Armstrong Maple Tree

Name: Armstrong Maple Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 16403
Price: 97.55 USD
Availability: InStock

Acer × freemanii 'Armstrong'

Nature Hills Nursery

$97⁵⁵

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container 3-4 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This tree performs best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, you will see the most brilliant orange and red fall colors if it gets maximum sun exposure.
Soil: It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a slight mound to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.

Watering Requirements

For the first two years, water your Armstrong Maple deeply twice a week to help the root system get established. Once mature, this variety is moderately drought-tolerant, but inconsistent watering during summer heat can lead to leaf scorch or smaller leaf size. Think of deep watering as an insurance policy for that vibrant fall display.

Pruning Tips

Since this tree blooms on old wood, the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the sap starts flowing. Focus on removing rubbing branches or maintaining its narrow, columnar shape by "heading back" any wayward limbs. Regular pruning ensures the canopy stays tight and structural integrity remains strong against wind and snow.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This prevents winter dieback and keeps the tree's energy focused on root health during the dormant season.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

It may not be a famous jazz musician or a world-renowned space traveler, but the Armstrong Maple Tree (Acer x freemanii 'Armstrong') is certainly a winner as far as trees go!

Like most Maple trees, Armstrong starts spring off by budding large and luscious green leaves that stick around all through summer. Once the temperature cools off, those same leaves turn the brilliant red that's become a staple of Maple trees.

However, unlike other trees, Armstrong Maple has branches that grow upwards at an impressive angle. This gives the tree a unique look and makes it the perfect specimen for spaces too narrow for a regular Maple tree with an outward spread.

Armstrong is even pleasing to look at during the colder months of winter as its cross between the Red Maple and Silver Maple has left it with stunningly silver bark that seems to shine when the tree is bare.

Those aren't the only great traits Armstrong got from its two parent trees. The Silver Maple gives the tree its rapid-growing nature and its adaptability to most soils while the Red Maple gives it its fantastic fall color and solid form. The hybridization of the two trees in 1933 truly gave the gardening and landscape world a perfect urban Maple tree.

Landscape Application:

Whether near a street in an urban setting, filling in a corner of a rather small yard, or acting as a privacy screen on the edge of your property, you can depend on Armstrong to be a beautiful, and efficient, space-saving Maple tree!

Try an Armstrong as a fantastic shade tree in a smaller yard, reducing your cooling bill in the summer, or shading your sunbaked outdoor garden rooms and spaces! Growing 50 - 70 feet in height but only spreading 15 - 20 feet wide, Armstrong is almost columnar!

Need a dramatic front yard focal point? Spring, summer, and fall color plus wildlife support and mighty winter presence, park an Armstrong in your front yard so it can grow to full height in all its glory!

Classic Red Maple Leaves in Fall
Unique Upward Growing Branches
Perfect for Narrow Yards or Small-Spaced Gardens
Stunning Silver Bark for Winter Interest
Street Trees, Front Yard Specimens & Shade

#ProPlantTips for Care:

When deciding where to plant this narrow deciduous tree, you won't have to think about the soil much as it is not picky. It does appreciate being planted somewhere it can bask in the sun all day long. Armstrong tolerates both flooding and drought for short periods of time very well, making it the perfect tree for places with finicky weather patterns.

Plant in full sun and well-drained soil with regular water access their first year, but can be quite drought tolerant once settled. Mulch keeps your tree stress-free and pruning when dormant keeps your trees trim form.

Full Sun
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Prune Late Winter
Tolerates Some Drought & Flooding

Narrow spaces and small yards are Armstrong Maple's best friend! Don't let space keep you from enjoying a Maple tree and order one of your own today! Now available at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Acer × freemanii 'Armstrong'
Class
- Sapindales
Species

x freemanii
Cultivar

Armstrong
Growing Zones

4-9
Height

50-70 ft
Width

15-20 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Red
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
Fall Color

Orange/Red
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Armstrong Maple hardy in cold northern climates?

The Armstrong Maple is a hardy hybrid that tolerates cold northern winters well, inheriting cold tolerance from both its Red Maple and Silver Maple parentage. Its silver bark actually provides winter interest when the tree is bare. Check your specific hardiness zone to confirm compatibility with this fast-growing urban tree.

What are the soil requirements for planting an Armstrong Maple?

The Armstrong Maple adapts to most soil types thanks to its Silver Maple parentage. This hybrid tolerates various soil conditions while maintaining excellent growth rates. Plant in well-draining soil for best results, available at naturehills.com.

Does the Armstrong Maple tolerate clay or wet soils well?

The Armstrong Maple inherits excellent soil adaptability from its Silver Maple parent, tolerating clay and wet soils well. This hybrid's versatile nature makes it suitable for most soil conditions. Plant it confidently in challenging urban sites or low-lying yard areas.

How much sun does the Armstrong Maple need daily?

Armstrong Maple thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This adaptable hybrid performs best with morning sun and some afternoon protection in hot climates. Plant in a location with good air circulation for optimal growth.

When and how should I prune my Armstrong Maple?

Prune Armstrong Maple during late fall or winter dormancy to avoid bleeding sap. Light pruning works best since this columnar tree naturally grows upward with minimal spread. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches rather than heavy shaping. Find quality Armstrong Maples at naturehills.com.

What size trees do you ship for Armstrong Maple, and how are they measured?

We ship Armstrong Maples as young nursery trees, typically 1-2 inch caliper (trunk diameter measured 6 inches above soil level). These trees arrive 6-8 feet tall and establish quickly thanks to their Silver Maple parentage. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment.

Will the Armstrong Maple be bare-root or potted when shipped?

Armstrong Maples are typically shipped as potted trees rather than bare-root for better transplant success. This columnar maple (15-20 feet wide, 50-70 feet tall) establishes more reliably when the root system remains intact during shipping. Plant immediately upon arrival for best results.