Revised

Red maple (Acer rubrum)

Large trees

Red maple

 

  • Maximum height
    90 feet
  • Relative growth rate
    Excellent
  • Freedom from insect pests
    Good
  • Freedom from disease problems
    Good
  • Resistance to storm damage
    Poor
  • Will grow on poorly drained soil
    Excellent
  • Will grow in hot, dry areas
    Poor
  • Easy to transplant
    Good
  • Withstands city conditions
    Poor

 

The flowers of the red maple are one of the first signs of spring. The profusion of tiny red flowers with the background of smooth gray bark is a beautiful sight. Red maple is also one of the first trees to change color in the fall. Some trees develop a good red fall color, but many of them do not. Several improved varieties of red maple produce outstanding fall color. There are also varieties available with a narrow crown.

Red maple is easy to transplant and grows rapidly. However it is relatively weak wooded and subject to storm damage.