To plant an Autumn Blaze maple well, choose a sunny, open site with room for a crown roughly 40 to 50 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide, set the trunk flare at or just above finished grade in a hole two to three times the root-ball width, water on a daily schedule for the first one to two weeks, and keep mulch a few inches deep but well away from the trunk. The steps below explain each decision in the order you will face it, along with the places where extension sources disagree and what that means for your yard.
Confirm you have the right tree
Autumn Blaze® is the trade name for the Freeman maple cultivar Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’, a hybrid of red maple and silver maple. Oregon State University lists ‘Jeffsred’ as a synonym, so you may see either spelling on tags and in catalogs. Freeman maples and red maples are sold in large numbers, and not every listing for them is this cultivar. Before you pay, check that the label or plant description gives the botanical name, not only the common name.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The cultivar is selected for orange-red to red fall foliage and is described by extension sources as fast-growing. Its form is that of a large shade tree rather than an ornamental small tree, which is the single most important fact for placement.
Size and space: plan for the mature crown
Extension sources do not agree exactly on mature dimensions, so the table below shows each published figure alongside what it means for a homeowner.
#1 Best Overall
- Due to agricultural laws, we unalbe to ship to California, AZ, AK, or HI
- At maturity, Autumn Blaze Maples typically reach a height of 40-50 feet with a spread of 30-40 feet, forming a symmetrical and rounded canopy
- Known for its vibrant fall foliage, the leaves transition from green to shades of bright orange and red, providing a striking autumn display
- Autumn Blaze Maples are characterized by their fast growth rate, making them an excellent choice for homeowners seeking relatively quick landscape impact
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Typically Zones 3-8
| Source | Stated size | What it means for planning |
|---|---|---|
| Utah State University Extension, Autumn Blaze maple profile (accessed 2026) | 40–50 ft tall, 30–40 ft wide | The cultivar-specific range most useful for a typical yard |
| Oregon State University, Acer × freemanii Autumn Blaze® profile (accessed 2026) | About 50 ft tall, 40 ft wide | Upper end of the cultivar range; plan for this if the site is open |
| North Carolina State Extension, Freeman maple (species-level profile) | 45–70 ft tall, 35–50 ft wide | Covers the broader Freeman maple group, not Autumn Blaze alone; a useful ceiling for worst-case spacing |
For most lots, plan on about 40 to 50 feet of height and 30 to 40 feet of spread. Allow more room if the tree will sit near a house, a driveway, overhead utility lines, or a neighbor’s trees. Keep the crown well clear of structures; a tree that is planted too close will require repeated pruning or will eventually crowd the building.
Where the sources disagree: soil, pH, and climate
Sites suitable for this tree are not uniform across the country, and the sources differ in ways that matter to a planting decision.
- Utah State University Extension says Autumn Blaze is not suited to clay or heavy soils and notes that iron chlorosis, a yellowing caused by poor iron uptake, occurs in many intermountain soils.
- North Carolina State Extension describes Freeman maple as a species preferring moist, well-drained, acidic soil, while noting that it tolerates heavy clay and occasional wetness. This is a general species profile, not a verdict on the cultivar.
- South Dakota State University Extension (a report updated December 19, 2018) reports relative tolerance of alkaline soils but cautions that hardiness can fail in parts of North Dakota and the Canadian Prairie Provinces, even though broader zone ratings look favorable.
The practical conclusion is that drainage, pH, and winter severity at your address should decide the question, and local experience with this cultivar, from a nursery or extension office, should carry more weight than a national generalization. If your soil is heavy clay that stays wet after rain, or your site is alkaline and you already see yellowing on other trees, get a soil test and ask a local extension agent before planting.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #2
- You are buying two Autumn Blaze Maple Trees 10-22" tall in quart pots
- Hardy in zones 3-8
On hardiness, Utah State lists USDA zones 3 through 8, while Oregon State lists hardiness to zone 3. These are broad horticultural references. A zone number does not guarantee performance in a frost pocket, an exposed wind corridor, or a site with unusually hot summers.
Before you buy: stock checks
- Confirm the label reads Autumn Blaze® or Acer × freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ (or the ‘Jeffsred’ synonym).
- Ask whether the tree is container-grown or balled-and-burlapped, because the root preparation steps differ.
- Ask how the nursery has performed with this cultivar in your region and whether it has planting instructions for its own stock.
- Inspect the trunk for a visible root flare, a straight leader, and no girdling roots visible at the surface or wrapped around the base.
- Ask about delivery conditions and the nursery’s replacement terms before accepting shipment. Public extension sources do not establish particular seller policies, so get these in writing from the seller.
Planting step by step
1. Choose the site and locate utilities
Choose a full-sun, open location with suitable drainage, and confirm that the mature crown will fit. Before digging, call your local utility-locating service so buried lines are marked. Do not plant under overhead lines or in a narrow strip between a walkway and a foundation.
2. Dig a wide, shallow hole
University of Minnesota Extension recommends a planting hole two to three times the width of the root ball, but no deeper than the height of the root ball. Avoid digging a deep, narrow hole, which encourages roots to circle and makes the trunk settle unevenly. Loosen the sides of the hole so new roots can grow outward into native soil.
