Should we replace these four autumn blaze maples with other species? - Ask Extension
We are working with a landscaper to transition our lawn to a low-water and native plant garden. We have had one arborist say autumn blaze maples are f...
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Should we replace these four autumn blaze maples with other species? #868655
Asked May 16, 2024, 12:20 AM EDT
We are working with a landscaper to transition our lawn to a low-water and native plant garden. We have had one arborist say autumn blaze maples are fine trees and can last a long time. However our landscaper said they are likely to die in about 30 years because they are not well-suited for Denver and maples planted by the city around 30 years ago are currently dying. Additionally, the trees have many wounds because the previous owner planted grass all the way to the trees. Our landscaper recommended either a gambel oak or bur oak (we are leaning toward bur oak because of its larger mature size) in the tree lawn on the right (facing the house) and then Utah service berry tree in each side of the front yard. We are getting quotes and opinions from other arborists as well. Aside from their suitability in Denver, we are concerned about the trees being too close together and would like to avoid much higher removal costs and destruction to our landscape in the future. Do you think removing the trees and replacing with a bur oak and two Utah service berry trees is a good idea, or are the trees fine as they are?
Thank you.
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Front-Range-Tree-List.pdf
Above is a list of trees recommended for the front range; note that maples of all types do have some problems and red decorative maples used to be highly recommended by landscapers and other "experts" but are not so much deemed desirable now ( mostly because of soil issues that cannot be corrected by amendments). Their desirability in the landscape was based on the thought that their fall color was desirable but now it is believed that after several years, the color succumbs to chlorosis and no longer becomes red in fall. Still, some are recommended but even those seem to be susceptible to breakage with early and late heavy snows (I have a few gennala maples and they are easily broken whenever there is an early or late snow, so i personally would not plant again). the list does also have some oaks that are recommended so perhaps that is a better way to go especially now when the maples are more easily removed.
Also be aware that low water plants require less water than trees so discuss with your landscaper what the water needs will be of the plants you are going to choose; planting trees right in the middle of a native plant area must be done with care for over or underwatering nearby plants.
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=706204
here is a link discussing the planting of Crimson Spire oak which is also on the list of recommended trees.
good luck
Above is a list of trees recommended for the front range; note that maples of all types do have some problems and red decorative maples used to be highly recommended by landscapers and other "experts" but are not so much deemed desirable now ( mostly because of soil issues that cannot be corrected by amendments). Their desirability in the landscape was based on the thought that their fall color was desirable but now it is believed that after several years, the color succumbs to chlorosis and no longer becomes red in fall. Still, some are recommended but even those seem to be susceptible to breakage with early and late heavy snows (I have a few gennala maples and they are easily broken whenever there is an early or late snow, so i personally would not plant again). the list does also have some oaks that are recommended so perhaps that is a better way to go especially now when the maples are more easily removed.
Also be aware that low water plants require less water than trees so discuss with your landscaper what the water needs will be of the plants you are going to choose; planting trees right in the middle of a native plant area must be done with care for over or underwatering nearby plants.
https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=706204
here is a link discussing the planting of Crimson Spire oak which is also on the list of recommended trees.
good luck
