Tree time...

Fall is just around the corner. There is more discussion about trees during the fall than any other time of year. The leaves start to 'show' their true colors and intoxicate our eyes with miles of intense orange, red, and yellows.

We are also moving into tree planting season, and I often have people ask me what kind of tree to plant. My only advice is to plant far from structures, and especially far from electric lines! To learn more about proper planting techniques and site requirements please visit here.

My favorite fall trees are Sugar and Black Maples. I love the uniform pumpkin orange against the dark bark. They also seem to be a little bit 'cleaner' than there popular cousin, the silver maple. These maples are often hard to find in nurseries, so be prepared to have some difficulty tracking these down.

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Spectrum

Our native oaks also make a great fall display. The red oak never disappoints, often showing its full range of yellow, red, and orange. Yet we have to remember, this tree has acorns, which is great for attracting wildlife, but also good at making walkways treacherous!

Red Oak (Quercus rubra) foliage.

Another one of my favorite fall trees is the white and green ash. Due to the possibility of the Emerald Ash Borer making its way to our area these are currently not recommended for planting. Selected varieties range from bright yellow to a deep purple and make a great contrast to the fall landscape.

If your not planting a tree, clear your calender in mid-October, and keep an eye oh this site here, which has great information about trees in the fall, and make updates to peak viewing times throughout the fall season, and even have driving route recommendations! (I have my own secret route.)

Temperatures are falling and the days are getting shorter, now is the time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors!