Red Sunset® Maple Tree

About Red Sunset® Maple Trees (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’)

The Red Sunset® Maple Tree is one of the most popular red maple cultivars in North America—and for good reason. Known for its vibrant red and orange fall foliage, this tree offers a breathtaking seasonal display that starts weeks earlier than most other maples. In spring, even its emerging leaves and flowers carry a soft red hue, adding multi-season visual interest.

A standout in both residential and urban landscapes, this tree is a fast-growing, cold-hardy shade tree that matures gracefully. With its symmetrical branching, glossy green summer foliage, and striking red-orange autumn canopy, it delivers both form and function.

Why You’ll Love the Red Sunset® Maple

• Brilliant fall color: Turns fiery red to orange in early fall, weeks ahead of other maples
• Quick growth: Grows up to 1–2 feet per year, faster than Sugar Maple
• Hardy and adaptable: Thrives in USDA Zones 3–8 and tolerates a variety of soil types
• Beautiful structure: Upright, rounded canopy makes it ideal for streets, lawns, or park spaces
• Low maintenance: Easy to care for with minimal pruning; no fruit drop to manage
• Native hardwood species: Supports local ecosystems and adds long-term value

Red Sunset® Maple Tree Growing & Care Guide

• Mature Size: 45–50 feet tall × 35–40 feet wide
• Recommended Spacing: 35–40 feet apart
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained loamy soil
• Watering: Keep evenly moist, especially during establishment
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (up to 2 feet/year)
• Cold-Hardy Zones: 3–8
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain structure and remove dead or crowded branches

Red Sunset® Maple Tree Syrup & Woodworking Facts

While not as sweet as the Sugar Maple, Red Sunset can be tapped for a small amount of maple syrup. Its wood—classified as soft maple—is still quite durable and valued in furniture-making, cabinetry, and musical instruments.

Where to Plant Red Sunset® Maple Trees

• Ideal for home landscapes, shade tree lines, boulevards, and public parks
• Use as a specimen tree or group for a vibrant fall focal point
• Fast growth and manageable size make it great for new homeowners and urban settings

Plant a Red Sunset® Maple Tree and enjoy cool summer shade and spectacular fall color for generations to come. Whether you’re designing a landscape or adding autumn brilliance to your backyard, this tree delivers.