These leaves turn to a shocking yellow or salmon-red color in autumn.

There is a dilemma here, though, because you gotta know a little more information.

There is, fortunately, a solution.

Coral bark maple tree with long extending branches with dense light green leaves

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

It prefers moist, well-drained soil but will tolerate heavy clays, sands, and loams all the same.

Water

One very attractive feature of the coral bark maple is its drought tolerance.

It is important to water your tree to establish a robust root system.

Coral bark maple tree with bright green pointed leaves clustered on branch

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Doing this for the first two years will ensure that your tree is nice and healthy.

It prefers moderate temperatures with warm summers that are not too hot and winters that are not too cold.

It is not incredibly frost tolerant but can withstand some early frosts if placed in a sunny location.

Coral bark maple with light green pointed leaves on thin branch

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Sticking with the recommended growing zones ofUSDA 6b to 8ais the safest way to ensure a happy maple.

you’ve got the option to tell a fertilizer is higher in nitrogen by looking at itsNPK number.

After the first year, you will cut off branches to establish a dominant leader.

Coral bark maple with reddish-brown bark on thin branch in sunlight

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Continue this until you cannot do the work safely without a ladder.

You want tocall in a licensed arboristto take over the task when you get to this point.

What you should not to do is “top” the tree.

Coral bark maple tree with thin trunk and branches surrounded with pointed leaves

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Topping a tree is the pruning of large upright branches between nodes.

Instead, you want a drop-crotch, which uses cuts that are precisely placed.

First, you will find a lateral stem at least one-third the diameter of the trunk or leader.

Coral bark maple tree with tall trunks and branches full of leaves

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Avoid lateral branches that are horizontal.

To propagate, fill a pot with thoroughly moistened organic soil-less potting mix.

Next, get a clean pair of pruners and take a series of cuttings from semi-soft wood branches.

Coral-bark maple tree in autumn

Alistair James / Getty Images

The wood should be not completely herbaceous but not woody either.

Supple is a good word for the texture of the branch you want.

Dip the stem in a rooting hormone and let sit for a few seconds.

Pests like scale, maple worms, leafrollers, and leafhoppers aphids are possible but not especially concerning.