The Top 14 Maple Tree Varieties for Stunning Fall Color and Year-Round Beauty

Christopher Smith
19 min read5 days ago

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Welcome to our roundup of the best maple trees available in the market today. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of different varieties of maple trees, highlighting their distinct characteristics, benefits, and how they can enhance your outdoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned maple enthusiast or simply looking to add a touch of nature to your home, you’ll find something that catches your eye in our carefully curated selection.

The Top 14 Best maple trees

  1. Brighter Blooms — Sugar Maple Tree — 5–6 ft. — No Shipping to AZ — Adorn your landscape with a stunning Sugar Maple tree, boasting impressive size, vibrant autumn hues, and a long-lasting beauty that sets it apart from other nurseries.
  2. Sugar Maple Tree: Vibrant Fall Colors and Maple Syrup Excellence — Bring brilliant fall colors and sweet maple syrup to your home with the Sugar Maple Tree Bare Root — a hardy and visually stunning addition to your landscape.
  3. Brighter Blooms Red Sunset Maple Tree: 6–7 ft. No Shipping to AZ — Transform your landscape into a vibrant canvas with the Red Sunset Maple Tree, a versatile and resilient arboreal masterpiece that captivates onlookers with its fiery display of autumnal hues, all year round.
  4. Vibrant Fall Color Maple Tree: October Glory — Experience unparalleled beauty and shade with this fast-growing, adaptable, and hardy October Glory Maple tree, perfect for any garden.
  5. 3 Gallon Tamukeyama Japanese Maple Tree Seedling — Grow a vibrant and hardy Tamukeyama Japanese Maple Tree in USDA Zone 5–8, adding a stunning burst of colors and beauty to your outdoor space.
  6. Attractive October Glory Maple Tree for Growing Zones 3–8 — Capture autumn’s charm with the disease-resistant October Glory Red Maple, an elegant spreader offering 5 feet of growth and stunning color every year.
  7. First Flame Maple Tree: Unique Landscape Attraction for Zone 5–9 Gardens — Bring vibrant colors and unique hardiness to your garden with the First Flame Maple Tree, a stunning addition to any landscape.
  8. Norway Maple Tree: Fast-Growing, Cold-Hardy, and Versatile Addition to Your Landscape — Experience the rapid growth and exceptional cold hardiness of the Norway Maple Tree, an ideal choice for providing immediate shade, natural borders, and beauty throughout all four seasons.
  9. Crimson King Maple Tree: Striking Purple Foliage and Fast Growth — Add a burst of vibrant color and shade to your landscape with the Crimson King Maple Tree, a fast-growing and low-maintenance 4–5 foot shade tree known for its unique deep purple foliage and drought-tolerant nature.
  10. Splendid Brandywine Maple Tree: 5 gal. Shade — Experience the enchanting beauty and grace of the Brandywine Maple tree, a magnificent addition to any outdoor sanctuary, flourishing in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8 with minimal care.
  11. Brighter Blooms: Autumn Blaze Maple Trees for Fall Landscaping — Experience the stunning fall colors of the Autumn Blaze Maple, a hardy and easy-to-maintain tree that adds elegance and reduces energy costs, all while providing excellent resistance to diseases and pests.
  12. Autumn Blaze Maple, #30 — Rural King — Witness the stunning transformation of the Park Hill Plants and Trees Autumn Blaze Maple, #30, as it grows into a magnificent, 50-foot tall shade tree, boasting vibrant, autumn-red foliage, available exclusively at Rural King.
  13. Acer Autumn Blaze Freeman Maple Tree (7 Gallon) — Autumn Blaze’s vibrant fall foliage and fast growth make it an ideal choice for your lawn or landscape, showcasing the best of both red and silver maples with minimal maintenance.
  14. Final Fire Maple Tree: Four-Season Stunner for Full Sun and Partial Shade — Bring vibrant, four-season color to your landscape with the stunning Final Fire Maple Tree, boasting shades of pastel yellow, pink, deep cabernet red, and fire-engine scarlet foliage.

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Reviews

Brighter Blooms — Sugar Maple Tree — 5–6 ft. — No Shipping to AZ

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Experience the enchanting charm of the Sugar Maple Tree, growing to a size of 5 to 6 feet tall. This hardwood gem is known for its beauty, grace, and strength, making it a fabulous addition to any landscape. Not only does the Sugar Maple stand out in size, but it also boasts stunning autumn foliage, transitioning through mesmerizing shades of gold, yellow, orange, and red before settling on a deep, rich red hue.

