{"product_id":"armstrong-gold-maple-acer-rubrum-armstrong-gold®","title":"Armstrong Gold Maple - Acer rubrum Armstrong Gold®","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTransform Your Landscape with Brilliant Golden Fall Color\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArmstrong Gold Maple delivers stunning golden yellow and orange fall color in a tight, improved columnar form that fits where most maples simply cannot. This fast-growing red maple cultivar reaches up to 40 to 50 feet tall with a spread of just 10 to 12 feet, making it the ideal tree for narrow spaces, urban lots, and anywhere you want dramatic vertical interest without sacrificing precious yard space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrilliant Golden Fall Display\u003c\/strong\u003e – Armstrong Gold Red Maple features stunning fall colors as its glossy leaves turn golden-yellow and orange in autumn, creating weeks of breathtaking seasonal interest in your landscape, similar to other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/rocky-mountain-glow-maple-acer-grandidentatum-rocky-mountain-glow%C2%AE\"\u003ecompact maples with exceptional fall color\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for Tight Spaces\u003c\/strong\u003e – The columnar shape makes it ideal for urban environments and tight spaces, fitting beautifully along driveways, walkways, and narrow street planting sites where broader maples would overwhelm the area, much like versatile \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/fern-pine-tree-podocarpus-gracilior\"\u003eevergreen privacy trees such as Fern Pine\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreater Foliage Density\u003c\/strong\u003e – This cultivar improves greatly on its parent with a fuller, more compact canopy. The tree produces large green leaves and a dense canopy that provides excellent shade and can be used as a privacy screen when planted in rows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImproved Armstrong Genetics\u003c\/strong\u003e – Selected from hundreds of seedlings during a rigorous evaluation process by J. Frank Schmidt \u0026amp; Son Co., Armstrong Gold was bred specifically for superior fall color, a less leggy growth habit, and stronger branch architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance \u0026amp; Resilient\u003c\/strong\u003e – The tree is resilient against urban pollution and thrives in various soil conditions with minimal care needed once established. Homeowners who want instant impact can also consider \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/trees\"\u003emature trees for immediate shade and curb appeal\u003c\/a\u003e. It is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost maples force you into a difficult trade-off: choose a tree with vibrant fall color and accept a wide, space-hungry canopy, or plant a narrow columnar form and settle for dull autumn foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArmstrong Gold offers:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelective Breeding from Hundreds of Seedlings\u003c\/strong\u003e – Officially registered as \u003cem\u003eAcer rubrum\u003c\/em\u003e 'JFS-KW78' (PP25301), this cultivar was chosen after evaluation of hundreds of Armstrong seedlings for improvements in color, density, and structure. The tree has brighter foliage color than its parent, the original Armstrong maple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Color Intensity\u003c\/strong\u003e – Where the parent Armstrong tends toward muted yellow-red tones, Armstrong Gold delivers vivid golden yellow to orange hues that arrive earlier in the fall season and last for weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompact, Less Leggy Growth Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e – The improved columnar form reduces the elongated, leggy growth habit common in standard Armstrong maples. Branches grow steeply upward, creating a tightly fastigiate silhouette with greater foliage density throughout the canopy. The tree offers a strong structure that reduces the risk of damage from ice or wind, much like other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/red-push-pistache-pistachia-red-push\"\u003elow-maintenance shade trees such as Red Push Pistache\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow The Armstrong Gold Maple Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in Your Chosen Location\u003c\/strong\u003e Place your Armstrong Gold Maple in a site with full sun to partial shade, positioning it at least 5–7 feet from buildings or fences. It is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam, though well-draining soil is preferred. Plant with the root flare at or slightly above grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatch It Establish and Grow\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. The tree develops its columnar shape naturally with minimal pruning needed-just remove any dead or weak branches to maintain a strong central leader. It produces glossy medium-green foliage in spring and summer, and clusters of tiny red flowers appear in early spring, offering seasonal interest even before leaves emerge and pairing beautifully with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees selected for extended bloom and color\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy Seasonal Transformation\u003c\/strong\u003e Each fall, watch as green summer foliage transforms to brilliant gold and orange. Armstrong Gold Red Maple enhances landscape vertical interest season after season, and the Armstrong Gold Maple can function as a vertical accent in landscapes year-round thanks to its striking columnar silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAcer rubrum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Armstrong Gold' (JFS-KW78, PP25301)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Armstrong Gold Maple, Armstrong Gold Columnar Red