Red Maple 'October Glory'

About this plant

Acer rubrum 'October Glory' lives up to its name, providing a stunning display of deep orange to brilliant red leaves that persist later into the fall season than many other maples. Its dense, upright oval to rounded crown makes it a superb choice as a shade tree, specimen plant, or for lining avenues where its consistent form and reliable color will truly shine. Beyond its renowned fall spectacle, 'October Glory' offers year-round appeal. Clusters of small, reddish flowers emerge in early spring, followed by classic samaras. Its clean, attractive green foliage provides a cooling canopy throughout the summer months. This cultivar is celebrated for its vigorous growth and adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions, though it prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Its robust nature and striking seasonal transitions make it a top choice for both residential and commercial landscapes seeking a touch of enduring beauty.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires minimal pruning, primarily to remove dead or crossing branches. Best planted in well-drained, acidic soil. Fertilize in spring with a balanced tree fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.