A Fiery Red Autumnal Display! Compared to other Maples, the Flashfire® Maple Tree transforms into a red ball of fire in fall - it’s sure to be one of the most vibrant showings on your block! In the spring and summer, this moderately-sized tree’s vivid green leaves add color to your warm-season landscape. Gardeners choose the Flashfire® Maple as a low-maintenance, high-impact tree. As an accent tree or as part of a border, this Maple maintains its oval shape with minimal maintenance. Its five-foot canopy also provides shade during the warmer months. The Flashfire® Maple is also uniquely hardy, which is perhaps the reason it's such a popular choice in chilly Canada and New England. It withstands winter temperatures down to -30 degrees, while also thriving in warmer climates and even intense sunlight. Plus, this easygoing tree is less prone to disease, mildew and pests than similar trees. Ready for a hassle-free, attention-grabbing tree for your yard? Order your Flashfire® Maple today! Planting & Care 1. Planting: This Maple can tolerate many different soil conditions, but it prefers well-draining soil. When you're ready to plant, select a spot in full to partial sun exposure (4 to 8 hours of sunlight per day is ideal). Dig a hole that's 2 to 3 times the width of your tree's root ball and equal depth. Place your tree in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball even with the ground. Fill a small amount of soil into the hole to maintain the tree’s upright position and water thoroughly. Once the water has absorbed into the root ball and surrounding soil, backfill the remaining soil. Pack firmly and water a second time. Mulch to retain soil moisture and keep competing growth away. 2. Watering: During its formative years, your Maple will require weekly watering. Even as it matures, your tree will still need plenty of water during the summer months. Light green leaves are a sign of over-watering, while drooping leaves can signify both over-watering and under-watering. 3. Fertilizing: During the first growing season, use only slow-release fertilizer tablets on your new maple. Any 10-10-10 fertilizer is suitable. Fertilize your Maple twice a month when it is coming out of dormancy, and once a month during the summer. Discontinue fertilizing before the tree returns to its dormant state. 4. Pruning: Since Maple Trees bleed sap when their branches are cut, the best time to prune is when the leaves have fully matured. At this time, there will be less sap. Prune to remove all dead or dying branches, and then to shape as needed.