Light. Full sun is best. It will tolerate partial shade.
Water. This is a swamp tree. In South Florida it needs regular irrigation, especially in the dry winter and spring months. Wet sites suit it best.
Soil and feeding. It prefers acidic soil rich in organic matter. Above pH 7.2 leaves yellow from manganese shortage; treat with Manganese Sulfate and test the soil pH.
Size. Grows to about 25 ft in most South Florida yards. On wet sites red maples can reach 60–75 ft.
Pruning. It grows fast and needs early pruning for strong structure. Remove branches competing with the main leader. Keep each branch under half the trunk's diameter.
Problems to watch. Brown, dead patches between the veins (scorch) mean too little water or a poor root system. Check for circling roots before planting.
Good to know. A Florida native that blooms red in winter. It has low salt tolerance and shallow roots; keep it away from septic drainfields.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Red Maple · UF/IFAS EDIS ENH-200/ST041: Acer rubrum: Red Maple · Florida Native Plant Society: Acer rubrum
