The Top Trees For Fall Color

As the summer fades and the air turns crisp, trees become a blaze of autumnal hues, painting the landscape in rich shades of red, orange, and gold. Some trees are more renowned for their fall color displays than others, and in this article, we will explore the top trees for fall color.

1. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) – The sugar maple is perhaps the quintessential fall foliage tree. Its leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the tree’s broad, rounded shape makes it a striking addition to any landscape. Sugar maples prefer cool climates and well-drained soils, and they can grow up to 100 feet tall.
2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Another maple species that is famous for its fall color display is the red maple. Its leaves turn a vivid shade of red, hence the name, and they can also exhibit shades of orange and yellow. Red maples are adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soils and climates, making them a popular choice for landscaping.
3. Dogwood (Cornus florida) – The dogwood tree is known for its showy, pink or white spring flowers, but it also puts on a dazzling fall foliage display. Its leaves turn shades of red and burgundy, and its distinctive branching pattern makes it an interesting addition to any garden.
4. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) – The sourwood tree is a lesser-known species, but it is highly prized for its stunning fall color. Its leaves turn shades of yellow, red, and orange, and the tree also produces fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in the summer.
5. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) – The bald cypress is a deciduous conifer that is native to the southeastern United States. Its needles turn a striking shade of orange-red in the fall, and the tree’s unique buttressed trunk and knees make it a distinctive addition to any landscape.
6. Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) – The black tupelo, also known as the black gum tree, is a slow-growing tree that can live for hundreds of years. Its leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, and the tree also produces small, dark berries that are popular with birds.
7. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) – The sweetgum tree is another deciduous conifer that is prized for its fall color. Its leaves turn shades of orange, red, and purple, and the tree also produces distinctive, spiky fruits that are sometimes used in crafts.

In conclusion, the top trees for fall color include the sugar maple, red maple, dogwood, sourwood, bald cypress, black tupelo, and sweetgum. These trees are prized for their stunning autumnal hues and can add a touch of vibrancy and interest to any landscape. When selecting a tree for fall color, it is important to consider factors such as climate, soil type, and size to ensure that the tree will thrive in its environment and provide a lasting source of beauty for years to come.

References: GardenDesign, Spruce