Plant Trees with Great Fall Color
- August Hoppe
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Fall in Wisconsin can be a real show-stopper! The days are growing shorter, with cooler nights, and the trees are beginning their spectacular seasonal transformation - painting neighborhoods and forests in shades of red, orange, and gold. But what exactly makes leaves change color, and how can you add more of that vibrant beauty to your own yard?
How Fall Color Develops
Leaves contain pigments that help capture sunlight for energy during the growing season. In spring and summer, chlorophyll dominates, giving leaves their green color. As autumn approaches and daylight fades, chlorophyll breaks down - revealing the reds, oranges, and yellows that were hidden beneath the surface all along. Different species showcase different colors, making tree selection an exciting part of landscape design.
Hoppe Tree Service plants trees. We work with local wholesalers to deliver and install trees throughout SE Wisconsin. Here are some of our favorites.
Red Color
Hybrid maples: Our favorites for color are the Autumn fantasy & autumn blaze maples - reliable favorites with fiery shades of scarlet and orange.
Autumn brilliance serviceberry: Compact size and glowing red foliage.
Red maple: Bold crimson tones, a Midwest classic.
Orange-Red Color
Sugar maple (some varieties): Known for its oranges and reds that inspired the name "maple syrup country".
Musclewood (American hornbeam): A small native tree with subtle but beautiful orange to reddish tones.
White oak: Leaves often shift to deep wine-red or russet.
American plum: A native that offers bright orange-red foliage in the fall.
Yellow
Quaking aspen: Shimmering golden leaves that dance in the wind.
Quaking aspen American linden (basswood): Large heart-shaped leaves turning warm yellow.
Birches: Striking golden yellow leaves that stand out against bark.
Ironwood (American hophornbeam): A soft golden-yellow native choice.
Autumn gold ginkgo: Famous for its brilliant, uniform golden leaves.
Autumn gold ginkgo Plants with Year-Round or Dormant-Season Interest
Fall color doesn't have to end when leaves drop. Some trees and shrubs continue to provide seasonal beauty well into winter.
Common witch hazel: A unique shrub that blooms in fall with fragrant, buttery-yellow flowers.
Redosier (red-twig) dogwood: Vibrant red stems provide a striking contrast in snowy landscapes.
Common winterberry: A native holly with bright red berries that persist into winter.
Designing Your Landscape with Fall Color in Mind
Whether you love the fiery reds of a maple, the glowing gold of a ginkgo, or the winter interest of a dogwood, choosing the right mix of trees and shrubs can ensure year-round beauty in your yard. At Hoppe Tree Service, our certified arborists and landscape design experts can design a plan customized to your property and preferences - bringing the colors you love right to your own backyard.
Ready to add more fall color to your landscape? Contact us today to get started!
📞414-257-2111