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October Glory Maple Trees
By Patricia Wainwright

Red Maple trees are highly prized additions to any landscape. They are versatile trees that can be used for shade, adapted for bonsai pruning, and can provide an anchor for your landscape plan. There are many species of red maple, all offering different characteristics, but one of the most highly prized is the October Glory Maple tree.

The October Glory cultivars are commonly used as landscape trees, as well as lining streets and driveways. They are a quick growing tree, and will typically add several feet of growth per year until they reach their maximum height of 40’-50’. They have a symmetrical round or oval crown and a mature spread of 25’-35’, making them excellent shade trees. October Glory maple trees produce vibrant red flowers in spring, dark green leaves in summer, and some of the most intense red foliage in the fall. These maples retain their leaves later in the season than other deciduous trees, providing a longer time span to enjoy their fiery display.

October Glory maple trees are also easy to grow and maintain. This species is widely used throughout USDA growing zones 5-8. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but adapts well to a variety of soil types, and is tolerant of both drought and wet conditions. It prefers medium to full sun. It is also able to flourish in urban conditions, where poor soil and pollution will affect more sensitive trees. One drawback to the species is that October Glory’s have a low, spreading root system. They do not do well in areas where their spread is inhibited, such as the thin space between a sidewalk and the street.

October Glory maple trees are generally hardy, and once established, easy to maintain. There are a few diseases that can attack this tree, generally caused by fungus in the soil or airborne spores from another affected tree. Most diseases are more of a nuisance, but some can potentially be fatal. The best prevention is to ensure your October Glory maple trees are planted in the optimal environment which gives them the best chance to grow and flourish.

If you are considering adding a maple tree, specifically a red maple tree, to your yard, consider the October Glory. It is one of the “reddest” red maple trees available! Combine that with easy maintenance, versatility and the ability to flourish in a variety of soils, moisture levels, and sun amounts, and you have the perfect specimen. Whether it is to provide a focal point, line your drive, or shade your yard, October Glory Maple trees are your best bet.

October Glory Maple Trees
Patricia Wainwright
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