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Maple Tree (Sunset vs October Glory vs Autumn Blaze) #772577

Asked September 21, 2021, 4:20 PM EDT

I would like to plant a maple tree in my backyard for shade and color. I love the fall colors of orange and red. I have narrowed my options to Sunset Red maple, October Glory and Autumn Blaze. I would prefer one that does not produce a lot of helicopters, does not have invasive root or surface root issues. Of the 3 maples listed - is there one that is better than the others for Ohio zone 6 region?

Hamilton County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi Thank you for your gardening question. All 3 of these trees are great for your zone 6 garden. 

I am going to attach information sheets on each one. October Glory and Sunset Red are Acer rubrum-(red maples). They will both have fruit (samaras) helicopters. They will also both have surface roots so care should be taken not to plant to close to sidewalks or driveways. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b981

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b110

http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/ACERUBA.pdf

https://www.uky.edu/hort/Red-Maple

The Autumn Blaze is a Acer x freemani. It is a hybrid of a red maple and a silver maple. The flowers and fruit for this variety are sparse. It too will have surface roots.

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=255063&isprofile=0&

It is also recommended that you purchase when the leaves have changed so you can also see which coloring you like best. 

Hopefully you will find these articles helpful in making your decision.

Kim C.  Replied September 21, 2021, 8:49 PM EDT

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