How to Grow Freeman Maple Autumn Blaze

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Freeman Maple Autumn Blaze

Acer × freemanii 'Autumn Blaze'

tree

Autumn Blaze is a hybrid maple cultivar renowned for its spectacular fall foliage, displaying brilliant red and orange colors earlier than most maples. This deciduous tree grows rapidly and combines the best traits of its parent species, offering reliable autumn color, disease resistance, and adaptability to various soil conditions. It reaches 40-50 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it an excellent shade and ornamental tree for landscapes.

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Example Freeman Maple Autumn Blaze timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Freeman Maple Autumn Blaze
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Freeman Maple Autumn Blaze
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Freeman Maple Autumn Blaze dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily for best fall color development

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Water: Moderate watering during establishment (first 2-3 years); prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil. Once established, very drought-tolerant. Water deeply during dry spells and heat stress.

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Spacing: 480 inches

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Days to maturity:

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury the trunk flare

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy loam soil

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged bark mulch for moisture retention Perlite or sand if soil is clay-heavy Balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Establishment

Year 1-2

Recently planted sapling with developing root system; moderate new leaf growth

Water regularly (1-2 inches per week). Avoid fertilizer high in nitrogen. Stake if needed in windy sites. Remove competing branches for strong central leader.

Young Growth

Year 3-5

Vigorous upright growth with dense branching; light green summer foliage

Prune to maintain shape and remove crossing branches. Continue consistent watering. Apply 2-3 inch mulch layer. Avoid heavy fertilization.

Maturation

Year 6-15

Tree reaching 25-40 feet; fuller canopy with lush summer growth; early fall color initiation

Minimal pruning required; remove dead or diseased branches. Monitor for pests and diseases. Reduce supplemental watering as tree becomes drought-tolerant.

Peak Ornamental

Year 15+

Mature 40-50 foot tree with spectacular fall foliage in bright red-orange; excellent shade canopy

Occasional pruning for shape. Monitor for scale insects and anthracnose. Enjoy early and vibrant autumn color (August-September color change).

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Eastern Redbud Serviceberry Dogwood Understory hostas Ferns Shade-tolerant perennials

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Salt-sensitive plants in areas with road salt exposure Plants requiring full sun in the mature tree's shade

Common Pests

Monitor for honeydew and sooty mold; spray dormant oil in late winter; prune heavily infested branches
Increase watering to reduce stress; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap if severe
Ensure consistent watering; improve air circulation; remove infected branches; apply fungicide if needed
Plant at proper depth; carefully remove circling roots at planting; avoid mulch against trunk

Uses

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Wildlife Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

Provides seeds (samaras) and cover for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. The dense canopy offers excellent nesting sites and shelter. [source]

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Landscape Shade & Cooling

Household

Mature tree provides substantial shade reducing cooling costs; creates comfortable outdoor spaces during hot months. [source]

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Fall Color & Ornamental Display

Craft

Early and vibrant red-orange autumn foliage makes it a premier ornamental tree for residential and commercial landscapes; specimens chosen specifically for superior fall color performance. [source]

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Air Quality Improvement

Household

Large canopy helps filter air pollutants and produces oxygen; contributes to overall neighborhood air quality and environmental health. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not a harvest plant. Enjoy fall foliage display typically beginning in late August to mid-September, reaching peak color in September-October depending on location.

Fun Facts

🌱 Autumn Blaze is a hybrid between the Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), bred to combine the superior fall color of the red maple with the faster growth rate and hardiness of the silver maple.
🌱 It displays fall color 2-3 weeks earlier than most other maples, making it one of the first trees to herald autumn in the landscape.
🌱 A mature Autumn Blaze can grow 3-4 feet per year in optimal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing ornamental maples available.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Hybrid Mulch

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