MANHATTAN, Kan. – Logically, red maple trees should have red fall foliage that’s brilliant during a good year. But, that’s not always the case.

Fall leaf color does vary along with environmental conditions. For example, the factors that can reduce color intensity include the previous summer’s extreme heat and/or drought, as well as fall’s cloudy days and/or warm nights.

In many cases, however, basic genetics has determined an off-color red maple will have yellow fall foliage … or, brown-red leaves … or highly variable fall color.  The fact is, uncertainly about color is always a risk for homeowners who plant unnamed red maples, grown from seed.

To ensure they have a red maple with red fall foliage, homeowners must select from such vegetatively propagated varieties as Red Sunset, Magnificent Magenta or Autumn Flame. October Glory also has outstanding fall foliage, but it’s vulnerable in the central High Plains to damage from early cold snaps. It acclimates for winter late.

SOURCE: K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Programs

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