Red Maple Trees
Scarlet Red Maple, October Glory Maple, Autumn Blaze Maple, Summers Red Maple

Congratulations on the purchase of your Red Maple tree! Your new tree is sure to become the centerpiece of any beautiful landscape.

Now that we have provided you with a tree we are convinced you will love, we would also like to take the opportunity to provide you with the information you need to cultivate it. You have received a young Red Maple sapling that is under a year old. With time, care, and the instructions we have supplied you with here, this young plant will become a flourishing full-grown tree before your eyes.

That is our main goal: your satisfaction and success through your Fast Growing Tree!

A great deal of care has been taken to package your Red Maple. Still, it has been in a dark box for two to three days, likely handled roughly and possibly exposed to extreme temperatures. Your tree may appear somewhat wilted or dry, but this is common and nothing to be concerned about. With proper watering, it will quickly rejuvenate itself. If your tree has arrived without leaves, this is because they have been trimmed for ease of packaging. Your tree will be producing a show of new leaves in no time!

We recommend that your Red Maple be unpacked immediately upon receipt. Spread your plant(s) out and sprinkle roots and leaves with water, taking care not to saturate them. Root moisture is the key to your tree’s survival. Pay close attention to your tree and it’s surrounding soil. If the soil feels dry, your plant will need watering. If it is soaked, it has been over watered. The roots should be kept moist, cool, and unfrozen at all times.

If possible, plant your Red Maple immediately in moist soil. However, if you are experiencing extreme heat or drought, avoid planting your tree at this time. It is suggested that you plant your tree in a light colored pot and place it in the shade. Alternatively, planting your tree in a well-shaded area of your lawn is acceptable. You can ensure the success of your new tree by properly preparing the planting site, and by nurturing the delicate seedlings before and during planting. Be sure to follow the planting instructions carefully, so as to avoid mishandling your tree in any way.

Seasonal Information
The ideal planting time for a red maple is early to mid-spring. Because transferred red maple trees can be slow to put out roots, planting in spring allows plenty of time for growth before the ground freezes. With proper time & care, though, maples planted in the summer or fall can be just as flourishing as those planted in spring. Just be sure to plant your tree at least 6 weeks before your first frost. This will give your new tree an opportunity to adjust to its new environment. If your area is experiencing extreme heat, place your potted tree in a well shaded area, such as a garage, or plant it in a well shaded area of your lawn. Once mature, your tree will be better able to manage with temperatures of this kind. Typically, though, trees do not experience much growth during times of extreme temperature.

Location
Select a planting site which provides your red maple with partial shade. Ensure that the location of your choice is comprised of the proper soil for your tree. This soil should be well-drained with a neutral to acidic pH level. Maples are quite tolerant of wet landscape, and actually thrive best in areas where the soil is naturally moist.

Planting Instructions
Dig a planting hole for your maple that is four times the width of your tree’s root ball and comprised of equal depth. Remove your red maple from its container and ensure root moisture. Place your tree in the planting hole, keeping the top of the root ball even with the ground. Spread the roots out evenly and surround them with dirt to avoid air pockets, which can dry out the roots of your tree. Fill a small amount of the soil into the hole to maintain the tree’s upright position, and water thoroughly. Once the water has absorbed into the root ball and surrounding soil, fill the remaining soil into the planting hole. Pack firmly and water a second time.

Watering
During its formative years, your maple will require weekly watering of at least 1 ½ inches of water. Even as it matures, your tree will still need plenty of water during the summer months. Be sure, though, to water correctly. Light green leaves are a sign of over watering, while drooping leaves signify both over watering and under watering. Watch for these and any other signs that your tree is getting too much or too little water.

Fertilization
During the first growing season, use only slow release fertilizer tablets on your new maple. Refrain from using stronger fertilization methods until your tree becomes more established. Any 10-10-10 fertilizer, such as Miracle Grow, will be suitable. Fertilize your maple twice a month when it is coming out of dormancy, and once a month during the summer. Discontinue before the tree returns to its dormant state.

Weed Control
Do not permit weeds & lawn any closer than 2-3 feet from your maple in the first year. Pull the weeds initially, and then utilize a growing mat or mulch. Insulate the roots 2-4 inches and replenish as needed. Do not spray RoundUp on a young maple, and ensure that wind does not blow chemical drift onto your tree.

Pests & Disease
The best defense against any pest or disease issue is a healthy tree. Red Maple trees are very resilient. Good soil, proper feeding & healthy watering habits are vital to the prosperity of your tree.

Deer
If you believe that deer may become an issue for your maple, sprinkle some “Deer Away” on the top of the tree until it grows beyond reach of deer.

Pets
Red Maple trees are not poisonous, so no harm will come to your pet. However, pets should be discouraged from nibbling on your tree while it is young and developing.

Winter Dormancy
During late fall and winter, your red maple will enter its dormant state. When this occurs, your tree’s leaves will fall off and the stem will turn brown. Above ground, nothing will take place during this time, but the roots of your tree will continue to grow beneath the surface. This winter root development will accelerate the growth of your tree come spring. To “winterize” your maple, fertilize around the root zone in mid-fall, and saturate the roots before the ground freezes.

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