Trees with colorful autumn foliage are at their best from mid-to-late autumn. Make the most of trees with colorful autumn foliage by planting them where they can be seen from windows in your house or along well-traveled paths or drives.
Autumn leaves will be especially brilliant after a hot summer, but after a mild summer, they may not last as long. To ensure the brightest and longest autumn color, begin restricting water to any plant that starts to develop color after the end of summer, but do not let plants dry out completely. Trees that color in late autumn still need some water in early autumn.
Here’s a list of trees that provide plenty of autumn color (click on red to learn more about the genus of the tree you are interested in):
Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.
Stephen Albert
