Red Maple Acer Rubrum Seedlings old_product_id_9835 Unattended variegated varieties require more Unattended Why are my persimmons dropping early Acer rubrum has many benefits‚ in addition to its ornamental uses․ It is an important tree to the ecosystem of its native range․ Many animals live on red maples․ Birds‚ insects‚ and small mammals such as chipmunks and squirrels live on the trees․ Bees foraging for food after a long winter also utilize the red maple's early blooming flowers for nectar․ The seeds are consumed by birds and small mammals․ Due to their wide ranging root systems‚ red maples are effective in preventing erosion and sedimentation along the banks of rivers and streams‚ and they play a role in stabilizing the hydrology of wetlands as a water retention and filtration species․ City planners and landscape architects have favored the red maple over other trees for urban plantings as it has a high tolerance for compaction and pollution‚ which makes it well adapted to urban and suburban locations․ The dark red leaves provide an attractive contrast with grass‚ blue sky‚ and the green foliage of companion plants․ Furthermore‚ the tree's summer shade cools the area‚ which serves as an improvement for pedestrians and an urban wildlife habitat․ As urban areas continue to expand‚ studies have found that the red maple is a desirable addition to urban planning for its potential to beautify public space and provide ecosystem services․