Red Sunset® Maple Tree

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Size
Regular price $168.00

$1500+, BUNDLE20 for 20% off
$3000+, BUNDLE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

Red Sunset Maple is a stunning deciduous tree known for its vibrant red fall foliage and beautiful, uniform canopy. It provides excellent shade and adds striking seasonal color to landscapes, making it a popular choice for residential and urban settings.

  • Botanical name: Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset'
  • Bloom time: Early Spring
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun to partial shade

WATER:
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8; thrives in a variety of climates with well-draining soil

Note: Red Sunset Maple may have a slower growth rate in colder climates, but it will still provide beautiful fall color and shade once established.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Red Sunset® Maple Tree, scientifically known as Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset', is a stunning deciduous tree renowned for its vibrant red fall foliage and impressive size. This tree provides excellent shade and seasonal beauty, making it a top choice for adding color and elegance to any landscape.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Fast growth rate, typically reaching a mature height of 40-60 feet with a similar width.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Provide Red Sunset Maple with full sun to partial shade, ensuring it receives adequate sunlight for the most vibrant fall color display. While drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is important, especially during the tree's early years, to help it establish a strong root system.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune as needed to maintain a healthy structure and remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best done during the dormant season.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant fall color.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Mulch the base of the tree to insulate its roots during harsh winter conditions, particularly in colder zones.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

When planting Red Sunset Maple, choose a location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, position the tree at the same level as it was in the container, and water thoroughly after planting. Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to maintain its structure and shape, and fertilize in early spring to support healthy growth. This remarkable tree is an excellent choice for adding rapid growth, spectacular fall color, and resilience to your landscape.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 4-8

Red Sunset® Maple is adaptable to various climates, flourishing in regions with cold winters and warm summers. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both wet and dry conditions once established. This maple adds vibrant color and provides excellent shade, making it a valuable landscape tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Red Sunset Maple tree typically grows to a mature height of 45 to 50 feet with a spread of 35 to 40 feet. This makes it a substantial and striking addition to landscapes, providing ample shade and vibrant fall color. Regular pruning and proper care will help manage its size and maintain its health and beauty.

The Red Sunset Maple tree has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically growing 1 to 2 feet per year under optimal conditions. Factors such as adequate sunlight, proper watering, and nutrient-rich soil can enhance its growth rate. Regular care and maintenance will ensure the tree reaches its mature height and spread efficiently.

The best place to plant the Red Sunset Maple tree is in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot with well-draining soil, ideally slightly acidic to neutral with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Ensure the area has good air circulation to help prevent disease and is at least 15 to 20 feet away from structures to allow for proper growth. This tree also does well in areas with ample space to spread its roots and canopy, making it suitable for yards, parks, and large gardens.

Plant the Red Sunset Maple tree at least 15 to 20 feet away from structures such as houses, garages, or fences. This distance allows sufficient space for the tree to grow to its mature size without interfering with structures. Additionally, it ensures adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of root damage to foundations and sidewalks.

Yes, the Red Sunset Maple Tree is widely known for its brilliant fall color. In autumn, the leaves turn vibrant shades of bright red and orange-red, creating a striking seasonal display that makes it one of the most popular maple trees for landscape planting.

Yes. It’s more tolerant of wet or clay-heavy soils than many other shade trees, though it still prefers moderate drainage.

Yes, pruning is beneficial for the Red Sunset Maple tree. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain the tree's health. Thinning out the canopy can improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which promotes better overall growth. Regular pruning also helps maintain the tree's shape and size, ensuring it remains attractive and manageable. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as it can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to winter damage.

Yes, like most red maples, it produces small winged seeds (samaras) in the spring, but this variety is less messy than many others.

The Red Sunset Maple tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting in full sun promotes vibrant fall color and healthy growth. While it can tolerate partial shade, too much shade may result in reduced leaf coloration and slower growth. Ensure the tree is placed in a location that maximizes its sunlight exposure for optimal performance.

The Red Sunset Maple tree is quite hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, but taking some winterizing steps can help ensure its health:

Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree to insulate the roots and retain moisture.
Watering: Water the tree well before the ground freezes to ensure it is well-hydrated going into winter.
Protection: For young trees or those in particularly harsh climates, consider using tree wraps or burlap to protect the trunk from frost cracks and sunscald.
Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as this can stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to winter damage. Prune in late winter or early spring instead.

These steps will help your Red Sunset Maple tree withstand winter conditions and emerge healthy in the spring.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.