March 2025 - Native Plant of the Month - Acer Rubrum, Red Maple
The Benefits of Red Maple (Acer rubrum) in Urban Environments and Beyond
The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a must-have for homeowners looking to add beauty, shade, and sustainability to their landscape. Fast-growing and highly adaptable, it thrives in city settings, providing cooling shade, cleaner air, and natural stormwater control. Even rooftop decks can host maple trees in large containers, bringing durability and beauty to your private oasis. Its early spring flowers support bees and butterflies, while birds rely on its seeds and shelter year-round, enhancing biodiversity in your yard. With stunning seasonal color, low maintenance needs, and significant environmental benefits, the Red Maple is the perfect choice for homeowners seeking a gorgeous, eco-friendly landscape that also contributes to a greener, cleaner city.
The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) improves urban air quality by absorbing CO₂, filtering pollutants, and trapping dust. Its dense canopy helps reduce air pollution, promoting healthier living conditions. As a climate-friendly tree, it supports sustainability and resilience in cities. Maple trees provide excellent shelter, nesting sites, and food sources (insects, seeds, and sap) for many bird species in Chicago’s urban environment. A few of the birds that we love like Northern Cardinals, Downy & Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Finches, Robins, Blue Jays and Doves find shelter and food in our urban maple trees.
Red Maples offer valuable benefits for urban backyards in Chicago, particularly in stormwater management. Their extensive root system helps absorb excess water, reducing runoff and preventing localized flooding during heavy rains. Their broad canopy provides dense shade, mitigating the urban heat island effect by lowering surface temperatures and reducing energy costs. Additionally, Red Maples are highly adaptable, tolerating both drought and seasonal flooding, making them ideal for rain gardens and urban landscapes. While their roots can spread widely, they are not as aggressive as some other species, making them a manageable choice for homeowners when planted at a reasonable distance from structures and hardscapes.
Red Maple Seeds.
Red Maples play a vital role in supporting pollinators and beneficial insects, providing an essential nectar source in late winter and early spring when few other plants are blooming. Native bees, including Andrena and Bombus species, forage on the flowers for nectar and pollen, while honeybees rely on them as a crucial early-season food source. Additionally, Red Maples serve as a larval host for several butterfly and moth species, such as the Rosy Maple Moth, Cecropia Moth, and Luna Moth, enhancing biodiversity and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
As we enjoy their brilliant fall colors, it’s important to "leave the leaves" in garden beds or natural areas, as they provide shelter for overwintering pollinators and other beneficial creatures. In spring, wait until daytime temperatures are consistently above 50°F before cleaning up garden debris, as many insects overwinter in leaf litter, hollow stems, and soil. Disturbing these areas too early can harm emerging pollinators. When tidying up, use hand tools instead of power tools and leave as many cuttings as possible in the garden to provide additional shelter and habitat.
Red Maple ‘Red Sunset’ in a large planter box on a Chicago rooftop deck, designed and planted by Rooftopia.
When planting a Red Maple in Chicago, it's important to consider factors like site selection, soil conditions, and maintenance needs to ensure the tree thrives in the urban environment. Below are key considerations to keep in mind:
Site Selection: Prefers full sun for optimal growth, but will tolerate partial shade.
Mature Size & Growth Habit in the landscape: Acer rubrum 'October Glory' and ‘Red Sunset’ are popular cultivars known for stunning fall color and larger size in a landscape.
Mature Height: 40–50 feet
Mature Spread: 30–40 feet
Growth Rate: Fast-growing, typically adding 3–5 feet per year
Soil Type: Grows well in moderately well-drained soil but can adapt to urban conditions, including compacted soil.
Water needs: Will tolerate periods of heavy rain or drought but prefers consistent moisture levels.
Root System: Red Maples have a surface-rooted system, so plant them at least 10-15 feet away from sidewalks and foundations to prevent damage.
Pruning Needs: Prune in late summer to minimize excessive sap flow and maintain the tree's health.
Container-grown Red Maple trees experience restricted root development, which helps keep them smaller and more manageable. In a large container, these trees may reach heights of 10 to 15 feet and spreads of 6 to 10 feet. However, regular maintenance and care are essential to keep the trees healthy, even with their limited growth. All container-grown plants require consistent watering and appropriate nutrients to thrive.