El red maple It is one of the most widespread trees in the north of the American continent. A variety that is highly appreciated because you can get a lot of use out of it. In addition, it also has important ornamental value, because it is a very attractive tree.
If you have a garden, the also known as Canada maple can be a perfect addition to it. So that you can decide if it is the right one for your home, it is best that you first know its main characteristics and the care it requires.
Characteristics of red maple
The Acer rubrum is a tree native to North America. There we can see it in its natural habitat from southern Canada to northern Florida, and from the Atlantic coast to the central region of the United States.
Identifying it will be quite easy if you pay attention to these characteristics that define its identity:
Height and shape
It is a medium-large species, which can reach reach between 18 and 27 meters high.
Its crown tends to develop a rounded shape, being wide and with a large amount of foliage.
Leaves
A very notable characteristic of this type of tree is that its leaves are palm-shaped. With three lobes that remind us of the fingers of an open hand.
When autumn comes The leaves lose their usual green tone and change to a bright red, although they can also be orange and yellow. This gives the tree a spectacular appearance for a few weeks. Afterwards, it loses its leaves, because it is a deciduous species.
Flowers and fruits
The flowers produced by this tree are small in size, in a color that varies between red and green. They appear in spring, before the leaves have fully developed.
After the flowers the fruits appear. Some winged samaras that They are helix-shaped and are not edible.
This is not the tree from which the famous maple syrup is obtained, which It is used as a sweetener and has become very popular due to its low calorie content. This syrup is obtained from the sap of the sugar maple, a variety in which, in addition, the fruits are edible.
Red maple wood is highly appreciated
The tree from which we are talking about is highly appreciated in the field of landscaping, but it is also grown commercially for wood production.
The wood of this tree is known as maple and is highly valued because it is applied in different areas:
- Construction. The wood of the red maple is used for the construction of buildings, the manufacture of furniture, flooring and other carpentry products. Because it is a fine textured wood that is relatively easy to work with.
- Craft. Due to its light and attractive color, and its ability to adapt to different shapes and maintain finishes and stains well, this wood is very popular in the field of crafts.
- Musical instruments. Precisely because of its flexibility and lightness, it is one of the most used woods to make musical instruments such as guitars or violins.
- Gas. This is a firewood that burns well, so it also has great use as fuel.
- Paper industry. Red maple wood pulp is also one of the raw materials frequently used in the production of paper.
Red maple care
This is a fairly resistant tree that can be very long-lived. But so that I can display its spectacular beauty, it is advisable to provide specific care that adapts to your needs:
Tree location
The ideal for this species is to be planted in places where it receives a good amount of sunlight each day. Although you can also adapt well to partial shade conditions.
In especially hot areas, it is recommended that the tree be shaded during the hours when the sun shines most intensely, to prevent Its leaves can burn.
As for the ground, Canada maple does best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Although it is quite adaptable, you should avoid planting it in soils that are very dry or compacted, as this can affect the development of its roots.
Irrigation conditions
In the first year after planting, it is important to keep the soil around the tree evenly moist. Because at this stageThe roots are establishing themselves and need more nutrients.
Once it is fully established in the ground, we have a tree that is quite resistant to drought. However, it is always appreciated to receive a little water, andespecially if it is planted in a sandy type soil.
Moderate fertilization
Although it is not necessary you can give the red maple a little balanced fertilizer and adapted to this type of trees.
If it is always important not to overdo it with fertilization, in this case it is even more so. Because this tree It can respond negatively if we provide it with an excessive amount of nutrients.
Selective and training pruning
Whenever you see a dead, diseased or damaged branch, you can prune it. So you stimulate the growth of the tree, that will stop allocating energy to branches that are useless.
During fall or winter You can carry out training pruning to give your tree the structure you like. But don't overdo it, because pruning too deeply can weaken it.
Plagues and diseases
El red maple It is resistant, but can be infested by aphids and mites, and it is not unusual for it to become infected with powdery mildew or black spot fungus. That's why, Try to periodically check both the leaves and the trunk, and take action if you detect that something is wrong.
winter protection
This species is resistant to cold, but you will contribute to their survival and well-being If, before the winter frosts begin, you apply a layer of mulching or mulch around it to protect its roots.
If you live in an area with late frosts, use a protective cover at night to protect the new leaves that begin to sprout in spring.
What do you think of red maple? It is a beautiful and easy to care for tree variety. Do you dare to put it in your garden?