Autumn Blaze Maple Early Red Color: Water Stress

Autumn Blaze maple planted last July turning red in early summer. Owner asks if leaves will drop or hold until fall.

Cause: Water Stress

Hardwoods turn early/fall colors when drought-stressed. Premature color change = survival mode.

Fix: Deep Watering

• 1" water weekly (pan method).
• Mulch 3" organic, 3' wide, not on trunk.

Outcome

With water, leaves should hold until true fall. Color change won't kill tree if water restored.