Images Depict Mature Plants
Brandywine Red Maple
Acer rubrum 'Brandywine'
The Brandywine Red Maple features lush green summer foliage that transforms into vibrant red and purple in the fall, adding striking seasonal beauty to any landscape. Ideal for use as a shade tree, lining streets, or as a specimen in larger yards, this seedless, low-maintenance tree provides both aesthetic appeal and practical function.
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Brandywine Red Maple Trees for Sale Online
The Brandywine Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'Brandywine') is a stunning deciduous tree renowned for its exceptional fall color and rapid growth rate. This male cultivar of the native red maple produces lush green foliage throughout the spring and summer, which transitions into brilliant shades of red and deep purple during autumn, creating a breathtaking seasonal display. The Brandywine Red Maple grows to a mature height of 35 to 50 feet with a spread of about 25 to 35 feet, making it an ideal choice for adding vibrant color and providing ample shade to residential and commercial landscapes.
Brandywine Red Maple thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to different soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. This tree is also tolerant of wet soils, making it an excellent option for areas prone to occasional flooding or for use as a focal point in rain gardens. Unlike many other maples, Brandywine Red Maple is seedless, which means there is no concern about unwanted seedlings or the need for messy cleanup, making it a low-maintenance addition to your landscape. The tree's symmetrical, rounded crown and dense foliage provide excellent shade, making it a popular choice for lining driveways and streets or as a specimen tree in larger yards.
Not only does the Brandywine Red Maple add visual interest and shade to your outdoor space, but it also supports local wildlife by providing shelter for birds and other small animals. Its adaptability, fast growth, and vibrant fall display make it a standout choice for those looking to add beauty and function to their gardens. Whether you're planting it to create a colorful backdrop, enhance curb appeal, or add a reliable shade tree to your property, the Brandywine Red Maple will bring years of enjoyment with its brilliant seasonal transformations and easy-care nature.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 25 to 30 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 13 to 15 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad-leaved deciduous tree, shade tree |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Habit: | Upright |
| Foliage: | Dark red fall color |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Pruning Season: | No pruning needed |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Tolerates moist soil and full sun. Full sun brings out the best fall color. Will adapt to drier sites |
How to Care for Brandywine Red Maple
Before you buy a Brandywine Red Maple, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How Do I Plant a Brandywine Red Maple?
To plant a Brandywine Red Maple, start by choosing a location that receives full sun to partial shade, as this will help the tree develop its best color and grow vigorously. The Brandywine Red Maple thrives in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. Begin by digging a hole that is twice as wide and slightly shallower than the root ball to allow the roots to spread easily and prevent the tree from settling too deeply. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the root crown is slightly above ground level. Backfill with native soil, firming it gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to help the tree establish strong roots. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the Brandywine Red Maple to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Water the tree deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season to help it establish, especially during hot or dry periods. Once established, Brandywine Red Maple is relatively low maintenance, but consistent watering during dry spells will support healthy growth and vibrant fall foliage. Space multiple trees at least 25 to 35 feet apart to allow enough room for their mature size, ensuring each tree can grow without competition for nutrients and sunlight. With proper planting and care, your Brandywine Red Maple will grow into a beautiful shade tree that provides striking seasonal color and enhances your landscape.
How Do I Water a Brandywine Red Maple?
Watering a Brandywine Red Maple correctly is crucial for promoting healthy growth and vibrant fall color. During the first growing season, water your Brandywine Red Maple deeply once or twice a week to help establish a strong root system. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A deep watering approach, such as using a soaker hose, is ideal to ensure that water penetrates deep into the root zone. This encourages the roots to grow down and become more resilient to dry conditions. In areas with hot climates or during extended dry spells, increase watering frequency to prevent the tree from becoming stressed. Once established, Brandywine Red Maple trees are more drought-tolerant, but they still benefit from consistent moisture, especially during the hot summer months. Water deeply once every week or two to maintain good hydration, particularly during periods of prolonged drought. Mulching around the base of the tree is also helpful in retaining soil moisture and preventing weeds that could compete for water. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and fungal problems. By following these watering practices, your Brandywine Red Maple will grow into a healthy, vibrant tree with lush summer foliage and stunning red and purple colors in the fall, enhancing the beauty of your landscape.
How Do I Fertilize a Brandywine Red Maple?
Fertilizing a Brandywine Red Maple properly is essential for promoting strong growth, healthy foliage, and vibrant fall color. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 16-4-8 formula, to provide essential nutrients that support root development, lush leaf growth, and overall tree health. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the drip line of the tree, avoiding direct contact with the trunk to prevent damage. Water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help the nutrients soak into the soil and reach the roots effectively. For young Brandywine Red Maples, annual fertilization in early spring will encourage healthy growth and establish a strong foundation. Mature trees may only require fertilizing every two to three years, especially if they are growing in nutrient-rich soil. If you prefer organic options, consider adding compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the tree to improve soil quality and provide a slow release of nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can result in overly lush foliage that is more susceptible to pests and may compromise the brilliant fall color. With the right fertilization practices, your Brandywine Red Maple will thrive, providing dense shade in summer and a spectacular display of red and purple foliage in the fall.
How Do I Prune a Brandywine Red Maple Tree?
Pruning a Brandywine Red Maple tree is crucial for maintaining its strong structure, promoting healthy growth, and enhancing its natural beauty. The best time to prune your Brandywine Red Maple is in late winter or early spring, while the tree is still dormant and before new growth begins. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as these can create wounds and invite disease. Additionally, prune away any weak or narrow-angled branches to help improve air circulation and light penetration within the canopy, which promotes overall tree health. When pruning a Brandywine Red Maple for shape, focus on maintaining its natural, rounded form by selectively thinning out branches rather than drastically cutting back large sections of the tree. Aim to remove no more than 20% of the tree's branches in a single year, as over-pruning can stress the tree and hinder its growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts just above a branch collar or bud, which will help the tree heal more efficiently. By following these pruning practices, your Brandywine Red Maple will grow into a well-balanced, healthy tree with dense foliage that offers ample shade in the summer and a stunning display of red and purple hues in the fall.
