Stratification essential?

Yes double dormancy; 60 warm/60-120 cold.

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The Ultimate Guide to Red Maple Tree: Growing, Benefits, and Uses

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Answer: Stratify Red Maple (Acer rubrum) seeds: soak 24-48hrs hot water, warm 70°F moist peat 60 days, cold fridge 60-120 days; sow 1/8-1/4in deep fall/spring full sun acidic pH 6.0-7.0 well-drained soil, thin strongest. Fast-growing shade tree 40-70ft tolerates wet-dry; scarlet fall color cultivars consistent. Sap taps like sugar maple (40gal=1gal syrup); wildlife feeds squirrels/birds. "Red Maples show pale yellow to brilliant scarlet fall color; cultivars uniform vs wild variation," notes Sibley Guides.

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Red Maples transform landscapes with scarlet autumn displays while stabilizing soils and feeding wildlife. Adaptable native suits suburbs/wetlands; stratified seeds yield fast shade. Sap adds syrup bonus.[^15_6]

Scarlet Red Maple canopy in peak fall color against blue sky — Classic autumn transformation.

## Red Maple Basics Acer rubrum deciduous reaches 40-70ft x 30-50ft spread, zones 3-9. Tolerates acidic-neutral pH 6.0-7.0, wet-dry soils; full sun best color. Double dormancy seeds; early spring red flowers precede samaras.[^15_4][^15_6] ## Seed Stratification - Soak 24-48hrs hot water; mix moist peat bag. - Warm 70°F 60 days → cold 34-40°F 60-120 days fridge. - Fall direct sow natural; erratic 1-3 months spring germ.[^15_3][^15_2] ## Planting Care ### Site/Soil - Full sun 4-6hrs+; moist loamy/sandy pH 6.0-7.0. - Mulch roots; water 1-2in/week establishment. ### Maintenance - Prune dormant deadwood; N-P balanced spring. - Deer browse resistant; verticillium tolerant.[^15_4] ## Fall Color Variation Wild trees yellow-orange-scarlet; adjacent differ strikingly. Cultivars 'October Glory'/'Red Sunset' uniform reds persist. Sugar content peaks cool nights.[^15_5] ## Harvest Uses ### Sap/Syrup - Late winter tap 7.5°F above water boil; 40gal sap=1gal syrup. - Culinary: pancakes, glazes; antioxidants. ### Wildlife Red squirrels nest; rosy maple moth host; vireos forage insects. Samaras feed birds.[^15_6] ## Common Issues - Double dormancy fails: improper stratification. - Poor color: shade/poor drain. - Toxic leaves horses/cattle.[^15_6] ## Conclusion Red Maples deliver reliable shade/color/ecology from stratified seeds. Plant natives; enjoy syrup bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stratification essential?: Yes double dormancy; 60 warm/60-120 cold.[^15_2]
Syrup like sugar maple?: Lower sugar but viable 40:1 ratio.[^15_7]
Best fall color site?: Full sun cool nights acidic soil.[^15_5]
Urban tolerant?: Yes compaction/salt tolerant.[^15_4]
Wildlife value?: High—squirrels, birds, moths.[^15_6]

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Methods, Assumptions, Limits

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Assumes zones 3-9; northern cold strat natural.
40-70ft mature; space 30-50ft.
Syrup lower yield vs sugar maple.
Wild color varies; cultivars reliable.
Horse toxicity—fencing needed.[^15_6]