This Sugar Maple is a fast-growing plant, offering better long-term results in your garden compared to big box stores or other nurseries. The tree arrives healthy and well-packed, ensuring a smooth planting process. The tree’s attractive features include moderate watering needs, and its organic nature makes it a great fit for outdoor use.

While most customers have had positive experiences with Fast Growing Trees, some have shared their disappointment with the quality of the trees shipped. However, the company’s high-quality products and helpful customer service typically make up for any issues experienced by individual customers.

In conclusion, the Sugar Maple Tree is a beautiful, fast-growing plant that adds a touch of enchantment to any landscape. With its stunning autumn foliage and organic nature, it’s the perfect addition to any garden.

Sugar Maple Tree: Vibrant Fall Colors and Maple Syrup Excellence

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Experience the beauty of autumn from day one with the Sugar Maple Bare Root tree. Known for its exquisite fall foliage, these trees produce a diverse range of bright colors that can include shades of red, orange, yellow, and even a mix of all three. Perfect for those who desire a colorful landscape, the Sugar Maple tree’s natural beauty is a sight to behold.

Despite its stunning visual appeal, hardiness is not overlooked when it comes to the Sugar Maple tree. Native to the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada, this tree has become renowned for its remarkable ability to survive in extremely harsh winter conditions. Its cold tolerance, combined with its resistance to freezing temperatures and persisting winds, makes it a suitable choice for those living in regions with colder climates, such as the Midwest and Rocky Mountain states.

The Sugar Maple tree’s exceptional hardiness is matched by its edible by-product, Maple Syrup. When mature, these trees can produce sweet and delicious Maple Syrup, providing a delightful dessert addition to breakfast.

Suitable for those looking to add a touch of nature to their landscape, the Sugar Maple tree is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a native, hardy, and visually stunning tree. With proper care, these trees can become the centerpiece of any garden, standing tall and proud at over 100 feet with a width of 600 inches.

Brighter Blooms Red Sunset Maple Tree: 6–7 ft. No Shipping to AZ

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The Red Sunset Maple Tree is a strikingly beautiful addition to any landscape, showcasing its vibrant, fiery foliage during the autumn season. This tree, standing tall at 40–50 feet, is not only visually stunning but also incredibly sturdy and resilient, able to withstand various weather conditions.

The allure of the Red Sunset Maple lies in its versatility, as it gracefully transforms ordinary settings into extraordinary landscapes. With its drought-tolerant nature and rapid growth rate, this maple tree is the perfect choice for those seeking a high-quality, attractive, and weather-resistant addition to their garden or yard.

Vibrant Fall Color Maple Tree: October Glory

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I recently added the October Glory Maple Tree to my yard and couldn’t be happier with my choice. This tall and beautiful tree adds a touch of elegance to my backyard, providing much-needed shade during these hot summer months. The light green, glossy foliage is a sight to behold, and it’s incredible to think that these trees are so adaptable that they can thrive all across the country.

One of the standout features of this tree is its rapid growth. I was amazed to see how quickly it started to grow once I planted it, and within just a few weeks, it had already begun to thrive. The glistening dark green leaves in the spring turned a radiant red late fall, and surprisingly, they lasted for several weeks. I was even more impressed by the tiny red flowers that bloomed in the spring, adding a burst of color to my garden.

Another bonus of this tree is how it attracts birds and wildlife. I’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of birds visiting my yard, especially during the fall when the red foliage is at its peak. It’s truly a delight to see the beauty this tree brings to my outdoor space.

However, there are a few things to consider when growing this tree. It’s essential to plant it in partial shade to full sun, and as it grows, it will require regular watering, especially during dry spells. The tree also prefers slightly acidic and moist conditions, so make sure you provide it with the appropriate soil and care.

Despite minor hiccups, the October Glory Maple Tree has been a great addition to my yard. It’s not only attractive but sturdy, and it has quickly become one of my favorite trees. I would recommend this tree to anyone looking for a beautiful shade tree that can thrive in most conditions.

3 Gallon Tamukeyama Japanese Maple Tree Seedling

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Bring a touch of enchanting beauty to your outdoor space with the 3 Gallon Tamukeyama Japanese Maple Tree. This dazzling deciduous tree boasts mounding, cascading branches and vivid-green foliage that transforms into deep shades of red.

Perfect for USDA Zones 5–8, the Tamukeyama tree is highly hardy and a vigorous grower that thrives in partial shade. Its lacy leaves provide a stunning display even in colder climates, making it an excellent choice for high heat areas. With its elegant growth habit and elegant appearance, the Tamukeyama Japanese Maple Tree adds timeless charm to any location.

