Why Tree Diversity Matters: Rethinking the Red Maple & Autumn Blaze Maple

When you think of the classic American shade tree, chances are the Red Maple comes to mind. Known for its brilliant fall color and iconic shape, it’s a favorite in landscapes across the Northeast. However, while Red Maples thrive in places like Minnesota or Maine, they don’t perform nearly as well in the Midwest. Our region’s soil and climate present challenges that true Red Maples struggle to overcome.

Autumn Blaze Maple

Enter the Autumn Blaze Maple—a hybrid of Red Maple and Silver Maple that has quickly become a landscaping staple across the central U.S. And it’s easy to see why: it boasts rapid growth, stunning red fall foliage, and the toughness needed to withstand a variety of site conditions. For homeowners wanting a fast-growing shade tree with visual impact, the Autumn Blaze delivers.

But here’s the catch: it’s being planted everywhere.

While the Autumn Blaze Maple is a beautiful and hardy tree, it comes with drawbacks. Its rapid growth makes it more susceptible to storm damage. Its high water demands can create challenges during dry spells. And, most critically, its popularity has led to massive overplanting, which puts our urban forests and neighborhoods at risk.

Learning from the Past

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a single species dominate the urban landscape. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, American Elms were the tree of choice, lining city streets across the nation. Then Dutch Elm Disease struck, and because the trees were genetically similar and planted in close proximity, the disease spread quickly—decimating millions of trees in just a few decades.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and the same pattern repeated with Green Ash. Popular from the 1950s through the early 2000s, it became one of the most commonly planted trees in the Midwest. Enter the emerald ash borer, and once again, entire communities have watched their urban canopies disappear almost overnight.

The Problem with Popularity

Autumn Blaze Maples are now walking the same path. Their popularity has led to widespread monocultures in suburban neighborhoods and city landscapes. If a pest or disease ever targets this hybrid specifically—or if extreme climate conditions challenge its adaptability—we could be looking at another massive die-off.

Monocultures create fragile ecosystems. When a single species dominates a landscape, it increases the risk of rapid, large-scale loss. In contrast, a diverse mix of tree species creates resilience. It slows the spread of pests and disease, supports a wider range of wildlife, and protects against unpredictable climate events.

What Homeowners and Landscapers Can Do

If you're planning to add a new tree to your yard, resist the temptation to go with what's popular. Instead, consider native and underutilized species that thrive in your local soil and climate. Oaks, lindens, elms (new disease-resistant hybrids), catalpas, and gingkos all make excellent alternatives—and they help build a stronger, more sustainable urban forest.

Before planting, consult with a local nursery or landscape expert to find the right tree for your location and needs. Focus on trees that provide:

• Long-term structural strength

• Resistance to regional pests and diseases

• Compatibility with your soil type and available space

• Support for pollinators and local ecosystems

The Autumn Blaze Maple isn’t a “bad” tree. In fact, it’s an excellent choice when used in moderation. But like any good thing, too much can lead to problems. To ensure the health and beauty of our neighborhoods for generations to come, we must prioritize tree diversity in our landscapes.

Let’s learn from the past and plant wisely for the future.

Check out this article where we feature our favorite shade trees!