As we shimmy into fall, it's prime time to consider jazzing up your backyard with trees that add a splash of autumn color. Over at Arlington Parks & Recreation, they've put together a nifty lineup of trees tailored for small spaces that serve up a visual feast for the cooler months. Following their guide, here's the lowdown.
First up on the list is the ever-popular Flowering Dogwood. In a statement obtained by Arlington Parks & Recreation, Wendy Pappas, the Urban Forestry Land Manager there, advises would-be planters to ensure they give this tree plenty of water to weather through. It loves water and cannot handle drought. Sporting blooms from white to red and foliage that transitions to red and deep purple come fall, Dogwoods add perennial charm. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and can stretch up to 25 feet, though smaller varieties exist.
Next, we have the wing-flaunting Winged Sumac that likes to soak up the sunshine and expands up to 15 feet in height. A statement from Wendy Pappas in the same Arlington Parks & Recreation article tells us it reproduces rapidly if conditions are favorable, and who doesn't want more trees for their buck? Sumacs stand out with their show-stopping red fall foliage, proving hardy in zones 4-9 and resistant to drought.
The versatile Witch Hazel, which some may confuse with a mere shrub, earns its place on this list as well. It grows beautiful yellow flowers, echoes the fall aesthetic with yellow leaves, and demands little in the way of maintenance. You can let it reach 15-20 feet without breaking a sweat over its upkeep. Plus, it's not picky about soil.
For those who prefer a southern twang, Crepe Myrtle enters the chat with a crescendo of colors, blooming late into September and switching to a palette of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. As Pappas told Arlington Parks & Recreation, the plant "loves full sun and works in many different types of soil." Though watch out for ailments like bark scale and mildew—Crepe Myrtles do not always have it easy.
Finally, let's not overlook the Bottlebrush Buckeye. This compact showstopper tops off at 12 feet and prefers to quench its thirst with regular watering. Its white June and July flowers give way to a bright yellow in the fall, and disease doesn't faze it much.
