Beloved for their adaptability and eye-popping fall foliage, red maple trees are a common tree found on properties across Eastern Oklahoma as far west as Oklahoma City. And while you should consider yourself fortunate to have one (or more) growing on your residential or commercial lot, it is important to provide these trees with the care they need to thrive.
We’ll outline the basic care requirements of red maple trees and provide some pointers for keeping them looking fantastic below.
Getting to Know the Red Maple Tree
The red maple (known to tree-care professionals as Acer rubrum) is a medium to large, deciduous tree that often thrives in the Oklahoma City area. And while it is capable of reaching 100 feet in height in the eastern U.S., most of our local red maples are in the 50- to 75-foot range.
A very flexible species, the red maple can adapt to a variety of environmental conditions once established. This includes areas with varying moisture levels and soil chemistries, and they can even grow well in partially shaded areas (though they prefer full sun, when possible).
This tree is not only called the “red” maple for its spectacular fall foliage, but also for its flowers, twigs, and seeds, which all have some degree of red coloration.
Caring for Red Maple Trees: The Basics
Caring for a red maple tree is fairly easy in the Oklahoma City area — in fact, that’s a big part of the species’ appeal. Generally speaking, you’ll want to:
- Plant them properly. Always set yourself (and your tree) up for success by selecting a suitable planting spot that provides plenty of sun exposure and enough room for the tree and its roots to grow. When actually installing the tree, ensure that the planting hole is two to three times the root ball diameter and shallow enough to keep the root flare above ground level.
- Provide supplemental water when necessary. Always provide supplemental water for one to two years after installing a red maple tree to help ensure good root establishment. Once established, red maples rarely need additional water except during prolonged droughts.
- Structurally prune them when young. While your new red maple is still young, you’ll want to remove any branches that impede proper development or are likely to present structural problems in the future. For example, narrow, V-shaped branch unions are notorious for causing problems in maples, so you’ll want to remove the smaller of the two branches.
- Prune them periodically as they age. As your red maple grows, you’ll want to have tree-care professionals prune it every three to five years. This will help ensure good airflow through the canopy and provide a good opportunity for removing dead, dying, diseased, or decayed branches to keep the tree safe.
- Apply a layer of mulch under the canopy. It is almost always a good idea to apply a 2- to 4-inch-thick layer of organic mulch (not rocks or synthetic materials) over the majority of the tree’s root zone. When possible, the mulch should extend at least as far as the dripline (the edge of the canopy). However, avoid piling mulch up against the trunk; leave a 4- to 6-inch gap between the mulch and the trunk.
- Fertilize them when needed. It can often be helpful to apply an organic, slow-release fertilizer to a tree’s root zone periodically, particularly when the tree is growing in low-quality suburban soil. However, you shouldn’t just apply fertilizer haphazardly — always conduct a soil test first, so that you can select a fertilizer that’ll address the specific deficiencies present.
- Monitor them for health issues or structural problems. Unfortunately, many tree health problems are only noticed by the time they’ve progressed to an advanced state. So, to give your trees the best chance of surviving any pest or disease issues, monitor them vigilantly and secure professional help at the first sign of trouble.
Common Red Maple Problems in Oklahoma City
While red maples often thrive in our region, there are a few common problems they are susceptible to, including:
- Girdling roots can wrap around the trunk and prevent a tree from accessing the water and nutrients it needs.
- Leaf scorch may cause leaf discoloration, and it commonly occurs following droughts or heat waves.
- Chlorosis is caused by high soil pH or iron deficiencies and leads to the yellowing of a tree’s foliage.
If you notice any of these problems on your red maple trees, contact the professionals at Elion Landscaping & Tree Service immediately.
Let Elion Landscaping & Tree Service Care for Your Red Maples
Red maples may be fantastic trees that are well-suited for many Oklahoma City properties, but that doesn’t mean you can just plant them and walk away. You’ll need to ensure your red maples have everything they need to thrive and that they’re pruned, watered, mulched, and fertilized properly.
Fortunately, it’s easy for homeowners and property managers in the Oklahoma City area to get professional tree-care assistance: Simply contact the professionals at Elion Landscaping & Tree Service. We’ll be happy to visit your property, assess your trees, and recommend a care regimen that’ll keep them healthy and looking their best.
Sources & References
- Oklahoma State University Extension – “Selecting Deciduous Trees for Oklahoma”
An extension fact sheet providing guidance on choosing appropriate deciduous tree species based on Oklahoma climate conditions, site requirements, and landscape performance.
https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/selecting-deciduous-trees-for-oklahoma.html - USDA Forest Service – “Acer rubrum (Red Maple) Silvics Manual”
Offers a comprehensive, science-based profile of red maple biology, soil and moisture tolerance, common structural issues, and growth habits across varying climates.
https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/acer/rubrum.htm - International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) – “Tree Care Tips”
Outlines industry-standard practices for pruning, mulching, young tree care, and monitoring tree health—core components of long-term red maple maintenance.
https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/treeownerinformation