Attractive October Glory Maple Tree for Growing Zones 3–8

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October Glory Maple is a stunning autumnal addition to any garden, with its disease-resistant and quick-growing properties. Measuring 5 to 6 feet tall, it provides an elegant canopy of shade suitable for most climates.

Brighter Blooms, the reputable nursery behind this tree, offers exceptional packaging and efficient shipping for hassle-free planting. Although some customers have reported issues with received trees not being in optimal condition, overall, October Glory Maple is a reliable and attractive choice for gardeners.

First Flame Maple Tree: Unique Landscape Attraction for Zone 5–9 Gardens

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First Flame, part of Iseli Nursery’s Pacific Rim Collection, is a vibrant maple tree that adds an eye-catching element to any garden. Its stunning foliage transforms from a warm red-orange in the spring to a cooler orange and yellow hue by mid-spring, eventually settling into a lush green color with hints of soft red for the summer.

This stately tree, with its small, star-shaped leaves, is a unique blend of Korean and Japanese maples, offering both beautiful cut branches and adaptability to cooler zones. Perfect for a landscape border or large garden, First Flame is a true standout in the maple tree world.

Norway Maple Tree: Fast-Growing, Cold-Hardy, and Versatile Addition to Your Landscape

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The Norway Maple Tree: Perfect for creating a dense shade canopy and thriving in cold climates

The Norway Maple Tree, also known as Acer platanoides, is a top choice for anyone looking for a tree that grows quickly and provides shade. It can be found in USDA zones 3 to 9 and is known for its rapid growth rate. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to plant in rows along driveways or fences, as well as an attractive addition near newly constructed homes and buildings.

One of the standout features of the Norway maple is its cold hardiness, with the ability to thrive even in temperatures as low as minus 35°F. This allows it to grow in colder regions, where most other trees wouldn’t be able to survive. With a mature height of up to 60 feet and a spread of 40 to 60 feet, this tree will quickly provide plenty of shade when it reaches full growth.

However, these benefits come with some drawbacks. The Norway maple is known for its invasive nature, and it has been prohibited for sale in certain states due to its aggressive growth and potential effects on competing trees, sidewalks, and driveways. Additionally, this tree does not attract wildlife, and it does not deter wildlife like some other trees do.

In conclusion, the Norway maple is a cold hardy, fast-growing tree that can provide quick and effective shade, but it also comes with some downsides that need to be considered before planting. It’s ideal for planting in regions with colder climates, along fences, and on driveways.

Crimson King Maple Tree: Striking Purple Foliage and Fast Growth

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I recently got my hands on a Crimson King Maple tree, and let me tell you, it’s a stunning sight to behold. The deep purple foliage of this tree is truly unique, especially when temperatures drop, and its transformation with the changing seasons is simply breathtaking.

The best part? This tree is a fast grower, reaching heights of 25–30 feet. It’s the perfect shade companion for your home, offering a luxuriant canopy that’s perfect for lounging under on hot summer days. Plus, it’s fairly low maintenance, thriving in various growing zones and adapting to different soil types, even those prone to drought.

However, I noticed a few drawbacks. While the tree is quite drought tolerant, it’s not the best choice for poor weather resistance. Additionally, I found the instructions to be a bit lacking, which made the initial setup a bit challenging.

Overall, the Crimson King Maple tree is an attractive and high-quality choice, ideal for adding some color and shade to your home. Just be prepared to give it a little extra love in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Splendid Brandywine Maple Tree: 5 gal. Shade

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I must admit, when I stumbled upon the Brandywine Maple Shade Tree in our local nursery, I was immediately drawn to its intriguing name and lush green foliage. The tree, as described, thrives in varying soils and sunlight conditions, making it a perfect addition to my garden.

As the weeks went by, the tree started to display its beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold, especially during the autumn months. The sight of its vibrant colors against the cool, autumnal backdrop never fails to mesmerize me. While it may be a deciduous tree, its beauty and presence remain consistent throughout the seasons.

What surprised me most, though, was how quickly it grew and established a beautiful canopy. In no time at all, my garden was transformed into a serene oasis, shimmering with the golden sunlight that filtered through the tree’s generous canopy.

Despite requiring minimal care, my Brandywine Maple continues to be a delight to maintain. With proper planting, soil, and watering conditions, it has proven to be an easy-to-manage tree that’s truly elevated my garden’s appeal. And even though it may be a 5-gallon tree, the impact it’s made is immeasurable.

