Japanese maple autumn leaves Autumn leaf color is a phenomenon that affects the normally green leaves of many deciduous trees and shrubs by which they take on, during a few weeks in the autumn season, various shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown. [1] The phenomenon is commonly called autumn colours[2] or autumn foliage[3] in British English and fall colors, [4] fall foliage, or. Deciduous trees have unique autumn leaf colors that are specific to every species.
Fall's most common leaf colors are red, yellow, and orange. Do you want to add color to your autumn garden but aren't quite sure where to start? Many deciduous trees create massive amounts of color in autumn with very little maintenance. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 21 of her favorite trees for maximum fall color.
Trees that change color, such as maples, oaks, and hickories, offer beautiful, colorful foliage during the fall season. As the days get shorter, these deciduous trees drop their leaves to conserve energy and prepare for the cool, dark days ahead. This phenomenon makes autumn one of the most visually spectacular seasons of the year for those of us in temperate climates.
So which trees put on. See when fall leaves will peak in 2025! View our U.S. fall foliage map, find top leaf-peeping spots, and get tips for the best autumn color viewing.
Learn how leaf pigments, length of night, and weather affect the colors of autumn leaves by tree species. Find out how trees prepare for winter and what happens to the fallen leaves. Autumn is "leaf season," nature's annual color festival.
Environmental factors and the genetic makeup of the trees determine the intensity and times of peak color, with factors varying from tree to tree and region to region. Here are 8 of our favorite trees for fall color. These trees will also provide spring color, shade, privacy, and wildlife habitat.
These trees, with their spectacular fall colors, not only enhance the landscape's beauty but also provide ecological benefits, offering habitat and food for wildlife while marking the cycles of life and change. Spectacular trees for vibrant fall color are not just a feast for the eyes; they symbolize change, renewal, and the passage of time. The bright colors of fall trees are something to look forward to as the temperatures dip.
Fill your yard with fiery hues with these trees and shrubs. From vivid reds to golden yellows, the science behind autumn's colors reveals how weather, tree species and chemistry combine to create the seasonal spectacle.