Maple trees are perhaps the most popular shade trees in America. They are wide spreading trees with extremely thick, attractive foliage. In the south, maple trees are most recognized for their fabulous display of foliage color during fall, various dhades of red.

New hybrids have been developed that are very fast growing and guarantee red foliage in fall.

'Autumn Blaze' Maple - The is an extremely fast-growing maple with brilliant red fall color. Under good conditions it can grow 3ft. or more per year to a mature size of 40-50 feet high and an equal spread. It is tolerant of clay soils and droughty conditions. This deciduous tree develops a dense oval head with strong branching which makes it a popular shade tree as well as an ornamental tree.

'Autumn Flame' Maple - The is a fast growing tree to a height of 40-50 feet high and an equal spread. It is also one of the first trees to show fall color. The Autumn Flame Red Maple has scarlet leaves in fall. It will grow in low lands and can handle excessive moisture. The growth habit is pyramidal when young with ascending branches. The branches develop low and form a dense, narrow crown. The lobed leaves are a nice bright green. It requires full sun for best effect. It is not as tolerant of drought as some other maples. This tree is a large tree that can achieve a trunk size of three feet or more in diameter. This is truly a beautiful shade tree.

'Trident' Maple - This is a smaller maple, 20-30 foot-high by 25-foot-wide. The Trident Maple has beautiful 3-inch-wide, tri-lobed leaves, glossy green above and paler underneath, which turn various shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Its flowers are bright yellow and showy in the spring. With its fast growth rate, attractive orange-brown peeling bark, and easy maintenance, the Trident Maple is popular as a patio or street tree. It has enormous use for the home, commercial, or municipal property. Makes a nice small tree that can tolerate urban conditions, ie; confined root space, pollution, and heat and drought.