In conclusion, I am thrilled with my choice of the Brandywine Maple Shade Tree. Its timeless beauty, graceful presence, and easy maintenance make it a must-have for any garden or outdoor space.

Brighter Blooms: Autumn Blaze Maple Trees for Fall Landscaping

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The Autumn Blaze Maple Tree is a stunning addition to any landscape, boasting an impressive height range of 30 to 40 feet and blazing fall color. It’s a low-maintenance tree that can grow easily in both sun and shade, and it boasts sturdy resistance against diseases and pests. This tree not only brings beauty to your garden but also helps reduce your energy bills with its impressive shade.

Brighter Blooms prides itself on ensuring each tree is taken care of from day one, guaranteeing a healthy arrival. This Autumn Blaze Maple Tree is a must-have for garden enthusiasts seeking an elegant and reliable addition to their garden collection.

Autumn Blaze Maple, #30 — Rural King

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As a gardening enthusiast, I was excited to try out the Autumn Blaze Maple, #30 from Park Hill Plants and Trees. I planted it in my backyard, and it quickly became the centerpiece of my garden. The tree’s bright red autumn color truly stood out and added a pop of vibrancy to my otherwise green landscape. It grew tall, reaching about 50 feet, making it an excellent shade tree for those hot summer days.

One aspect that really impressed me was the tree’s ability to withstand strong winds, thanks to its sturdy structure and wide root system. However, I noticed that it required regular watering to keep it healthy, especially during the dry summer months. Overall, the Autumn Blaze Maple, #30 from Park Hill Plants and Trees was a beautiful addition to my garden and a great conversation starter among my neighbors.

Acer Autumn Blaze Freeman Maple Tree (7 Gallon)

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Autumn Blaze, also known as Freeman Maple, is a stunning hybrid maple cultivar that’s perfect for adding color to any landscape. This fast-growing tree has an attractive oval shape, reaching up to 55 feet in height, and 40 feet in width at maturity. Its vibrant green leaves offer a lovely sight during spring and summer, while the mesmerizing fall foliage displays a dazzling array of orange, red, and scarlet hues that can last several weeks before falling. Autumn Blaze inherits the best qualities from its parent maps — the vivid fall colors of red maple and the adaptability and growth speed of silver maple. Its dense, rounded canopy adds charm to any garden, and its smooth gray bark becomes lightly furrowed with age, providing winter interest.

Autumn Blaze is easy to cultivate and thrives in a variety of soil conditions. It’s a popular choice for shading large lawns and landscapes, thanks to its rapid growth, drought tolerance, and reliable crimson fall display. Ideal growing conditions are full sun to part shade, in average to organically rich, medium to wet, well-drained soils, with a preference for moist, acidic soils. Once established, the tree shows some tolerance for drought conditions, while mulch can help conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.

In conclusion, Autumn Blaze Maple is a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, with its stunning colors, fast growth rate, and adaptability to various conditions. If you’re looking to add a vibrant touch to your landscape, consider this captivating tree that’s sure to delight.

Final Fire Maple Tree: Four-Season Stunner for Full Sun and Partial Shade

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Introducing Final Fire, a mesmerizing maple tree that’s as versatile as it is stunning. This tree, part of the Pacific Rim Maple collection, boasts a breathtaking range of colors throughout the seasons. From pastel hues of yellow and pink in spring to a vibrant green in the summer, you can find shades of deep cabernet red and finally, a fiery red-orange in the fall.

Final Fire is a four-season tree, meaning it maintains its beauty year-round, even after leaf drop. Standing at around 20 feet tall, this tree is a sight to behold with its broad, upright form and intricate leaf cutting.

Not only does it offer visual appeal, but it’s also easy to maintain, growing at a rate of 12–15 inches per year and fitting nicely within a 14–15 foot spacing. Prepare your landscape for a dazzling display of colors with Final Fire, a truly unique maple tree that can thrive in full sun or partial shade conditions.

Buyer’s Guide

Maple trees are beautiful additions to any landscape, providing both stunning foliage and practical benefits. To ensure you make the best choice for your property, consider the following important factors when selecting a maple tree.

Size and Growth Rate

Maple trees come in various sizes, with some reaching heights of over 80 feet. Take into account how much space you have available and consider how quickly the tree is expected to grow. Also, consider whether it will outgrow its location in the future and require pruning or relocation. Some maple trees can grow over 2 feet per year, so it’s essential to factor this into your decision.

