Watering

In its first year, the tree needs a lot of water to grow its roots well. Try to keep the ground wet by giving it about 5-7 gallons of water every week. Once it’s grown up - the tree can handle dry spells but might need extra water when it’s very dry.

Mulching

Put a 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch around the tree base to keep moisture in the soil and keep temperature even. Make sure the mulch doesn’t touch the trunk to stop rot and other wet issues.

Pruning

Cut back the Autumn Blaze Maple in late spring or early summer every two years. Focus on cutting off dead, broken, or crossing branches to keep its shape and health good. Try not to cut branches thicker than 3 inches unless you really have to.

Soil Testing

You might not need to add stuff to make the ground better if you have a good soil, but it’s smart to check the soil if you’re not sure. If the ground needs help, mix in organic waste before planting. After year one, you can help it grow with a slow-acting, nitrogen-heavy food once yearly - but check the soil first.

Monitoring for Pests and Diseases

Watch for brown spots on leaves or bugs. Use bug soap or liquid lime sulfur to deal with bugs - following what the label says. For fungus problems like leaf spot - cut down on wetness around the plant and get rid of sick branches.

When It Arrives

Pour a lot of water on the base of the tree to fix the dirt around its roots and get rid of air holes. This first big drink helps the roots touch the dirt.

During the First Year

Your Autumn Blaze Maple needs a steady amount of water to grow its roots well in the first year. Give the tree 5-7 gallons of water each week. To know if it needs water, stick your finger 2 inches into the dirt; if dry, water it. Water the plant deeply once a week or more when it’s hot and dry. Don’t just sprinkle a little often; that doesn’t help the roots to grow deep. Let the water drip slowly from a hose, so it goes deep into the dirt without running off.

After the First Year

Your tree can handle some of the dryness once it’s grown a bit. But in long dry spells, it still likes water. Check dirt dampness once a week when things grow. A good plan is 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week (rain counts, too), especially in dry times. Water less as the tree gets older, letting the dirt dry a bit between waters to keep roots happy.

Extra Tips

Put a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree (not right against the trunk) to keep dirt wet and cool. Remember, seasons change; your tree needs more water in hot months and less when it’s cold.

When It Arrives

Do not give food to your Autumn Blaze Maple right after you plant it. The new tree needs time to get used to its new home without the extra work of taking in more food.

During the First Year

If your soil lacks the “good stuff”, add organic waste right before you plant it. This helps give the tree the food it needs without the harm that store-bought fertilizer can cause. Don’t give the tree any extra fertilizer in its first year. This time it’s critical for the tree to spread its roots without any added difficulties.

After the First Year

Before you start feeding the tree, check the dirt to see what nutrient qualities it has. This will tell you if you need to feed it and what kind of food to use. If the dirt test shows not enough food, pick a slow food that’s good for trees and has plenty of nitrogen. Make sure it’s even and made for garden trees. Put the food down early in spring when the tree wakes up and starts to grow. Spread the food around the bottom of the tree, going out to where rain drips off its branches. Keep the food away from the tree’s main stem. Feed once a year, better in spring. Giving too much food can mess up the tree by making it grow too much on top and not enough below.

Extra Tips

Water the tree well after putting down food to help spread the nutrients down to the roots. Adding a layer of mulch after feeding helps keep water in and slowly breaks down waste into food.

Tools Needed

Use sharp cutting shears for thin branches, big cutters for medium ones - and a saw for the thick branches.

Best Time to Prune

It’s best to cut in late spring or early summer when the tree has all its leaves. This keeps it safe from cold winter air and sickness that comes in fall and winter.

Steps for Pruning

Pick up all the branches you cut off to stop any sickness from spreading. Clean your cutting tools well to avoid passing any disease to other plants or trees.

Extra Tips

Don’t trim over a quarter in a year. Watch for small shoots at the tree’s bottom and pluck them out a lot. If unsure about big limb cuts or if the tree feels ill - it’s wise to get a tree expert.

What is the growth rate of the Autumn Blaze Maple?

The Autumn Blaze Maple shoots up quickly, growing as much as 2-3 feet yearly in the right spot.

How should I water it?

For its first year, give your tree 5-7 gallons of water every week to help its roots grow strong. After that, it needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water every week - rain included.

Does this maple require a lot of sunlight?

This tree loves sunlight. It thrives with 4-6 hours of straight sun daily.

What are the best type of soil for planting this new tree?

It isn’t fussy with soil and can thrive in varied forms - from sandy to dense clay, just be sure it drains well.

How often should I prune the Autumn Blaze Maple?

Trim off any dead, hurt, or crossed twigs biennially when late spring or early summer rolls around for its best health.

Can the Autumn Blaze Maple tree tolerate urban pollution?

Yes, this tree can handle city smoke and dirt - making it good for city places and near busy roads.

What is the tree’s mature height and width?

When fully grown, the Autumn Blaze Maple reaches heights of 50-70 feet and spans 30-40 feet wide.

Is fertilizing necessary for the Autumn Blaze Maple?

You don’t really need to feed the tree with extra fertilizer if your soil is already good. After the first year - test the soil to see if you need to add anything additional.