Freeman - 'Armstrong'
Acer x freemanii
Freeman - 'Armstrong' (Acer x freemanii) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Develops iron chlorosis in our alkaline soils, leaves yellow with green veins, then decline.
medium water40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: "Acer x freemanii (Freeman Maple) (37034244792)" by Plant Image Library from Boston, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Acer x freemanii (Freeman Maple)" by Plant Image Library is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 4: "Acer x freemanii (Freeman Maple)" by Plant Image Library is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 5: "Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze 5zz" by Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 6: "Acer x freemanii (Freeman Maple)" by Plant Image Library is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Red, orange
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryOur alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
- Watch: Re-seedsIt sets seed freely and plants itself around the yard, so pull the volunteer seedlings unless you want more of them.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids and honeydew
- Verticillium wilt on some species
- Leaf scorch in hot, dry, windy sites
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Freeman - 'Armstrong' good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Freeman - 'Armstrong' is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Freeman - 'Armstrong' not recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Our alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
- How big does Freeman - 'Armstrong' get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Freeman - 'Armstrong' need?
- Give Freeman - 'Armstrong' about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Freeman - 'Armstrong' grow into?
- Freeman - 'Armstrong' typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Freeman - 'Armstrong' hardy on the Front Range?
- Freeman - 'Armstrong' is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Freeman - 'Armstrong' need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Freeman - 'Armstrong' grow?
- Freeman - 'Armstrong' is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Freeman - 'Armstrong' live?
- Freeman - 'Armstrong' has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Freeman - 'Armstrong' turn in fall?
- Freeman - 'Armstrong' turns red and orange in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Freeman - 'Armstrong' native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Freeman - 'Armstrong' deer-resistant?
- No. Freeman - 'Armstrong' is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Freeman - 'Armstrong' prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Freeman - 'Armstrong' can be affected by aphids and honeydew and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
