Best Shade Trees with Fall Color

Best Shade Trees with Fall Color

There are many things to look forward to in the fall. The sights, sounds, smells, and even crisp feeling of fall are always appreciated contrast to the rest of the year. So many factors go into creating that feeling of autumn and one of the most recognizable ones is fall foliage and color.  But good fall color on trees in the DFW Metroplex is often hit or miss.  This is mostly due to the need for the right factors happening at the right times. Cool temperatures, sufficient moisture, and the just the right timing are the key ingredients to nature’s colorful show.

Certain plants are also known for having great fall color. So consider planting some of these great shade trees to bring a little more fall color to your property when fall comes around!

red-oak

Shumard Red Oak (40-60’ ht.)

A moderately fast upright growing tree that tolerates the poor soil and harsh weather conditions of North Texas. It prefers full sun and is considered one of the better fall trees in DFW with foliage ranging from deep red to brownish red depending on the year.

cedar-elm

Cedar Elm (50-70’ ht.)

This native to east Texas is not always the tightest in its shape and form but should be considered for its great qualities. It’s larger size and adaptability to the region make it a good tree that can handle North Texas conditions. Plant it in full sun and enjoy a showcase of bright yellow leaves in the fall.

sweet-gum

Sweetgums (60-80’ ht.)

Sweetgums are a rather low maintenance tree that can handles various soil conditions. Sweetgums should always be planted in full sun. It’s upright form make it a common street and shade tree. Leaves can turn deep shades of yellow, orange, and red.

big-tooth-maple

Bigtooth Maple (20-30’ ht.)

A medium sized maple that seems to handle local conditions well. Prefers full sun to part shade with a better ability to handle heat and drought conditions of Texas compared to other sugar maple species of North America. Sugar maples are known for their fall color and bigtooth maples can exhibit foliage ranging from yellow, red, to orange.

shantung-maple

Shantung Maple (20-25’ ht.)

This smaller sized maple may make it a good option when space is limited. It’s smaller size also make it a great fit for where power lines are nearby. Shantung Maples require well-drained soil and either full sun or part shade conditions. Established trees are known to have good drought and heat tolerance. Their fall color ranges from shades of yellow, orange, red.

autumn-blaze-maple

Autumn Blaze Maple (40-55’ ht.)

This common shade and street tree grows well in wet to well-drained soils in either sun or part shade. After established they may even have some tolerance for drought conditions. Best of all, their bright red leafs in the fall make it a great specimen tree.

gingko

Ginkgo Tree (50-80’ ht.)

One of the larger shade trees with great fall color potential. Ginkgos prefer full sun and can tolerate highly clay and alkaline soils like that of the region. They prefer well-drained soils and are able to adapt to harsh urban conditions. Leaves will turn bright yellow in the fall and showcase a unique branching structural form that resembles string lights after all leaves have dropped.

chinese-pistachio

Chinese Pistachio (30-35’ ht.)

Another medium sized tree that prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. Not only does it have good fall color in shades of yellow, orange, and red, but it also tolerates the soil and weather conditions of North Texas extremely well.

Fall is also a great time to plant and establish trees. Let us know how we can help you with a landscape design to help find and plant the right trees for your property. Text or Email us today for questions or to schedule a consultation! 469-609-7733

Sources:
http://louisianablooms.com/louisianas-best/12/18/2012/these-trees-know-how-to-put-on-a-fall-show
http://www.treethepeople.com/2015/10/30/national-bonsaipart-3-fall-foliage/
http://www.growyoursecretgarden.com/american-sweet-gum-tree-10-seeds-liquidambar-intensive-red-leaves-2323-p.asp
http://www.verderivergrowers.com/big-tooth-maple/
http://www.heritageseedlings.com/page_126_40/acer-truncatum
http://www.italianbellavita.com/2010/10/blazing-fiery-colored-maple-leaves/
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/ginkgo-biloba
http://www.davisenterprise.com/uncategorized/fall-colors-photos/attachment/fall-bikerw/