The following was received via email: I'm considering getting and planting a Red Maple tree and need to know if there is a time of year best to plant this new tree. I live in nothern Texas and want a tree with alot of color.
Autumn color of Acer rubrum can be poor on alkaline soil. Do you see this species growing and coloring well in your area already? If so, plants obtained under the selling name A. rubrum October Glory(R) PP 2116 often produce intense colors in autumn.
Autumn in USDA 6 and above, which you likely are. See http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=5727