As the present series of articles on various kinds of trees for fall color demonstrates, landscaping enthusiasts have many options for achieving colorful yards in autumn. Yet perhaps nothing else in Eastern North America is as intimately associated with the fall-foliage season as are the different types of maple trees. Below are some of the best varieties from which you may choose for your fall-color design.
Red Maple Trees (Swamp Maple Trees)
The fall foliage of red maple trees, or “swamp maple trees” (Acer rubrum spp.) unfortunately sometimes makes a liar out of the trees’ name. That’s why it’s best to stick with cultivars known for their fall color consistency. If you want red fall foliage, I would suggest purchasing Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset,’ a tree that will reach about 50’ in height, with a spread of a little less than that. This red maple tree grows best in zones 4-9 in full sun to partial shade, where the soil pH is acidic and the ground provides good drainage. For pictures of red maple trees and other maples, see the photo gallery above, on your right.
Even relatively consistent cultivars such as Red Sunset maple trees, however, are at the mercy of the weather. Intensity of fall foliage color can be lessened due to extreme summer heat and drought. And you’re not even out of the woods once fall arrives. Optimum fall foliage is dependent upon sunny days and crisp nights at the beginning of the autumn season.
Sugar Maple Trees
Sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum) should be grown in zones 3-8, in an area of your yard that is well-drained and gets full to partial sun. Famous as the source of “maple syrup,” sugar maple trees can reach 80’ or more in height, with a spread of up to 60’. Sugar maples have a fall foliage color range from yellow to orange to red. Again, fall foliage color will vary from year to year and place to place, depending on many factors.
Norway Maple Trees
Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides) adapt well to many soil types and environmental conditions. In fact, they adapt too well, as they have become an invasive plant in North America; substitute with sugar maple trees or red maple trees, which, in my opinion, boast superior beauty.
A reason for the widespread use of Norway maples as shade trees in urban areas across the U.S. is that they tolerate pollution better than many trees. Fall foliage color is yellow. Zones 3-7. Reaches an approximate size of 50’ x 50’. Norway maples do best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Amur Maple Trees
Amur maple trees (Acer ginnala 'Flame’) are grown in zones 2-8 and are a compact alternative to the maple trees described above, attaining a maximum size of only about 20' x 20'. Like the Norways, however, they are considered invasive. Although they will tolerate light shade, Amur maple trees achieve their best fall color if you make an effort to ensure they get full sun. The effort will pay off handsomely: Their fall foliage color is a brilliant red.
More on Trees With Colorful Fall Foliage
Autumn Blaze
Fall Foliage of Ash Trees
Fall Foliage of Aspen Trees
Fall Foliage of Beech Trees
Fall Foliage of Birch Trees
Fall Foliage of Dogwood Trees
Fall Foliage of Japanese Maple Trees
Fall Foliage of Oak Trees
Fall Foliage of Shagbark Hickory Trees
Fall Foliage of Sweetgum Trees
Fall Foliage of Sumac Trees
Fall Foliage of Ginkgo Biloba Trees
Fall Foliage of Tulip Trees
