Woodie’s Picks: Statement Shade Trees To Plant Now For Sensational Fall Foliage
For many around the US, we’re still in the throes of the intense summer heat. If you’re dreaming of cooler days and sweater weather, where the main heat comes from the fiery array of fall foliage…well, you’re safe to say you’re not alone. One great way to combat the heat as we await cooler temps is by planting a shade tree! And the best part is that in doing so, you are paving the way for an even more vibrant and colorful autumn season.
In this blog, we will highlight the key benefits of planting shade trees and dive into a few of our favorite varieties to bring an intense show of illuminating fall color in just a few short weeks.
Benefits of Growing Shade Trees
Comfortable Temperatures
The most obvious benefit of growing a shade tree is for just that–the shade! According to the Department of Energy, Shading and evapotranspiration (the process of plants moving and releasing water vapor) can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 6° F, and the air temperatures directly under these massive specimens can be as much as 25°F cooler than surrounding temperatures.
In the unforgiving summer heat, these temperature drops can provide a world of difference! When planted around the exterior of your home, you can benefit from relaxing outdoor spaces to relax, in addition to impacting the overall temperatures of the indoor portions of your home! Thus, by planting a shade tree, you are giving yourself ample leisure space, while also saving big on energy costs.
Curb Appeal
The next benefit of planting a shade tree on your property is the added curb appeal it brings to your space. Shade trees easily enhance curb appeal through the beauty they exude as they tower gracefully around a home’s exterior. Trees strategically placed around a home can create a natural frame that draws attention and makes for a breathtaking display. According to various real estate sources, a mature healthy shade tree can significantly enhance a property’s curb appeal, sometimes increasing its value by 7 to 19%.
Multiseasonal Interest
A final benefit of planting shade trees beyond the cooling aspects, energy efficiency, and increased curb appeal is the multiseasonal interest they provide to a space. Shade trees offer a range of colors and textures throughout the seasons, from their vibrant green emergence in spring to the ombre array of color changes that come with the fall. Shade trees even offer interest in the winter as their bare branches and large trunks add depth and dimension to a landscape.
The Best Shade Tree Varieties For Explosive Fall Color
Now that you’re convinced a shade tree is the right move in enhancing your outdoor space, it is time to decide what variety best fits your aesthetic and taste. Below are just a few of our favorite shade tree options to bring that spectacular fall color you’ve been daydreaming about.
October Glory Maple
Some of the most iconic fall trees we all know and love are members of the Maple Tree family. The October Glory Maple is one of our best-selling shade tree varieties, known for its dense, rounded canopy of leaves that turns inviting shades of oranges and reds in the autumn season. Typically reaching heights between 40 and 50 feet, the October Glory Maple is a standout option for providing expansive shade cover in the summer months. Hardy to USDA zones 4-9, these trees can withstand a range of different climates, and they require little to no maintenance once established. October Glory Maples often serve as yard focal points, or are planted in mass along fence lines to make for a breathtaking display year after year.
Exclamation Sycamore
The Exclamation Sycamore Tree is a lesser-known but no less beautiful option for providing shade and fall color to a landscape. This hybrid tree is known for its distinctive exfoliating bark and large lobed leaves that turn a buttery yellow tone with the change of the seasons. The leaves of the Exclamation Sycamore tree are impressive in size, growing 6 to 7 inches long and up to 10 inches wide! You can expect this hardy shade giant to reach heights nearing 70 feet tall at maturity. The Exclamation Sycamore is praised for its fast growth rate, tolerance to various soil conditions, and disease resistance.
Amber Glow Dawn Redwood
Another less conventional option to achieve shade coverage in summer and a unique show of color in the fall is the Amber Glow Dawn Redwood Tree. This gorgeous tree boasts a pyramidal shape made up of feathery golden-yellow foliage that turns eye-catching hues of bronze in the fall. The bark of the Amber Glow Redwood is a reddish-brown cinnamon tone that contrasts majestically with the bright foliage. Typically maturing around 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide, this mid-size tree is a great shade option for landscapes with less available square footage. Amber Glow is often planted alone as a specimen tree or along water features to boost shade and color.
Pin Oak
Pin Oak Trees are yet another popular choice for planting due to their attractive pyramidal shape, tolerance to various soils, and ability to provide dense shade coverage. Hardy to zones four through eight, Pin Oaks thrive in moist acidic soils and are readily tolerant of soil compaction and urban conditions. Pin Oaks grow at an expedited rate, often exceeding 24 inches annually! You can expect your Oak to reach nearly 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide at maturity. When the weather cools, the Pin Oak explodes in warm shades of russet, bronze, and red.
Shop Fall Foliage Shade Trees Online Today
Whether you're looking to cool down your space, boost your home’s value, or simply enjoy the jaw-dropping colors of fall, planting a shade tree now is an investment that will reward you for decades to come. From the blazing red hues of the October Glory Maple to the rich russet tones of the Pin Oak, these selections provide relief from the heat and deliver an unforgettable autumn display. Don’t wait until the leaves start changing…shop our favorite fall foliage shade trees and set the stage for your most beautiful season yet.