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Autumn Blaze Maple Leaf

Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
The color of the autumn blaze maple leaf is bright green in all seasons, except for fall month, when it turns vibrant red. Look out for some problems to treat them effectually in the initial phases.
Maple is a popular landscaping tree all across the globe. It won't be wrong to say that maple is a specimen tree for any formal gardening project. Nearly all types of maple trees are appreciated for their foliage color.
Take the example of red maple or silver maple variety; each beautifies the yard with a unique color. You will not regret after planting them in your yard. The much talked about aesthetic value of maple foliage is true with the cultivar, autumn blaze species. You will be amazed with the beauty of the autumn blaze maple leaf, particularly in the fall season.

Identification

The increased popularity of autumn blaze maple is attributed the fast growth rate of this variety. In fact, it is the fastest growing maple tree species, with a recorded increase in height of 3 feet, or sometimes more.
In addition to the impressive growth rate, it is tolerant to pollution effects, prolonged shade condition, fluctuating environmental conditions and more importantly, various tree diseases. For planting in your yard, purchase saplings (about 5-7 height) from your local nursery center and follow the basic tree growing tips.
Similar to other maple tree varieties, the foliage characteristics of autumn blaze maple tree are worth mentioning. You can identify this species from the leave shape and color. With five distinct lobes, the foliage shape is nearly identical to that of the silver maple variety. And the leaf size ranges from 8-10 cm.
As far as the leaf color is concerned, it remains bright green except during fall months. As autumn season arrives, the green colored leaves turn to vibrant, orange red color. Even after the leaves drop in winter, the new branches retain red color, thus adding a unique touch to the landscape.

Problems

So, you have planted autumn blaze maple variety to complement the components of your landscape design. Every year, you might be looking forward for the fall season to enjoy the rich colored maple leaves.
But, what if you notice disease infestations in the leaves? It will be disheartening for every gardening enthusiasts. Read ahead some of the commonly identified problems, which you should watch out in your maple trees:
✦ Excess application of nitrogen fertilizers causes light brown coloration of the leaves. The same problem is observed in case of prolonged dry spells or other stressful conditions.
✦ Necrotic areas in the autumn blaze maple leaf are because of the fungal disease, anthracnose. Usually the younger leaves are affected, which turn to black and die. This problem is common after exposure of the trees to wet conditions for an extended time.
✦ Another autumn blaze leaf disease is called trumpet skeletonizer. The disease name is given with reference to the leaf appearance after infestation by a caterpillar. Cocoons are deposited in the affected leaves, which are then rolled up, thus appearing like trumpets.
✦ Spider mites and aphids are common pests of autumn blaze maple trees. If they are found infesting in the foliage, you can remove and kill them. For heavy infestation, use a safe pesticide in correct dose.
✦ The worst part with infestation of spider mites is that they leave a honeydew like substance, which attracts other insects. Spots manifested in the autumn blaze maple leaf may be because of the attracted pathogens.
Try to identify the problems in the early stages. If diagnosed in the initial phases, you can follow effective ways to contain the diseases, before they become too difficult to deal with.
The thumb rule for healthy maintenance of landscaping trees is providing growth requirements, appropriate for the varieties. The same logic is applicable to growing and maintenance of healthy autumn blaze maple trees.