Crimson King Maple

The Crimson King maple tree (Acer platanoides 'Crimson King') is a very unique maple that is quite cold tolerant, drought resistant and provides year round attractive foliage. The striking, purple foliage is present on the tree from spring until fall. Best suited for USDA growing zones 4-7, the tree can take cold snaps as low as -20 degrees and is very adaptable to wide array of soil types providing there is no standing water. The crimson king prefers a full to partial sun exposure and will mature to heights of anywhere between 40-50 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide. The unique, long lasting color and mature size makes it a fantastic shade tree for your landscape!

Location: Tolerant of soggy soils, crimson maples grow nicely on any fertile soil that is not alkaline in pH. Once established, it tolerates droughts with little harm although infrequent, deep irrigation will help retain more foliage in extremely dry periods, especially in regions with hot summers. Select a spot where the tree is in full to partial sun exposure.

Planting instructions:
1) Make a hole for the maple that’s 2-3 times the width of your tree’s root ball and equal depth.
2) Remove your maple from its container and ensure root moisture.
3) Place your tree in the planting hole, keeping the top of the root ball even with the ground.
4) Spread the roots out evenly and surround them with dirt, tamping down to avoid air pockets, which can dry out the roots of your tree.
5) Fill a small amount of the soil into the hole to maintain the tree’s upright position and water thoroughly.
6) 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.
7) Mulch to retain soil moisture and keep competing growth away from the planting site.

Watering: During its formative years, your crimson maple will require weekly watering of at least 1½ inches of water. Even as it matures, your tree will still need plenty of water during the summer months. Be sure to water correctly, light green leaves are a sign of over-watering, while drooping leaves signify both over-watering and under-watering.

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 crimson 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 and 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 pesticides on a young maple, and ensure that wind does not blow chemical drift onto your tree.

Pruning: Since maple trees bleed sap when their branches are cut, the best time to prune is when the leaves have fully matured. At this time, there will be less sap. Remove all dead or dying branches. Do this before you start cutting live branches; it will give you a better idea of what your tree looks like and how many of the live branches you’re going to need to cut. Decide which branches you’re going to cut before you start cutting. Look for large branches growing at narrow angles to the main trunk, branches that are rubbing others or branches that are growing inwards and crossing others. Remove the larger branches. To do this, make the first cut all the way through the branch, at least a foot from the main tree trunk. Use two cuts; the first should begin underneath the branch and go upwards, with the second starting on the top and going down to meet the first. With the weight gone, you can finish cutting the remainder of the branch without struggling with the extra length of the branch.