
Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum 'Bailsta'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
720 inches
Width
600 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Very long-lived, 100+ years
Native To
Eastern North America (species)
Toxicity
Non-toxic, sap is edible
The Story
Plant Bio
Acer saccharum 'Bailsta', sold as Fall Fiesta®, is a large, vigorous deciduous tree selected for its classic, upright-rounded sugar maple form, faster growth rate, and exceptional fall color. It has thick, leathery leaves that are resistant to tattering. This cultivar is distinguished by its spectacular and long-lasting fall color display, which is a brilliant mix of oranges, reds, and yellows. Its faster growth and resistance to leaf tatter make it a particularly robust and rewarding landscape tree.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun to part shade and rich, well-drained soil.
- Provide ample space for its large mature size, away from structures.
- Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
- Set the tree so the root flare is visible at the soil line.
- Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle.
- Mulch a wide ring around the tree, but do not let it touch the trunk.
Pro Tip
Avoid planting near roads treated with salt in winter, as sugar maples are highly sensitive to salt spray and runoff.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
- Protect the trunk of young trees from sunscald with a tree wrap in winter.
- Mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.
- Prune when young to develop a strong structure.
Don't
- Do not plant in compacted soil or areas with poor drainage.
- Avoid planting in narrow tree lawns or close to pavement due to its large roots.
- Don't fertilize heavily, especially with high nitrogen formulas.
- Never prune in spring, as it will bleed sap profusely.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple questions
What zones can Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple grow in?
Fall Fiesta Sugar 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 Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple bloom?
Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple need full sun?
Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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