Top Acer Trees for Autumn Colour, Structure and Seasonal Appeal
- Nov 22, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: May 15
Looking for a tree that brings vibrant foliage, architectural structure, and interest across the seasons? Acer trees (commonly known as maples) are a brilliant choice. From upright urban-friendly trees to fiery autumn spectacles, acers offer something for every space. In this guide, we highlight some of the top Acer varieties, including key features, planting advice, and their ideal garden uses.
Why Choose an Acer Tree?
Seasonal Colour: Famous for their fiery autumn leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Ornamental Shapes: Includes upright, narrow, and spreading forms suitable for various design styles.
Great for Small & Large Spaces: From compact small garden trees to larger ornamental specimens.
Wildlife-Friendly: Provide seasonal interest and shelter for birds and insects.
Low Maintenance: Easy to grow in well-drained soil with the right position and care.
Top Varieties of Acer Trees
Acer campestre 'Street Pillar' | Upright Field Maple Tree
A narrow, upright form of the native field maple, ideal for tighter spaces or avenue planting. With golden autumn colour and good wind tolerance, it's perfect for urban or rural sites.
Key Features:
Tall, columnar shape
Native species with great resilience
Golden-yellow autumn foliage
Ideal For:
Large or small gardens
Tighter spaces and narrow borders
Wildlife-friendly hedging
Mature Height & Spread: 10–12 m x 3–4 m
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Acer rubrum 'Autumn Flame' | Red Maple
A fast-growing red maple with a dense, rounded crown and early, vivid red autumn colour. It’s a great tree for medium to large gardens seeking strong seasonal display.
Key Features:
Early intense red autumn foliage
Uniform growth habit
Dense canopy for shade
Ideal For:
Autumn colour displays
Medium to large gardens
Seasonal focal points
Mature Height & Spread: 10–13 m x 6–8 m
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Moist, slightly acidic, well-drained
Acer platanoides 'Crimson Sentry' | Maple Tree
A striking, upright Norway maple with deep purple foliage throughout the growing season. Its narrow form makes it a favourite for urban planting or narrow borders.
Key Features:
Rich purple foliage from spring to autumn
Narrow, columnar habit
Strong visual contrast
Ideal For:
Urban settings or driveways
Narrow garden spaces
Colour contrast planting
Mature Height & Spread: 8–10 m x 3–4 m
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, fertile
Acer negundo 'Winter Lightning' | Maple Tree
This striking box elder cultivar is best known for its bright yellow stems that provide vivid winter interest. Its pale green foliage turns soft yellow in autumn, adding seasonal colour to naturalistic and urban gardens.
Key Features:
Bright yellow winter stems
Pale green summer foliage
Yellow autumn colour
Ideal For:
Winter garden interest
Naturalistic or urban schemes
Seasonal colour
Mature Height & Spread: 8–12 m x 5–7 m
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Tolerant of most soils
Acer ginnala 'Flame' | Maple Tree
A compact, hardy tree valued for its brilliant red autumn foliage and fragrant spring flowers. It forms a rounded shape and is suitable for smaller gardens or borders.
Key Features:
Bright red autumn colour
Fragrant creamy spring blooms
Tolerant and low maintenance
Ideal For:
Small gardens
Seasonal highlights
Wildlife-friendly planting
Mature Height & Spread: 4–6 m x 3–5 m
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
How to Choose the Right Acer Tree
Garden Size: Choose compact or slow-growing varieties like Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’, Acer palmatum ‘Pixie’, or Acer x pseudosieboldianum ‘Arctic Jade’ for limited space. For very small gardens or narrow borders, Acer ginnala 'Flame' is also a brilliant option.
Desired Features: Select for autumn colour, bark interest, or upright shape depending on your design needs.
Soil and Light: Most acers prefer well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded spot. However, some cultivars like Acer rubrum and Acer x freemanii prefer slightly acidic, moist soils, while others such as Acer negundo are more tolerant of a wider range of conditions, including urban soils and light drought.
Acer Tree Care Tips
Planting Time: Best planted from autumn to early spring, when the soil is moist and not frozen. Container-grown Acers can be planted at any time of year, provided they are well-watered.
Watering: Water well in the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. During dry periods, especially in summer, water regularly to prevent leaf scorch and stress.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. Avoid heavy pruning in spring, as rising sap can lead to bleeding.
Feeding: Mulch in spring with well-rotted organic matter to conserve moisture and improve soil structure. Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth.
FAQs
Do Acer Trees Work in Smaller Gardens?
Yes, many Acer varieties are well-suited for small gardens. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are particularly popular due to their compact size and slow growth, making them ideal for limited spaces. Varieties like 'Dissectum' and 'Pixie' offer beautiful foliage and can be grown as small trees or shrubs. Additionally, Acer campestre 'Compactum' is a dwarf field maple that thrives in smaller gardens.
Are Acers Good for Wildlife?
Absolutely. Native species like Acer campestre (field maple) are excellent for supporting local wildlife. They attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their nectar-rich flowers. The seeds provide food for birds, and the dense foliage offers shelter for various insects and animals.
Can I Grow an Acer in a Container?
Yes, many Acer varieties thrive in containers, especially dwarf and slow-growing types. Ensure the pot has good drainage and use a soil mix that's slightly acidic, such as a combination of loam-based compost and ericaceous compost. Regular watering and annual repotting every 3–4 years in early spring are recommended.
When Is the Best Time to Prune My Acer Tree?
The optimal time to prune Acers is during late summer to early autumn when sap flow is reduced, minimising the risk of bleeding. Avoid pruning in spring, as rising sap can lead to excessive bleeding and stress the tree.
Are Acers Susceptible to Pests and Diseases?
While generally hardy, Acers can be affected by pests like aphids and diseases such as verticillium wilt. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with appropriate organic or chemical controls can manage these issues.
Whether you're looking to brighten your autumn garden or add structure and colour to your outdoor space, our Acer trees offer the perfect solution.
Explore our full collection and find your ideal maple today.
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