I was recently pruning trees in a newer neighborhood on the east side of Columbus where every house had two red maple in the front yard. Although Red maple is a native tree to Ohio, this subdivision was planted with a cultivated variety of the species called ‘Red Sunset.’ ‘Red Sunset’ red maple was selected and well marketed for its compact habit, good branching structure and most notably for its showy and reliable orange to red fall color.
✅Japanese Zelkova
General Info
- Latin Name - Zelkova serrata
- Native Range - Japan, Korea, Taiwan
- Growth Rate - Medium, Fast in youth
- Mature Height - 50–80’
- Mature Spread - 40–50’
Arborist Thoughts
- Another great urban tolerant tree that deserves more consideration in the landscape or as a street tree.
Japanese zelkova has an upright vase shaped habit, attractive exfoliating bark at maturity and stunning apricot to red fall color.
Would make a great alternative to Red maple for folks seeing a tree with reliable Fall color.