“I always feel at home where the sugar maple grows…. glorious in autumn, a fountain of coolness in summer, sugar in its veins, gold in its foliage, warmth in its fibers, and health in it the year round.”
– John Burroughs, naturalist and essayist
The Maple tree is the much beloved national symbol of Canada. You can find references to maple trees in poetry, literature, and mythology:
- In Celtic lore, Maple trees are associated with fertility rites and deities.
- The Chinese often associated this noble tree with honour.
- John Burroughs wrote the famous line above about the beauty and resilience of maple trees.
Landscaping clients in Ontario often choose the Autumn Blaze Maple[1] due to its beautiful colours and hardiness. It can withstand Ontario’s toughest pests and harshest winters. This species derives from Freeman Maples, hybridized from Red and Silver Maple trees[2] by Oliver Freeman in 1933. The Autumn Blaze[3] varietal first appeared in the 1960s and has won the hearts of millions of home and business owners.
Dutchmaster Nurseries offers Autumn Blaze Maples for sale, along with many other beautiful hardwood trees.
How Big Do Autumn Blaze Maple Trees Get?
Autumn Blaze Maples grow up to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide. If your clients plan to plant more than one, they should space them 10 to 20 feet distant from one another. Planting these trees in well-drained soil and applying fertilizer yearly can help them reach their maximum height quickly. Further, fertilizer rich in organic nitrogen helps these trees create brilliant fall foliage.
Refer to our tree planting guide for helpful information about planting trees in Ontario.
How Fast Does an Autumn Blaze Maple Grow?
These trees grow up to 24 inches per year. Autumn Blaze Maples are heritage trees, meaning they grow quickly and last for generations. Typically, these Maple trees take 15 to 20 years to reach their maximum height of approximately 50 feet.
Do Autumn Blaze Maple Trees Have ‘Helicopters’?
Most Autumn Blaze Maple trees grow helicopter seeds in the fall. However, some varieties do not have seeds. Maple trees grow fruit called samaras, each of which comes with its own wings. Children refer to these spiraling seeds by many names, including:
- Whirligigs
- Helicopters
- Twisters
The aerodynamic wings allow the plant to land firmly in the soil, increasing its chances of sprouting.
Do Autumn Blaze Maples Have Invasive Roots?
The fast growth cycle of the Autumn Blaze Maple requires as much water as the tree can absorb. Its extensive roots often lie above the drip plane of your irrigation system. Hence, the ground under the maple becomes populated with thick roots needed for the tree to soak up enough water to grow quickly.
Can Homeowners Plant an Autumn Blaze Maple Beside Their House?
It’s best to leave at least 15 feet between the tree and a home or other building. Otherwise, your clients could experience foundation damage caused by the Maple’s extensive root system.
Do Autumn Blaze Maples Lose Their Leaves?
Autumn Blaze Maple leaves turn a glorious array of orange, yellow, and brilliant red. This foliage lasts for several weeks before falling to the ground.
The tree specialists at Dutchmaster Nurseries have been providing trees and shrubs to commercial clients since 1971. Let us know if you have any questions regarding Autumn Blaze Maple tree care.
Contact Dutchmaster Nurseries with questions about the availability of Autumn Blaze Maples or other trees in our extensive inventory.