Rank #3
- FALL COLORS: Stunning red maple tree known for its brilliant scarlet-red fall foliage that creates a spectacular autumn display in your landscape
- 1'-2' ESTABLISHED HEIGHT: Arrives in a 1-gallon container, minimizing transplant shock and giving you a strong start for your landscape
- FAST GROWTH RATE: Gains up to 2 feet per year, quickly maturing into a stunning shade tree for your yard
- HORT ZONES 3–8: Cold-hardy, heat-tolerant, and ideal for a wide range of U.S. climates
- SUPPORTS A GREENER PLANET: Every purchase from the Arbor Day Foundation helps plant more trees in forests and communities
3. Find the root flare and prepare the root ball
The root flare is the point where the trunk widens into the structural roots. It should sit at or slightly above finished grade. If you cannot see it, remove soil from the top of the root ball until it appears before you set the tree.
- Container stock: inspect for circling roots. Gently loosen the outer roots, or cut any that are circling the root mass, to interrupt the pattern.
- Balled-and-burlapped stock: expose the flare, then remove twine, wire baskets, and the upper burlap as directed by the nursery and extension guidance. Leave no wrapping or ties around the trunk.
4. Set the tree and backfill
Center the tree in the hole, keep it upright, and check that the flare is visible. Backfill with the original site soil rather than a bag of potting mix, because a sharply different soil pocket can hold water and discourage roots from leaving it. Add soil in layers and water slowly after each layer to settle it and reduce air pockets.
5. Water the first season
Water immediately after planting. University of Minnesota Extension’s watering guidance for newly planted trees, reviewed in 2026, gives the following Minnesota schedule. Treat it as a regional starting point, not a national prescription, because rainfall, soil drainage, heat, wind, and tree size all change the right amount.
Rank #4
- This Autumn Blaze Maple Tree will come in a 1 Gallon
- Mature size can reach 40'-50' high x 30'-40' wide
- Light: Full sun
- Hardiness zone: 3 - 8
- Growth rate: Fast
| Period after planting | Minnesota schedule (UMN Extension) |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Daily |
| Weeks 3–12 | Every 2–3 days |
| After week 12 | Weekly until roots are established |
The same guidance suggests 1 to 1.5 gallons per inch of trunk caliper per watering. Check the root ball by pushing a trowel or a finger into the soil. Water when the top few inches are dry, and avoid both a dry root ball and soggy soil. In hot, dry, or windy weather, you may need to water more often than the table suggests; in cool, wet weather, less.
6. Mulch without burying the trunk
Spread organic mulch in a broad ring about 2 to 3 inches deep, according to UMN Extension’s planting guidance. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk so the root flare stays visible and dry. Avoid the so-called mulch volcano, a cone of mulch against the bark. Deep mulch piled against the trunk holds moisture near the bark and can interfere with root function.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
7. Monitor establishment
Roots may take multiple seasons to establish, and the time varies with tree size and site conditions, according to UMN Extension. Keep the ring of mulch and the area around the trunk free of mowers and string trimmers, because bark damage at the base is a common way young trees decline.
Best Value
- For sale is one Autumn Blaze Maple Tree that is approximately 12-18" tall and shipped in a quart pot
- Stunning Fall Foliage: Radiates a brilliant fiery-red color in autumn, living up to its "blaze" namesake
- Fast Growth Rate: Among the fastest-growing trees, providing a mature look in a shorter time span
- Drought Resilient: Once established, this tree can handle periods of dry weather, making it suitable for various climates
- Sturdy Structure: Features a strong, single leader trunk and a well-branched canopy, minimizing the risk of storm damage
Ongoing care after planting
Freeman maples can tolerate some drought once established, but a newly planted tree still needs regular water until its roots spread. Drought tolerance means the tree can survive short dry spells better than many trees, not that it needs no watering during establishment.
Pests to inspect for
Utah State University Extension describes Autumn Blaze as low maintenance but notes possible pest problems on young trees. North Carolina State Extension lists leafhoppers, borers, and scale as possible concerns on immature Freeman maples. These are things to check for during routine inspections, not problems to expect. Look at the undersides of leaves for leafhoppers and scale insects, and at the trunk for holes or sawdust-like frass that suggest borers.
Soil-related yellowing
Where Utah State notes iron chlorosis, new leaves may be pale green or yellow with green veins. Confirm the cause with a local extension office before treating, since the same symptom can come from waterlogging, root damage, or nutrient problems.
Winter hardiness in the northern Plains
If you live in the northern Plains, South Dakota State’s report is the most relevant caution. Even where a tree is listed as hardy to zone 3, winter injury can occur in parts of North Dakota and the Prairie Provinces. Ask a local nursery about winter performance before you commit.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Wilting in hot weather: check soil moisture 4 to 6 inches down. If it is dry, water deeply; if it is wet, look for drainage problems.
- Leaf drop during establishment: confirm you are not watering too little or too much, and check the trunk for damage that interrupts flow.
- Pale new growth: test soil and consult an extension agent, especially in intermountain or alkaline soils.
- Bark wounds at the base: stop mower or trimmer contact, and keep the ring of mulch clear.
- Visible pests or boring holes: photograph the damage and ask a local extension office to identify it before applying treatment.
If symptoms continue despite correct watering and mulching, or if your site has unusual soil or exposure, contact your county or state extension office rather than relying on general guidance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
