If you want a “wow!” factor in the landscape, reach for Maple Autumn Blaze. Its leaves are dark green most of the year, turning bright red-orange in the fall. The color is longer lasting than many other fall foliage trees, and the shade is so intense that it can be spotted from blocks away. Because of its size, it’s an ideal tree for providing shade or lining along the street. Although it’s considered suitable for USDA Zones 3–8 with great cold tolerance, warmer zones can successfully grow Autumn Blaze with a little extra care. Make sure the soil is enriched when planting, consider a bit of afternoon shade, and give it additional water when the temperature is blistering hot. It can even tolerate some of our occasional drought conditions once it’s established, as well as wet soils, as long as the soil is well- drained. For a bit of New England flair in warmer climates, Maple Autumn Blaze is a sure-fire winner.