I would like to plant a few red maples (acer rubrum) behind the house. Can anyone tell me whether they have special requirements (soil, location, moisture)? For instance, it says in the literature on maples that they live in moist acidic soils, and I found stories warning of chlorosis on the internet. What size can they reach (i.e. how close to the garage can I plant them, and are the cultivars - autumn blaze, october glory, etc) smaller? Any replies are much appreciated.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution. Source : http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Acer+rubrum&CAN=COMIND NB : With A. saccharinum, A.rubrum is one of the rare maple which give mature seeds in may, june. These seeds will dry very quickly and should be sown immediately.
