Red Sunset® Maple Tree

Red Sunset® is the trade name for *Acer rubrum* ‘Franksred’, an upright, oval red maple with glossy green summer foliage and vivid orange-red to red autumn color ([J. Frank Schmidt & Son](https://jfschmidt.com/all-trees/introductions/red-sunset-maple/)). This vigorous tree offers broad shade and works well as a specimen or street tree where its mature canopy has room to spread. ## Landscape use Use Red Sunset as a shade tree or autumn-color specimen in a lawn, park, or spacious residential landscape. Its mature crown needs room: the breeder lists a 45-foot height and 35-foot spread, while the Morton Arboretum gives a broader 40–50-foot height and 25–35-foot width range. ## Seasonal interest Glossy, dark green leaves provide a dense summer canopy before turning orange-red to red in fall. Like other red maples, it also has small red flowers in early spring; the foliage display is its most distinctive landscape feature. ## Siting and soil Plant in full sun or partial shade. The [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/160563/acer-rubrum-franksred/details) lists clay, loam, or sand and recommends moist but well-drained or well-drained soil with acidic to neutral pH. Red maple is moderately sensitive to drought, so maintain adequate moisture during dry spells, especially while young. ## Maintenance Give the tree space for surface roots and avoid lawn equipment against its thin bark. Red maples can develop competing upright branches with weak attachments; [UF/IFAS Extension](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST041) recommends establishing good structure while young. Prune maples in early winter or summer, as advised by the [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/red-maple/).