Tips For Adding Fall Coloration To Your Landscape
Sep 6th 2024
Fall in certain places can be quite spectacular due to the aspens which become golden combined with the deciduous trees which become yellow and red and the temperatures which are cooler than summer but not as frigid as winter. Below are some tips for incorporating fall coloration into your landscape.
Plant Colored Trees to Add Fall Coloration
Maple trees are an essential of fall coloration and ideal for producing a red burst. There are many varieties, including Amur or Japanese maple and you can choose the one which is best for your yard. Other great options include kousa dogwood, oaks and chokeberries since they provide scarlet color, and for a touch of purple add some autumn ash.
Install Aspens
A lot of people enjoy the vivid yellow provided by aspens, which can be found naturally in nearby hills. Some choose to bring the yellow leaves directly into their landscape, but this should only be done if they are not invasive. The problem is that wind might send the shoots into the yards of your neighbors, so to prevent this from happening there are aspen alternatives you can use, such as ginkgo, honey locust or sweet gum.
Beautify Existing Trees to Enhance Fall Coloration
If your property already has trees that are mature, they might lack the autumn hue you want. To add a bit of seasonal spirit you can add some perennials, shrubs or annuals for the right color punch. Boston ivy or Virginia creeper is ideal for adding red, and since they are vines they can serve as excellent cover for a fence or trellis. Burning ash is also popular for its stunning color and other options include barberry, sumac and even bamboo.
Fall Is Ideal For Planting
There are a number of reasons why fall is an ideal season for planting. During this season the sun won’t be as hot which means the temperatures will be lower. Since the ground will also be warm the roots will continue growing. The bigger root system in turn will be able to support extra growth in the upcoming year. Best of all, the need for watering will be lower than summer.
It is for this reason that many gardeners choose to do their planting during autumn, and there are many options in regards to perennials. Some of these include sedums, asters, euphorbias and chrysanthemums. All of these are hardy and are available in multiple colors. There are also plenty of annuals that bloom during fall and which are hardy and fully capable of withstanding mild frost, which means you shouldn’t be concerned about planting them. Some of the best examples include ornamental grasses, kale, flowing cabbage, violas and pansies, which will grace and beautify your flowerbeds in the months to come. To get the most out of fall coloration, it is important to plan in advance. The yard must be prepared to take full advantage of all the wonderful shrubs and trees that can be found at regional garden centers.
