Red October Glory Maple

Introduction

This cultivar of Red Maple has an oval to rounded shape and is a fast grower with strong wood, reaching a height of 40 to 50 feet. It and Red Sunset are the most popular Red Maples in cultivation probably due to their dependable fall color and vigorous growth. This tree is much more preferred over Re Maple, Silver Maple or Boxelder when a fast growing maple is needed. The newly emerging leaves, red flowers and fruits signal that spring has come. The seeds pf Red Maple are quite popular with squirrels and birds.

Use and Management

The outstanding ornamental characteristics of ‘October Glory’, is bright red to orange fall color lasting several weeks. It puts on one of the most brilliant displays of any tree late in the fall. The tree makes the best growth in wet places and has no other particular soil preferences except chlorosis may develop on alkaline soil. It is well suited as a street tree in northern and mid-south climates in residential and other suburban areas but the bark is thin and easily damaged by mowers. Irrigation is often needed to support street tree plantings in well-drained soil in the south. Roots can raise sidewalks. It is not especially drought-tolerant.

Pests

Aphids, scale and borers are a problem. But can be easily maintained by horticultural practices.

Planting

• Typically planted in 30, 45, 65, or 95 gal containers
• B&B trees are specified in caliper inches (2” cal, etc)
• Container trees can double the price of B&B trees
• Plant container trees in late summer, if price allows
• Plant B&B trees if they were dug and cured in the winter months