Acer rubrum, sometimes known as the red maple, is a species of maple tree that is indigenous to North America. It grows in a variety of environments, which demonstrates its flexibility. Schichtel’s Nursery, Springville, New York, developed “Autumn Radiance” in the 1970s, possibly from a seedling group.
The Autumn Blaze maple tree, on the other hand, has gorgeous fall color and a shapely form, making it a focal point in a vast landscape. This tree is a cross between the red maple and the silver maple, which are both found naturally in North America. This type of shade tree is appropriate for urban locations and is pollution-tolerant, which is vital for those who intend to grow one alongside a busy street.
Autumn Radiance Maple vs Autumn Blaze Maple Size
The Autumn Radiance Red Maple is a huge deciduous tree with a rounded crown that mostly grows to 40 or 50 feet tall with a 35- to 40-foot spread. A tree like this is planted for life because its estimated lifespan is close to a century or even longer. The bark on young branches is gray-brown, but it doesn’t take long for the trunk to take on a stunning silver-gray hue that lasts for many years. When the tree is old, the bark becomes rough and dark gray, with long vertical breaks and splits.
The Autumn Blaze Maple, on the other hand, is a decent-sized shade tree, reaching mature widths of up to 40 feet and heights of roughly 50. These trees are an excellent option for defining property lines if planted in long rows. These trees reach maturity rapidly and can gain up to three feet in height per year if given the proper care and planting.
Autumn Radiance Maple vs Autumn Blaze Maple Growth Rate
Autumn Radiance Maple typically reaches 50 feet in height and 40 feet in width at maturity. It is not recommended to grow this tree beneath the power lines due to its large canopy, which can reach heights of up to 7 feet above the ground. This tree’s lower branches can be deliberately removed as it matures to produce a canopy high enough for uninterrupted human traffic underneath. It has a medium rate of growth and, in a perfect world, can live up to 80 years or longer.
The Autumn Blaze maple tree, on the other hand, grows at a fast rate. This species is the result of a genetic mix between the rapidly growing Silver maple and the Red maple, which is known for its brilliant color. This is the most widely planted maple variety in the United States. The maple looks lovely in winter and fall. The tree’s overall profile is symmetrical due to its uniformly spaced ascending branches.
Autumn Radiance Maple vs Autumn Blaze Maple Care
Autumn Blaze maple trees, like many large landscaping trees, require minimal care. The most important component of care is to keep the soil surrounding the tree’s roots moist while it is still a young tree and establishing itself. The ideal period to prune this tree is in early summer or late spring. Fertilizing is unnecessary if the topsoil is rich. If not, organic compost can be added before planting. Avoid planting these trees close to important structures because they are very fragile and short-lived.
In contrast, the Autumn Radiance Red Maple tree is an easy-to-grow tree, though with a few basic requirements. Plant it in a sunny location for the finest color and keep in mind its final size when growing. Avoid planting within 20 feet of a building or a property line, and avoid planting directly beneath overhead lines. It grows well in most soils and even in wet soils, especially in locations that are occasionally flooded. It was called “swamp maple” by settlers because it thrived in moist regions. It can also thrive in well-drained soil and, once established, is relatively drought tolerant; however, don’t plant it in locations that are constantly dry and hot, otherwise its development is going to suffer. This tree can only grow in acidic or neutral soils, which is its only significant constraint.