Image: AI generated
Red Maple Tree Plant Care
Acer rubrum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its vibrant, scarlet leaves that turn a fiery red in the fall. Originating from North America, Acer rubrum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its stunning foliage and adaptability to a variety of climates. With its show-stopping color and versatility, this plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–100°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Red Maple Tree?
Plant Red Maple Tree in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 3a–9b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–100°F (16–38°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Red Maple Tree Native To?
What Is the Red Maple Tree?
Red Maple Tree (Acer rubrum) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Acer genus. Red Maple Tree is native to North America. Red Maple Tree is also known as Red Maple, Swamp Maple, Water Maple.
Red Maple Tree displays an upright, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Red Maple Tree produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Maple Tree?
Water a young or newly planted Red Maple Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Red Maple Tree Need?
Red Maple Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Maple Tree Prefer?
Acer rubrum tolerates temperatures of 60–100°F. Red Maple Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Maple Tree?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Red Maple Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Maple Tree?
Feed Red Maple Tree every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Red Maple Tree?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Red Maple Tree is suited to USDA Zone 3a – 9b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Red Maple Tree?
Red Maple Tree can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Red Maple Tree?
Prune Red Maple Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Red Maple Tree in Winter?
Red Maple Tree is hardy down to USDA zone 3a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Red Maple Tree?
Red Maple Tree can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to japanese maple plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red Maple Tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red Maple Tree?
Red Maple Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red Maple Tree Need?
Red Maple Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Red Maple Tree is native to North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Red Maple Tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Acer genus — compare its care with other Acer species on PlantoScan.
Acer is part of the Sapindaceae plant family — browse all Sapindaceae genera and species.
Red Maple Tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acer rubrum L., family Sapindaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1055 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Red Maple Tree as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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