Sweetgum tree with brilliant fall color at Raincatcher’s Garden
Eric,
This Fall has been spectacular with so many kinds of trees with brilliant fall colors. Some had said it has to do with our long hot summer while others have said the rain came at just the right time and it’s a combination of the two weather factors.
What do you think is causing such beautiful fall color in 2018?
What trees would you recommend for fall color? Say someone wants to buy a tree this fall in hopes for future fall color in their yard.
What about Shantung Maples, I see alot of those in my neighborhood and I like the shape of them. Ann
Hi Ann – So good to hear from you. I agree with you 100 % on the beautiful fall colors for many of our trees in the Urban Forest. There are many different opinions on the reasons for the beautiful colors this Fall. The truth is that tree people know that temperature(highs and lows), water, first freeze date, all play a part in the Fall colors but cannot figure out the exact timing of these variables to come up with a nice tidy equation that will let us all know when to expect the beautiful colors.
My neighbor from New York planted a Bradford Pear a few years ago . She loved the Fall colors but also found out the final ending for Bradford Pears is not pretty. I suggested she might want to look at the Shantung Maple. She planted one four years ago and every year would ask me when the beautiful oranges and reds would show up. I told her to be patient, the yellow colors looked great but it wasn’t until this Fall that she finally got the brilliant oranges that she has been waiting on. I am thinking of trying one of the Shantung maples at RCG. I have given up on the Ginkgo. They require too much tender loving care for the first two years and we need to recommend trees that are hardy and can survive with a minimum amount of care to the public. I would also like to be able to fine a Big Tooth Maple but availability in the nurseries is very limited.
I think you are on the right trail with the Shantung.
Have a great Holiday season,
Eric
Thank you,Eric, and thank you for all the effort and thought you put into our demonstration forest at Raincatcher’s!
Ann Lamb
Picture by Starla Willis
Eric Larner is a Dallas County Master Gardener from the class of 2006 and a Citizen Forester. He and his wife, Jane(also a Master Gardener) work at The Raincatcher’s Garden and many other places in Dallas planting and speaking about trees.
Dorothy Shockley still remembers summer suppers at her grandparents’ farm. “Of course, the homemade tomatoes were the highlight, but also, black-eyed peas, squash, fresh onions and strawberry shortcake,” she says. “I’m sure meat was served, but I don’t think I ate anything but vegetables.” In the Depression, her grandfather supported his family with a truck farm. “So my dad grew up working that farm.”
Don’t Miss the 2016 Garden Tour and Fall Fresh Garden Brunch on October 1st
A regulation-size tennis court (with lights!) and a bamboo hedge didn’t quite fit into Jody Bowers’ vision of an English garden for her Swiss Avenue home. Fire destroyed most of the original 1914 structure, and the home was rebuilt in 1924.
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 