These all tend to get to be large trees - 40-50' tall and 25-30' wide at maturity - so keep that in mind when planting. In most suburban lots, one is usually sufficient! Larger properties/acreage can of course support more. And these also tend to be very difficult to garden under, due to the volume of surface roots, the shade cast by the wide canopies and the aggressiveness of the trees in grabbing all available soil moisture and nutrients.

Both 'October Glory' and 'Autumn Blaze' are known for fall color but it may take to time to develop with reliability and is also quite weather dependant.

You may want to do some research on pruning these types of trees. Maples - like most shade trees - do not develop defined leaders and attempting to create a leader is often counterproductive. This type of growth habit is called "decurrent" and does require some early structural training to develop the strong framework of scaffold branching that forms the crown of the tree. I've attached a link that explains this growth habit and how best to approach early training.

Here is a link that might be useful: structural training of young shade trees

Hey GG,I'm sure Jennie will appreciate that link as will many others.I certainly do...thanks:)

one of the maples in my front yard.

jc92, without a zone number or location, your post doesn't mean much. It would be nice to list the variety also.
Mike

Cannot decide which maple to buy, October Glory or Autumn Blaze. We live in zone 7 in NC. I prefer a bright orange or red as opposed to dark red or burgundy. We plan to buy 2 of the same kind for large front lawn. Is it okay to plant one as close as 12 feet from drive way also? Another option could be a southern magnolia tree sinc our house is very southern with wrap around porch and it's an evergreen but it could be messy. Is October Glory the prettiest one? Thanks to everyone.