By Nancy Penrose
The Pacific Northwest is known for its lush green landscapes, mild temperatures and abundant rainfall. But when fall arrives, your yard can take on an entirely different look. With the right trees, you can add brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow and gold to your landscape while creating seasonal interest that lasts for weeks.
If you’re considering adding a new tree to your Pacific Northwest yard, here are eight excellent choices for spectacular fall color.
1. Japanese Maple
Japanese maples are among the most popular ornamental trees in the Pacific Northwest, and for good reason. Their delicate leaves and attractive branching structure make them beautiful throughout the year, but their fall display can be off the charts.
Depending on the variety, leaves can turn brilliant red, orange, yellow or even deep burgundy. Japanese maples also come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making it possible to find one suitable for everything from a small urban yard to a larger property.
2. Vine Maple
Native to the Pacific Northwest, the vine maple is a natural choice for homeowners who want a tree well suited to the region’s climate. It is typically smaller than many traditional shade trees and works particularly well in woodland-style landscapes.
In autumn, its green leaves transform into attractive shades of yellow, orange and red. Because it is native, vine maple can also provide valuable habitat for local wildlife.
3. Red Maple
Despite its name, the red maple can provide more than just red fall foliage. Depending on growing conditions and variety, its leaves may display brilliant combinations of red, orange and yellow.
Red maples can grow into substantial shade trees, making them a good option for larger yards where homeowners want both fall color and summer shade. Be sure to consider the mature size before planting one near structures or utility lines.
4. Ginkgo
The ginkgo tree offers one of the most distinctive fall displays available. Its fan-shaped leaves remain green through much of the growing season before suddenly turning a brilliant golden yellow.
One of the advantages of ginkgo is that it is remarkably durable and adaptable.
5. Dogwood
Dogwoods are valued for their beautiful spring flowers, attractive form and colorful fall foliage. Several varieties can perform well in Pacific Northwest landscapes.
In autumn, dogwood leaves can turn shades of red, purple and bronze. Many varieties also produce colorful berries that can provide additional visual interest and food for birds.
6. Sweetgum
If you’re looking for a tree capable of producing a dramatic mixture of fall colors, sweetgum deserves consideration. Its star-shaped leaves can turn yellow, orange, red and purple, sometimes displaying several colors on the same tree.
Sweetgums can become large trees, so they are best suited to properties with adequate room. When choosing a location, consider both the tree’s mature canopy and root system.
7. Katsura Tree
Katsura trees are an excellent choice for homeowners looking for something a little different. Their attractive, heart-shaped leaves provide pleasant summer shade before turning shades of yellow, orange and pinkish-red in the fall.
Another interesting characteristic is the sweet fragrance sometimes produced by falling katsura leaves. The scent has been compared to cotton candy or caramel, adding another sensory element to the autumn landscape.
8. Stewartia pseudocamillia or monadelpha
Stewartias combine attractive bark with white flowers in early summer and stunning fall colors, making it an excellent four-season landscape tree. Its leaves typically turn vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow in autumn.
The mottled cinnamon-colored bark remains attractive after the leaves have dropped, so the tree continues providing visual interest throughout the winter.
Choosing the Right Fall Color Tree
When selecting a tree for your Pacific Northwest yard, don’t choose based on fall color alone. Consider the tree’s mature height and width, sunlight requirements, soil conditions, water needs and proximity to your home, driveway, sidewalks and utility lines.
It’s also important to remember that fall color can vary depending on the specific variety, weather and growing conditions. A knowledgeable local landscaping or tree professional can help you select a species that will thrive in your particular location.
With thoughtful planning, the right tree can provide much more than a beautiful autumn display. It can offer shade, wildlife habitat, privacy, spring and summer interest, and lasting value to your landscape.
Planting one of these eight trees could be an excellent way to bring the spectacular colors of a Pacific Northwest fall, right into your own backyard.
Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include fall color, spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees.
The company also does tree transplanting, including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.
Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700