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Maple Tree
Red Sunset® Maple Tree
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Zones 4-8
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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts
From our farm to your front door
- Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
- Soil secured so it stays put in transit
- Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you
At a glance
- Leaves
- Deciduous: drops its leaves in fall and regrows them in spring
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
- Water
- When the top 2" of soil is dry
- Growth & size
- Fast growth rate, typically reaching a mature height of 40-60 feet with a similar width.
- Botanical name
- Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset'
- Hardiness
- Zones 4-8
- Tolerates
- Cold hardyHeat tolerantWind tolerant
Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.
Not sure it'll thrive where you live?Real people who answer questions before and after planting.
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Size guide & what arrives
Size Facts
| *Trade size | **Pot size |
|---|---|
| 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" | 7 or 10 or 15 gallon |
*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons.
**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.
Please note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.
For more information on sizing, please see our sizing guide.
What arrives
Good to know
Red Sunset Maple may have a slower growth rate in colder climates, but it will still provide beautiful fall color and shade once established.
What customers are saying
4.8
out of 5 · 4 verified reviews
rated it 4 or 5 stars
Why customers love it
Healthy, well-rooted plants
Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.
Delivered to your door
Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.
Real plant experts
Ask us anything before or after planting.
1-year guarantee
If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.
Care made simple
Plant it right once and it does the rest.
Sun
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Pick the spot before you dig.
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.
Grows in
Zones 4-8
Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.
Your first year together
- 1Day 1
Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.
- 2First few weeks
Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.
- 3First summer
Water deeply during hot, dry spells.
- 4Next spring
New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.
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.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.
Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.
Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.
Red Sunset Maple prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensuring it receives adequate sunlight will provide the most vibrant fall color display.
Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.
Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.
Red Sunset Maple prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensuring it receives adequate sunlight will provide the most vibrant fall color display.
Care guide
Shipping & what's inside
Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.
1-year guarantee
Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.
Answered by Simply Trees plant expertsHow big does the Red Sunset Maple tree get?
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.
How fast does the Red Sunset Maple tree grow?
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.
Where is the best place to plant the Red Sunset Maple tree?
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.
How far away from structures should I plant the Red Sunset Maple tree?
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.
Does the Red Sunset Maple Tree have good fall color?
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.
Is the Red Sunset Maple tolerant of wet soil?
Yes. It’s more tolerant of wet or clay-heavy soils than many other shade trees, though it still prefers moderate drainage.
Do I need to prune the Red Sunset Maple tree?
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.
Does the Red Sunset Maple drop seeds or helicopters?
Yes, like most red maples, it produces small winged seeds (samaras) in the spring, but this variety is less messy than many others.
Does the Red Sunset Maple tree prefer sun or shade?
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.
Do I need to winterize the Red Sunset Maple tree?
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.
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.
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