Fall Color In East Texas: Top Tree Picks

 

 

When we think of fall, we seem to always picture a scene of a cool breeze, crisp air, possibly some pumpkins, with a sprinkle of red and golden leaves falling softly to the ground. Autumn just lends itself to the trees turning those classic shades – but which trees provide us East Texans with the MOST color, AND put up with our not-so-predictable winters and hot/humid summers? Read on for choices to add that fantastic red and yellow color to your landscape each fall.

 

‘Cleveland Select’ Ornamental Pear

Meet the ‘Bradford’ Pear’s more beautiful (and way more functional) cousin! In spring, expect glossy-green leaves and white flowers that make way for brilliant-red and purple foliage in the fall. It’s a lover of full sun and a favorite of bees and other pollinators. Growing 25-30 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide, its beautiful, pyramidal shape makes for minimal shaping and pruning. Works perfectly as a specimen or accent plant.

 

Chinese Pistache

Often overlooked for more popular varieties of trees, the Chinese Pistache tree is almost looked at as the ‘ugly duckling’ of the tree world. While it may be a little misshapen when it’s young, it grows into a magnificent specimen that is hardy and tougher than most other trees. It can withstand drought-like conditions, full, hot sun, and can be planted in our hard, compact, East Texas red clay. Reaching 25-35 feet tall and wide, many gardeners use this tree in their yards to accompany other desert plants, as the Chinese Pistache provides seeds that are food for some small animals and birds, and its flowers provide food for insects. Good all around!

 

‘Autumn Blaze’ Maple

The name says it all here! This classic maple tree has MAJOR fall color – starting with brilliant orange into deep-red foliage in the late fall. It was awarded “Urban Tree of the Year”, and grows quickly to 40-55 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide. Its oval shape provides unique structure for any sun or part sun landscape.

 

‘October Glory’ Maple

This tree brings autumn into any landscape it is planted in! Boasting rich-orange and bright-red hues in late autumn and BONUS, tiny, bright-red blooms each spring. ‘October Glory’ also produces small, red-tinged fruits that help birds and other wildlife. While it’s sister, ‘Autumn Blaze’ grows more in an oval-shape, ‘October Glory’ shows off in more of a round growth habit. Fast growing to 40-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide, it can add anywhere from 13-24 inches in height on average each year.