branch structure.