Question
Hi!
Do you know which variety of red maple last the longest with the leaves on in fall (in the South)? Mine already lost most of its leaves and I see some other red maples that are still pretty full. I noticed that these trees are the ones planted outside  businesses (Grocery stores, restaurants, etc). Any suggestions as of which trees they might be?
Thank you!!

Answer
The most popular maple that is planted is Autumn Blaze Maple, Acer freemanii 慉utumn Blaze? This maple is an improved hybrid with brilliant, long lasting orange-red fall color. This is a hybrid cross of red maple and silver maple that performs well in the South. It has excellent orange-red fall color that persists later than many others, and is extremely fast-growing. Under good conditions, it can grow 3ft. or more per year. It is tolerant of clay soils and drought and has a dense, oval head with strong branching. Autumn Blaze is very adaptable to a wide range of climate and soil conditions. It tolerates clay soil, and will withstand wet soil conditions and drought. This tree will grow in a wide range of climates from Wisconsin to central Florida.