Best Maple Trees for Fall Colors Japanese Maple. The autumnal foliage of the red maple (Acer rubrum) sometimes contradicts its common name, as conditions can cause the color to vary from dirty yellow to orange, not always red. However, when grown in well-drained, slightly acidic soil, it often provides a beautiful red color that turns from yellow to orange. A particularly good cultivar is “Franksred”, which is generally sold under the trade name Red Sunset, which grows to a manageable height of 50 feet and produces a fairly reliable red color.
When it comes to fall color, sugar maples top the list. These native maples are absolutely spectacular in fall, when their foliage takes on vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow. They make great shade trees for large backyards. There are several variety options to choose from, but “Green Mountain” is one of the most popular because it is drought-resistant.
Very similar to the sugar maple in appearance, the red maple (Acer rubrum) has an even wider distribution. In addition to covering the same distribution area as the sugar maple, it is found as far south as Texas and Florida and also appears in Oregon. Red maple will grow in all USDA climate zones where conditions are right. The autumnal color of the red or scarlet maple fits its name.
The leaves tend to turn an intense crimson, but some varieties of red maple are more striking than others and even on the same tree, the color can vary from year to year, so it sometimes has yellow leaves. Red maple is also known as swamp maple and prefers moist soil. Environmental factors and the genetic makeup of trees determine the intensity and times of peak color, and factors vary from tree to tree and from region to region. Although “favorites” are always subjective, the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) surely tops almost everyone's list for the best fall color of any species of tree.
This is a good native option if you're looking for a small tree for fall foliage color, as it reaches a maximum height of just 30 feet and produces nice yellow leaves. Hailed as “undoubtedly one of the most distinctive and beautiful deciduous trees of all deciduous trees, ginkgo undoubtedly stands out. The natural distribution of red maple begins approximately at the eastern end of the Great Plains, north of Lake Superior, and extends eastward to the Atlantic. Named for its unique striped bark, snakebark maple is a relatively compact type of maple, making it a good choice for small patios.
In certain parts of the country, the bright yellow, orange and red hues of native forest fall maples are legendary, and you can bring this fall decor to your home landscape by carefully selecting the species and cultivars that suit your needs. Its common name alludes to the fact that its peeling bark is considered ornamental, as is the case with the bark of some types of birch trees (Betula spp. Many consider that the honey produced from the flowers of this tree is unparalleled with clover, orange blossom, common seaweed or any other honey. The picturesque profile of the tree stands out in all seasons and can be attributed to a unique growth habit of thick, upward branches that often form a narrow crown.
The rounded shape of the hedge maple is easily cut to any height to create a privacy screen or living wall. Maples are a classic and beautiful group of trees that are cold-resistant, fast-growing and low-maintenance. The big-toothed maple adapts easily to most conditions and can range from the size of a simple shrub to a imposing 50-foot tree, depending on where it grows. Also called a rugged bark maple, this small, versatile maple grows well in sun or shade and develops interesting ridges or bumps on the trunk as it matures.
A majestic, strong and long-lived tree with beautiful fall color, Shumard oak is an excellent choice for gardens...
