Autumn Blaze® Maple Tree

Name: Autumn Blaze® Maple Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 13721
Price: 119.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'

Nature Hills Nursery

$119⁰⁰

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Plant Size

#3 Container 4-5 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant your Autumn Blaze® Maple in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun ensures you get that legendary, consistent orange-red fall color and a stronger, more symmetrical canopy.
Soil: These trees prefer moist, well drained soil but are famous for their ability to handle heavy clay or occasional wet spots. If your soil is very sandy and dry, mix in several inches of organic compost at planting time to help the roots retain moisture during the heat of summer.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, give your tree about ten gallons of water once a week, or twice a week during extreme heat, to ensure the root system establishes deeply. Once mature, this maple is notably drought tolerant, but providing a deep soak during dry spells prevents "leaf scorch" where the edges of the leaves turn brown and crisp. Inconsistent watering often leads to a duller fall display, so keeping the soil moisture even is the secret to those vivid red leaves.

Pruning Tips

Because these maples grow so quickly, they benefit from structural pruning to prevent narrow branch angles that might split in heavy snow or wind. Only prune in late fall or early winter when the tree is fully dormant; avoid pruning in early spring because the "sap bleed" can be messy and stressful for the tree. Think of this like a structural tune-up, where you remove any crossing branches or "V-shaped" crotches to encourage a strong, central leader that can withstand the elements.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell to fuel the tree's rapid growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this encourages soft, new growth that won't have time to "harden off" before the first freeze, making the branch tips susceptible to winter kill. A simple application of an organic plant food or a layer of fresh compost around the base each spring is usually all this vigorous grower needs.

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.

Mesmerizing Fall Color Autumn Blaze® Maple

Intensely Bright Red Fall Color Lasts and Lasts
Improved Variety of Maple
Fast Growing
Disease and Pest Resistant
Wonderful Shade Tree
Award Winner
Tried and True
Adaptable to Many Soil Types

If you've ever wondered... "What's the name of the pretty tree that turns so red in fall?"

This is it! Autumn Blaze® Maple (Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred') is the tree that everyone asks about. If you want to stick with what works, select this improved variety.

You'll be rewarded with a spectacular show once cooler weather comes around. This maple's 5-inch leaves turn, starting from the top of the tree. Watch in amazement as the brilliant color seeps down the length of the tree until all the leaves are red and orange-red. The leaves are so vibrant the neighbors can practically see them from blocks away.

The color starts earlier than other trees AND it lasts longer than other trees. It's a knockout, and that's why people love this tree so much. But that's not all.

Autumn Blaze® grows fast. As an improved cross between Red Maple (think color) and Silver Maple (think speed), this tree is the best of the best. It's one of the most popular varieties of Maples in the United States.

Even in winter, the look of the tree is wonderful. The ascending branches are placed evenly, and the overall profile is nicely symmetrical. It's balanced, well-structured, and even with a clean, oval outline.

We're not the only ones who think this tree is award-worthy. In fact, it has won numerous Tree of the Year awards.

Don't cheat yourself out of enjoying an award-winning Autumn Blaze® Red Maple. This tree produces remarkable color and is adored for its hardy nature. Don't miss out on how much excitement its fall color can add to your yard.

Autumn Blaze® Maple is not sterile, but they do not always produce a crop of samaras - so keep your trees stress-free to keep the seed production lower whenever you can. Autumn Blaze® Maple is an outstanding, proven selection if you want a bright red fall color and need rapid growth on your shade tree. This beauty will give you the dramatic fall accent you crave. Order today!

How to Use Autumn Blaze® Maple in the Landscape

Use this tree as a single specimen or plant several together for an unforgettable display along a fence or driveway. The symmetric oval canopy works well in either contemporary or rustic designs. You simply can't go wrong with this tree.

Autumn Blaze® Maples make an excellent, uniform shade tree as a specimen for your lawn. Or, use it as a street tree.

Many city planners have included this tree in their planting plans. The trees are adaptable to urban settings.

You'll also see this tree in many commercial plantings. That ought to tell you something about the easy-care nature.

With its polished presentation, formal plantings of Autumn Blaze® can be used in rows along parking lots or to screen out busy streets or undesirable views.

Many homeowners have planted them very successfully in long rows to give instant definition to property lines and long driveways. Turn something "ho-hum" into "wow factor" with this standout tree.

