treeN. America Native

Autumn Fest Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum 'Autumn Fest'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans, but leaves can be toxic to horses

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer saccharum, the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous North American native tree famous for its brilliant fall color and for being the primary source of maple syrup. 'Autumn Fest' is a cultivar selected for its vigorous growth rate and its consistently vibrant orange-red fall color that develops earlier than many other varieties.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

As a large shade tree, it is almost unparalleled for its majestic form and spectacular fall foliage. 'Autumn Fest' provides a reliable and brilliant display of orange-red, making it a superb specimen tree for large landscapes.

Its dense canopy provides excellent shade in the summer, which can help reduce cooling costs for nearby buildings. The hard, dense wood is highly valued for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.

Sugar maples are a keystone species in many eastern North American forests. They provide habitat and food for a wide range of wildlife, including birds and small mammals that eat the seeds (samaras), and insects that feed on the sap and leaves.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with native soil, tamping lightly to remove air pockets.
Water deeply and consistently for the first two growing seasons.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch over the root zone, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting near roads where salt is used in winter, as Sugar Maples are highly sensitive to soil salinity which can cause decline.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample space for its large mature size.
Water during prolonged periods of drought, even when mature.
Protect the trunk from lawnmower and string trimmer damage.
Mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.

Don't

Do not plant in compacted soil or areas with poor drainage.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
Don't plant where road salt runoff is common.
Refrain from heavy pruning or 'topping' the tree.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Classic large-scale shade treeBrilliant focal point for fall colorStately tree for parks and large properties

Companion Plants

Fagus grandifolia Quercus rubra Tilia americana Ostrya virginiana Geranium maculatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Fest Sugar Maple questions

What zones can Autumn Fest Sugar Maple grow in?

Autumn Fest Sugar Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Fest Sugar Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Autumn Fest Sugar Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Autumn Fest Sugar Maple bloom?

Autumn Fest Sugar Maple typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Autumn Fest Sugar Maple need full sun?

Autumn Fest Sugar Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.