Forests dominated by red maple are usually found in wetter areas accompanied by some conifers such as balsam fir. Other associations occur with white pine on sands based on the availability of the soil’s water.

There is no mycorrhizal fungus associated with the red maple. However, Chanterelles, Boletes and other fungi species that associate with conifers and deciduous trees that tend to grow alongside red maples can often be found.