Hardiness

Maple trees are native to North America, but not all species can tolerate the same climate. Be sure to select a maple tree that is suitable for your region’s temperatures and conditions. Some maple trees are more tolerant of cold weather than others, while others are more adapted to hot, dry climates. Make sure you choose one that can thrive in your climate to ensure a healthy, long-lasting tree.

Foliage and Fall Color

One of the main reasons people choose maple trees is for their beautiful fall foliage. The colors ranges from yellow to red and orange, and some even turn purple. Research the specific species you’re considering to make sure it provides the desired fall colors. Some maple trees might have too low a chlorophyll content to offer much in terms of fall foliage, so it’s essential to know what to expect.

Pest and Disease Resistance

Some maple tree species are more prone to pests and diseases than others. It’s crucial to choose a tree that has a good level of resistance to these problems. Common issues for maple trees include powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and fireblight. Research the tree’s resistance to these issues before making your purchase, as treatment and prevention can be costly and time-consuming.

FAQ

What makes maple trees special?

Maple trees are special for their beauty, longevity, and versatility. With their vibrant colors in the fall, maple trees add picturesque beauty to any landscape. They have been cultivated for centuries due to their fast growth rate and hardiness in colder climates. Moreover, maples provide shade, improve air quality, and provide habitats for various birds and insects.

The wood from maple trees is highly valued due to its strength, durability, and resistance to decay. It is used in manufacturing a wide range of products, including furniture, flooring, musical instruments, and even sports equipment such as basketball hoops and skateboards. Overall, maple trees are cherished for their aesthetic and practical benefits.

What are some common types of maple trees?

There are over 128 species of maple trees, but some of the most common ones include the sugar maple, red maple, and silver maple. Sugar maples are known for their delicious sap, which is used to produce maple syrup. Red maples are popular for their red, orange, or yellow fall foliage and are often used in landscaping.

Silver maples, on the other hand, grow rapidly and have a characteristic silver-grey bark. They provide shade and are commonly found in urban areas. Another well-known species is the Japanese maple, which comes in various colors and sizes and is popular for ornamental purposes. Each type of maple tree offers unique characteristics, making them suitable for different landscapes and purposes.

How do I plant and care for a maple tree?

Choosing the right location is crucial for the health and growth of your maple tree. It should be planted in well-draining soil and have enough space to grow without competing for resources with other plants. When planting, the hole should be slightly larger than the root ball, and the tree should be placed at the same depth as it was in the nursery pot.

Water your maple tree regularly during its first year to help it establish its root system. After that, water only when the soil is dry, as maples are relatively drought-tolerant once established. Pruning your maple tree can also help maintain its shape and prevent damage from heavy branches. Fertilizing is usually unnecessary, but an annual application of a balanced fertilizer can improve growth.

Can I use maple wood for furniture making?

Absolutely! Maple wood is a popular choice for furniture making due to its durability and appearance. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it suitable for both solid and veneered pieces. The wood’s grain pattern can vary from straight to curly, adding an element of visual interest to any piece.

Maple wood responds well to a variety of finishing techniques, including staining, painting, and varnishing. It’s also relatively resistant to scratches and dents, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas. Overall, maple wood is a versatile and attractive choice for creating furniture that is both functional and beautiful.

How do I identify a maple tree from other deciduous trees?

Maple trees can be identified by several distinct features. One of the most common is their palmate leaves, which means the leaf has multiple lobes radiating from a single point, creating a hand-like shape. Another feature is their distinct bud and twig structures, which often have a pointed tip and a prominent wing at the base of the bud.

The bark of maple trees is another distinguishing characteristic. It is typically gray or light brown and scales off in thin sheets, giving the tree a shaggy appearance. Furthermore, the absence of spines or milky sap in the twigs can also help you identify a maple tree. By considering these factors, you can easily differentiate maple trees from other deciduous trees.

What are the benefits of having a maple tree in my yard?

Maple trees offer numerous benefits to your yard and the environment. They provide shade, helping to cool your home and lower energy bills during hot summers. Their vibrant fall colors add a touch of beauty to your landscape and can even increase property value. By planting a maple tree, you’re contributing to the ecosystem, as these trees provide habitats for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.

Additionally, the sap from maple trees can be used for syrup production, offering a tasty and natural sweetener. The wood from maple trees is also valued for its durability and appearance, making it a sought-after material for furniture, flooring, and other home goods. Overall, having a maple tree in your yard can contribute to both your home’s aesthetic appeal and its environmental and economic value.

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