Red Sunset Maple Tree
Red Sunset Maple trees bring dramatic seasonal color and dependable shade to your landscape with deep burgundies, oranges, and red fire colors in Autumn. This cultivar of red maple is prized for its blazing scarlet and orange fall foliage, upright growth habit, and versatility in many soil types.
This is the #1 selling tree at TN Nursery for a couple of reasons: First, it is a fast-growing tree that offers shade, is easy to grow, and doesn't even require fertilizer. Second, its vibrant green foliage in spring and summer gives way to the fire foliage in Fall, making it a staple for anyone wanting beauty in their landscaping.
Why Choose the Red Sunset Maple Trees?
- Spectacular fall display. As one of the first maples to turn color, the Red Sunset Maple lights up your yard in autumn with fiery reds and deep oranges.
- Fast-growing and shade-giving. With 1-2 ft of growth per year under ideal conditions, it quickly develops a lush green canopy, making it ideal for cooling shade during summer.
- Adaptable and resilient. Performs well in a wide range of soils (loamy, sandy, clay) with good drainage. Tolerates urban conditions, occasional drought, and typical pests better than many other maples.
- Elegant form. Upright-oval habit matures at ~40-50 ft tall and 30-40 ft wide, making it a stately presence without overwhelming smaller yards.
Tree Charaxteristics
- Bare-root trees, freshly dug and shipped directly from our nursery
- A vigorous, healthy plant ready for establishment
- Detailed planting & care instructions
- Buy 1, Get 1 Free offer on qualifying sizes (automatic add-on at checkout)
Planting & Care Instructions
- Site selection. Choose full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged areas.
- Soil prep. Dig the hole twice as big as the width of the root ball. Keep the root flare slightly above grade.
- Watering. Water thoroughly after planting; maintain consistent moisture during the first year (especially during dry spells).
- Mulching and staking. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch or rich topsoil around the base of the trunk (not touching the trunk). In windy sites, stake if needed.
- Pruning. Minimal pruning required-remove dead or crossing branches.
With proper care, your Red Sunset Maple will establish quickly and thrive for decades.
How fast do Red Sunset Maple trees grow?
These trees grow at a moderate to fast rate, often adding 1-2 feet of new growth each year once established. Their vigor makes them a popular choice for quick shade.
What makes the Red Sunset Maple different from other maples?
This variety is known for its exceptionally vibrant fall color. Its foliage turns deep red to fiery orange earlier than most maples, making it one of the brightest autumn performers.
What type of soil is best for Red Sunset Maples?
They prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil but also adapt to clay, loam, and sandy blends. Consistent moisture supports healthy roots and a strong canopy.
How much sunlight does a Red Sunset Maple need?
Full sun is ideal. With at least six hours of sunlight per day, the tree produces better color, stronger branches, and faster growth.
How tall and wide do Red Sunset Maples get?
Most mature trees reach 40-50 feet in height with a brod 30-40 foot spread. Their rounded canopy makes them excellent shade trees for lawns and large landscapes.
Are Red Sunset Maples drought-tolerant?
Once established, they handle short dry spells, but consistent moisture is best. Young trees need regular watering to develop deep, healthy roots.
When do Red Sunset Maples show their fall color?
They are among the earliest maples to display fall color, typically starting in early to mid-autumn and turning a brilliant red before many other varieties. Do maples attract wildlife? Yes. Birds, squirrels, and beneficial insects use the canopy for shelter and nesting. The tree also supports a balanced,wildlife-friendly landscape.
Are Red Sunset Maples suitable for street or urban environments?
They adapt well to urban conditions and tolerate moderate pollution. Their strong branches and consistent shape make them a popular city and suburban choice.
How should I care for a newly planted Red Sunset Maple?
Water deeply during the first year, mulch around the base to retain moisture, and avoid heavy pruning. Give the tree time to establish its framework naturally. 
Customer Reviews
My Red Sunset Maple from TN Nursery has exceeded expectations. It’s a hardy tree with thick, glossy leaves and a beautiful branching structure. I’m excited to see the vibrant red it’s famous for as the weather cools. Great purchase experience.
This Red Sunset Maple is the ideal combination of beauty and function. It provides fast-growing shade and a gorgeous display of red and orange foliage in the fall. TN Nursery delivered a robust tree that’s already thriving.
What stood out most about the Red Sunset Maple I received from TN Nursery was the healthy root system. It planted easily and bounced back quickly. The rich leaf color is already starting to show, and the growth rate is impressive.
Adding this Red Sunset Maple to my front yard has already improved my curb appeal. The tree has a stately shape and vibrant foliage. TN Nursery provided a flawless product, and I’m excited to watch it grow and mature.
The Red Sunset Maple is famous for its autumn brilliance, and TN Nursery sent me a beautiful young tree that’s well on its way to making a statement. I’m impressed with the root quality and overall health of the tree on arrival.
What are the pros and cons of Red Sunset Maple?
Red Sunset Maple has many pros, including brilliant red fall color, fast growth, and strong adaptability. It thrives in a variety of soils and provides excellent shade for yards and landscapes. Its beauty and reliability make it a favorite choice for homeowners and landscapers alike.
How big does a Red Sunset Maple grow?
A Red Sunset Maple typically grows 40 to 60 feet tall with a rounded, symmetrical canopy. Its strong branches and vibrant foliage make it a standout in any landscape. It provides excellent shade and stunning fall color year after year.
What is the difference between red maple and Red Sunset Maple?
Red Sunset Maple is a cultivated variety of the red maple known for its brighter fall color and stronger branching. It turns vivid shades of orange and red earlier in the season than standard red maples. Both are hardy, fast-growing trees, but Red Sunset offers exceptional beauty and uniform shape.
Exposure
Red Sunset Maple trees thrive in full sun and are disease resistant.
Height at Maturity
Over 25 Feet
Usage
Fast Growing
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
4-9
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees
Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.