For close spacing, plant them 20 feet apart on center. You'll measure between the trunks. Or, give them more room to allow them to shine as individual trees with 40 feet of room between each trunk.

Autumn Blaze Maples can also be used in larger-scale mixed plantings, such as shelterbelts and windbreaks. The fast growth rate makes for quick cover and the red fall color looks fantastic mixed with evergreens and other deciduous trees with yellow fall color trees. For this, plant a staggered row with varying spacing from 20 to 40 feet.

Include other cultivars and species in your planting mix to create a really lush look, underplanting with Emperor One Japanese Maples, dwarf understory trees or even small shrubs and perennials!

#ProPlantTips

Autumn Blaze® Maple tree can tolerate most soil conditions, including clay soils. Give it regular water for best results, although with well-drained soil, it can tolerate occasional drought and wet soils for a brief period of time. Mulch the root system well to keep the root ball insulated and hold in moisture. Water new trees regularly to ensure they are established.

Plant in full sun for the most color and most vigorous growth. Trees in partial shade will have less color, and less vigor, so provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. These trees have a fast growth rate and are cold and heat tolerant in USDA hardiness zones 4 - 8.

This variety is pest and disease-resistant. Its strong, upright branches do an impressive job of resisting snow damage during winter. Minimal pruning is all that's needed to keep them looking good.

Pruning may be necessary to eliminate double or triple leaders, especially as a young tree. Simply decide which leader you want to keep and remove all the rest right back to the main trunk. It's easy!

Plan to do any light pruning in late winter, when your tree is dormant. If you miss your chance, late spring would be the next best time. Avoid pruning in the early spring when the sap is running, especially if you have an entertainment area or a car parked beneath. The sticky sap will drip and create a mess.

Order this magnificent plant from Nature Hills today! You'll get the "real deal" prepped and shipped to you in a sturdy box straight from the grower.

Botanical Name

Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Sapindales
Species

x freemanii
Cultivar

Jeffersred
Growing Zones

3-8
Height

40-60 ft
Width

40-60 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color
- Red
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
- Orange
Fall Color

Red
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does autumn blaze maple have helicopters?

Autumn Blaze Maple can produce helicopter seeds (samaras), but not consistently every year. As a hybrid that's not sterile, seed production varies and tends to be lower when the tree remains healthy and unstressed. Keep your tree well-watered and properly fertilized to minimize seed production if you prefer fewer helicopters.

How far apart to plant autumn blaze maple trees?

Plant Autumn Blaze Maples 30-40 feet apart to allow for their mature spread. These fast-growing trees develop into large shade trees with symmetrical, oval canopies that need adequate space. For best results, shop quality specimens at naturehills.com.

How tall and wide does the Autumn Blaze Maple grow at maturity?

Autumn Blaze Maple typically reaches 40-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide at maturity. This fast-growing hybrid develops a balanced, symmetrical oval canopy with evenly spaced ascending branches. Plan for adequate spacing when planting to accommodate its full mature size.

Does the Autumn Blaze Maple have surface root problems that damage lawns or sidewalks?

Autumn Blaze Maple has less aggressive surface roots than pure Silver Maple, but can still develop shallow roots in compacted or poorly drained soils. As a Freeman Maple cross, it's generally better behaved than its Silver Maple parent. Plant at least 10 feet from sidewalks and avoid overwatering to encourage deeper root growth.

How much pruning does an Autumn Blaze Maple need, and when should I prune it?

Autumn Blaze Maples need minimal pruning due to their naturally symmetrical, well-structured growth habit. Prune in late fall or winter when dormant to maintain their clean oval outline. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and avoid heavy pruning which can stress the tree and increase seed production.

Is the Autumn Blaze Maple drought tolerant once established?

Autumn Blaze Maples develop good drought tolerance once their root system is established, typically after 2-3 years. As a cross between Red and Silver Maple, they're naturally adaptable to various soil conditions. Water regularly the first few years, then they'll handle dry spells well with occasional deep watering during extended droughts.

What soil type does the Autumn Blaze Maple prefer, and can it handle alkaline soil?

Autumn Blaze® Maple adapts to many soil types and tolerates alkaline conditions well. This hardy hybrid thrives in various pH levels, though it performs best with adequate moisture. Ensure good drainage regardless of soil type for optimal growth.

Does the Autumn Blaze Maple require full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Autumn Blaze Maple performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade reasonably well. Full sun exposure maximizes the intense red fall color display and promotes faster growth. For optimal color development, plant where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.