Maple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e Armstrong Gold Maple grows up to 40 feet tall (up to 50 feet on ideal sites)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 12 feet wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to fast\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy medium-green in spring and summer; golden-yellow and orange in fall, making it a striking complement to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/bloodgood-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-bloodgood\"\u003ered-leaved Japanese maples like Bloodgood\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clusters of tiny red flowers in early spring (March–April)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adaptable to various soil types; prefers acidic to neutral, well-draining soil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun Exposure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade; best color and density in full sunlight, similar to other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/october-glory%C2%AE-red-maple-acer-rubrum-october-glory\"\u003esun-loving red maples such as October Glory\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tree is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable Sizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Various container sizes and caliper measurements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHomeowners with narrow planting spaces\u003c\/strong\u003e or compact urban lots who want a tree that won't fill their entire yard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape designers\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking a reliable columnar shade tree with standout fall color for streetscapes, commercial sites, or residential projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty owners wanting privacy\u003c\/strong\u003e - plant Armstrong Gold maples in rows to create a living privacy screen with dense foliage and vertical structure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnyone who needs a low-maintenance tree\u003c\/strong\u003e that will thrive in challenging site conditions, from clay soil to urban pollution, or even hotter climates where drought-tolerant options like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/blogs\/news\/what-to-know-about-the-california-pepper-tree\"\u003eCalifornia Pepper Tree suit dry landscapes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGardeners in Zones 4–9\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for a long-lived specimen tree - this is a fast-growing variety that can live for 80 years or more, and it pairs well with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/red-crape-myrtle\"\u003eflowering ornamental trees like Red Crape Myrtle\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want brilliant seasonal color, a compact form, and a healthy tree that continues to perform for decades, Armstrong Gold Maple fits your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow wide does Armstrong Gold Maple get?\u003c\/strong\u003e It features a compact, columnar growth habit with a mature spread of just 10 to 12 feet. It is ideal for narrow street planting sites, driveways, and parkway strips where wider maples would be a bad fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does the fall color appear?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fall color typically arrives earlier than many other maples, beginning in early to mid-autumn. Its leaves turn golden-yellow and orange, and the display can last several weeks. In California, planting in a location with cooler nights or providing adequate water helps ensure the brightest foliage color, and it can be combined with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/red-leaf-photinia-photinia-fraseri-1\"\u003ePhotinia hedges for contrasting evergreen structure\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat soil conditions does it prefer?\u003c\/strong\u003e Armstrong Gold is highly adaptable to various soil types including clay and loam. It performs best in acidic to neutral, well-draining soil. Avoid extremely alkaline heavy clay or areas with standing water. Amend with organic matter and fertilize based on soil test results to keep the tree healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e Growth rate is moderate to fast. Under good conditions with regular watering and full sun, expect the tree to reach its mature height of 40+ feet in roughly 20–30 years. It will fill out its columnar form more quickly than many standard red maple cultivars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it easy to maintain?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. The improved columnar form recommends minimal pruning - just remove dead or crossing branches to maintain the strong central leader. Once established, the tree is adaptable, resilient, and requires only moderate watering and occasional fertilization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Add Stunning Fall Color?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop settling for ordinary trees that take up too much space or deliver disappointing autumn color. Armstrong Gold Maple gives you brilliant golden yellow and orange foliage, a unique columnar silhouette, and a compact footprint - all in one exceptional tree.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon","offer_id":45193150464173,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":46080578748589,"sku":null,"price":1150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\" Box","offer_id":46080578781357,"sku":null,"price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48\" Box","offer_id":46080578814125,"sku":null,"price":4500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/AcerArmstrong.jpg?v=1762721023","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/armstrong-gold-maple-acer-rubrum-armstrong-gold%c2%ae","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}