Oak trees acquire their fall foliage colors later in autumn than do the maples. As such, the poor oak trees have a tough act to follow. Northern red oak trees and pin oak trees make what is perhaps the most valiant attempt to carry on the show started by the maples. The fall foliage performance of white oak trees is often more understated, but the tree is such an exceptional specimen on other counts that it warrants inclusion in any mention of landscaping with oaks.
The oaks generally do not match the inimitable maples as fall foliage specimens. But they do complement the maples, precisely because oak foliage morphs into its autumn colors at a later date than do maple leaves. Long after maple trees are bare, the oaks are still celebrating the glory of fall. If you have the room, plant both a maple and an oak. The maple will give you spectacular color and give it early; the oak will extend the fall foliage season on your landscape.
Fall Foliage of Pin Oak Trees
Pin oak trees (Quercus palustris) are grown in zones 4-8 and their foliage can turn a deep red in fall if conditions are right. Pin oaks often reach a height of 70’ with an almost equal spread. Plant in a sunny area. This flood-tolerant specimen likes a moist soil with an acidic pH. The name “pin” derives from the sharp stubs left over on the trunk after the lower branches die. The crown is pyramidal.
Fall Foliage of White Oak Trees
White oak trees (Quercus alba) are so called due to the relatively light color of their bark. Under the right conditions, the fall foliage of these zone 3-9 trees can be reddish-brown, especially for young trees. White oaks often reach 80’ tall, with rounded crowns 80’ in width. Plant in full sun and in acidic soil, as with pin oak trees. Unlike pin oaks, however, white oak trees do not like wet soils. Rather, they are drought-tolerant and need good drainage. Give this large tree plenty of space in which to grow, as well as plenty of time (slow grower).
White oak trees mature into exceptional shade trees. Their strong, straight trunks will grace any lawn with a majesty unmatched by most trees. When given sufficient room to grow, their crowns will dominate a lawn and provide an interesting branching pattern. Their “white” bark is attractive, and they bear elegant acorns.
Fall Foliage of Northern Red Oak Trees
Northern red oak trees (Quercus rubra) are grown in zones 4-8 and often reach 75’ tall with a similar spread. They live up to their name when conditions are right, bearing dark red fall foliage (reddish-brown under less than ideal conditions). Sun and soil requirements similar to white oak trees (see above), but northern red oaks are faster growers than are white oak trees.
Fall Foliage of Sawtooth Oak Trees
Sawtooth oak trees (Quercus acutissima) turn yellow in the autumn and, eventually, golden brown. At maturity it reaches 40'-50', with a spread somewhat greater than that -- meaning it's an ideal shade tree. It's also a fast-grower, an important trait for people in a hurry for shade. Sawtooth oak trees like full sun but aren't fussy about soil. They are grown in zones 5-9.
More on Trees With Colorful Fall Foliage
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 Maple 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
