Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Red maple is borderline for our pH and dry summers, selected cultivars do better than seedlings.
medium water40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: "Acer rubrum 001" by Willow is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
- Photo 2: "Red Maple (Acer rubrum)" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Acer rubrum" by Nacho 13 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 4: no rights reserved, uploaded by mefisher
- Photo 5: Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-
- Photo 6: (c) Dcrjsr, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 4.7–7.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryIt wants soil on the acid side, but ours runs alkaline, so it yellows between green veins from iron chlorosis and needs treatment to hold color.
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Critical: Salt ToleranceIt has low salt tolerance, so keep it back from de-iced sidewalks, roadsides, and softener runoff, where salt burns roots and leaf edges.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids and honeydew
- Verticillium wilt on some species
- Leaf scorch in hot, dry, windy sites
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Red Maple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Red Maple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Red Maple get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Red Maple need?
- Give Red Maple about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Red Maple grow into?
- Red Maple typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Red Maple hardy on the Front Range?
- Red Maple is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Red Maple need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Red Maple grow?
- Red Maple is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Red Maple live?
- Red Maple is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Red Maple turn in fall?
- Red Maple turns red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Red Maple native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Red Maple deer-resistant?
- No. Red Maple is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Red Maple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Red Maple can be affected by aphids and honeydew and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
