Freeman Maple

About this plant

The Acer x freemanii 'Autumn Blaze' is a remarkable hybrid maple, celebrated for its robust growth and spectacular seasonal display. A cross between Red Maple and Silver Maple, it inherits the best traits of both parents: the brilliant red fall color from the Red Maple and the faster growth rate and adaptability from the Silver Maple. Its striking orange-red to brilliant scarlet foliage persists longer than many other maple varieties, creating a breathtaking focal point in any landscape. Beyond its autumn glory, 'Autumn Blaze' delivers a uniform, oval to rounded crown, providing excellent shade during warmer months and a strong presence year-round. This cultivar is an excellent choice for a specimen tree, street tree, or for adding dramatic vertical interest and four seasons of appeal to larger residential and commercial properties. Its resilient nature makes it a valuable investment for lasting beauty and shade.

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

Easily grown in a variety of soils, though it prefers moist, well-drained conditions. Once established, it shows good drought tolerance. Regular watering during dry periods, especially in the first few years, will encourage strong root development. Pruning is best done in late summer or early winter to avoid 'bleeding' of sap. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release 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.