treeN. America Native

Autumn Fantasy Maple

Acer freemanii 'Dtr 102'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

570 inches

Width

450 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

North America (hybrid)

Toxicity

Leaves can be toxic to horses if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer x freemanii is a hybrid of red and silver maples, combining the fast growth of silver maple with the stronger structure and superior fall color of red maple. It is a large, adaptable deciduous tree. Autumn Fantasy ('DTR 102') is prized for its rapid growth, broad oval crown, and its brilliant, consistent crimson-red fall color that develops earlier than many other cultivars, providing a long-lasting display.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Autumn Fantasy Maple is a premier shade tree, prized for its vigorous growth and stunning, reliable red fall color. Its symmetrical, oval canopy provides a classic, handsome appearance in the landscape.

Its rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for providing quick shade for homes, parks, and streets, which can help reduce summer cooling costs. It is also tolerant of a range of soil conditions.

Large maple trees provide important nesting sites and cover for birds and squirrels. While a hybrid, it still offers significant habitat value in urban and suburban environments.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun with ample room to grow.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or just above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune in its youth to develop a single strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches, preventing weak V-shaped crotches inherited from silver maple.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly and deeply for the first two years after planting.
Perform structural pruning while the tree is young.
Maintain a large, mulch-covered, turf-free area around the base.
Monitor for girdling roots as the tree matures.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Avoid planting too close to buildings, driveways, or septic systems.
Don't prune in early spring when sap flow is heavy.
Never 'top' the tree; it destroys its natural form and health.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fast-growing shade tree for large lawnsVibrant street or park treeReliable fall color specimen

Companion Plants

Pachysandra terminalis Vinca minor Hosta spp. Geranium maculatum Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Fantasy Maple questions

What zones can Autumn Fantasy Maple grow in?

Autumn Fantasy Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Fantasy Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Autumn Fantasy Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Autumn Fantasy Maple bloom?

Autumn Fantasy 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 Fantasy Maple need full sun?

Autumn Fantasy Maple does best in full sun (6+ hours).