Best Places For Fall Foliage

New England Foilage

New England has gained a reputation as the destination for a profusion of autumn color -- residents take day trips to see the colorful leaves, and foliage cruises, bus tours, and weekend specials at local B&Bs abound. Colorado vies for destination honors in the minds of those who have witnessed the vibrant sunshine yellow of Aspen trees in the high Rockies, mainly if there's an early snowfall to cap distant peaks.


But the spectacular fall color is broader than just a handful of locations across this continent. Even in southwestern deserts or in Alaska, colorful fall scenery can be enough to take your breath away. In Hawaii, leaves on the trees might not turn to vibrant autumn shades, but the sky can have a distinctive character, and the water seems to be a different blue. And who could resist the lure of bright orange pumpkin fields under a clear blue West Texas sky? That, after all, is the essence of fall.


No matter where you live -- or where you plan to travel this fall, the seasonal panorama can be short-lived. If a sudden cold front comes through, pack up and head out for a picnic on a back road. Wherever you may be or wherever you go, resolve to enjoy the fleeting natural beauty on display all around you because the timing of the spectacle can vary considerably.


Longer nights influence when leaves begin to turn, but higher altitudes and cooler temperatures accelerate the change. Autumn color comes earlier in northern latitudes and mountainous regions. Fall foliage in the northeast tends to appear as a blanket of color across the landscape, while in other areas, it can appear more like a burst of fireworks or a sprinkling of paprika or curry on an otherwise green or brown patch of land. You might be fortunate to live in an area with distinct seasons. If not, however, just be watchful, and you're sure to be captivated by some of the changes apparent each fall.


Just try to get out to appreciate the show. Here are some suggestions:

Camden, Maine


Tourists flock to the charming Down East town of Camden throughout the year, but it has a particular appeal in the fall when there is not only colorful but also some relative quiet between summer and winter crowds. The foliage and sweeping views of the Atlantic from nearby Mount Battie are worth the trip. Camden's close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park if they're on your itinerary.


Michigan's Upper Peninsula


Brockway Mountain Drive on the Keweenaw Peninsula, with a gorgeous view of Lake Superior, is a particularly enchanting trip through brilliant gold and burgundy-tinged leaves, or drive the National Black River Scenic Byway. Check the Fall Color Report, which is updated weekly, and bring a camera.


Seeley Lake area of Western Montana


The yellow pine needles of the Western Larch, also known as tamarack, are unique. This ancient species, which can live to be 600 years old, masquerades as an evergreen, but its needles turn golden and fall to the ground. Winter can come here, in the Crown of the Continent region near Glacier National Park, but if you're here at the right time, it's a detour to be noticed.


Ozark Mountains between Missouri and Arkansas


There's excellent fall color in the Ozarks. Eureka Springs and Branson are nestled into these sometimes craggy mountains-filled lakes, trout-filled streams, caves and natural springs, scenic overlooks, and curving roadways. There's a lot more than foliage, and you won't be disappointed, no matter what kind you're after. No matter the season, you can enjoy mountain music, shop for antiques, meet exciting people, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of small-town life.


Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains


If a road trip is your style, plan a visit to Georgia for fall, when the air is still warm, the skies are clear, and the foliage is spectacular. The Blue Ridge Parkway is scenic along its entire route, but the colors are particularly intense from the vantage point of Brasstown Bald, the highest natural point in the state. It's a climb to the top from the parking lot, but it's well worth it!

Floydada, Texas


Yes, pumpkins qualify as a fall color! Floydada is the self-proclaimed pumpkin capital of Texas. It's nothing if not unique, and the city sponsors a "punkin festival" on the second weekend of October. It's also known for its cotton fields, so depending on the season, the plains surrounding the town can be shrouded in green, white, or orange!


If it's too late to enjoy the colorful displays this season, it's not too late to plan a fall getaway for next year. There are almost limitless opportunities to enjoy nature's seasonal shows across this vast land.

Enjoy it in your own back yard with Vibrant Foliage Trees from TN Nursery, including red maple, sourwood tree and red oak.

 

Quaken Aspen (Lombardy Poplar) - TN Nursery

Quaken Aspen (Lombardy Poplar)

The Quaken Aspen is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is recognized for its shimmering, heart-shaped leaves that flutter and quiver in the slightest breeze, giving it its distinctive name and appearance. It is a valuable and unusual addition to landscaping, offering many benefits encompassing aesthetic, ecological, and functional dimensions. Its unique attributes contribute to a harmonious interplay of visual allure, environmental support, and practical value, making it a favored choice among landscape designers and homeowners. Quaken Aspen (Lombardy Poplar) is a lovely addition to any property. It's an impressively large tree with a slender, vertical appearance. Full-grown trees can reach 110 feet in height and 30 feet in width. The tree has a very long, bare trunk with a thick cluster of leaves around the top. Usually, the crown of the tree is somewhere between 25 and 60 feet tall. The Appealing Bark of the Quaken Aspen One of the many other names for this tree is the white poplar due to its unusual bark. This tree's bark ranges from a pale, silvery color to a bright, white color. The light color helps it stand out from all the darker plants around your property. Its bark is often mottled with black stripes or spots to make the tree even more eye-catching. This appealing pattern adds a lot of visual interest to any location. The Stunning Colors Of Quaken Aspens Foliage  This tree has small, round leaves with gently serrated edges. During spring and summer, the leaves are multi-colored. They have a green top and a silver bottom, so waves of color ripple through the tree as the wind blows. These trees react strongly to temperature changes. They turn a bright golden color and stay that shade for weeks as soon as it gets a little colder. Some trees may eventually darken to a rich, red tint, but most keep sunshine yellow throughout the fall. Landscaping With Quaken Aspen Since Quaken Aspen is such a showstopper, many landscapers like to use it for decorative stands of trees. A cluster of this tree on a lawn creates a solid focal point for your landscape. Their narrow shape also makes them look quite elegant when planted in lines. A row of this tree is the ideal border for a long drive or fence length. They also work well when planted singly, so you can use a single tree or two to frame your doorway or patio.

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Red Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Red Maple Tree

Red Maple trees are native to North America and are known for their striking spring scarlet flowers, brilliant fall foliage, and distinctive twigs and leaf stems. They are versatile and aesthetically pleasing choices for landscaping and offer various benefits that enhance outdoor spaces. With their striking foliage, adaptable nature, and environmental contributions, red maple trees have become popular residential and commercial landscaping options.  Regarding gardens, the Red Maple Tree is a particular case because it often exceeds 100 feet in height. Its imposing nature and brilliantly colored foliage during the spring and fall make it a breathtaking sight in any garden. It is a focal point because it will dominate any garden landscape. The Flowers Of The Red Maple Tree Comes When It's 8 Years Old This plant will produce blooms when it is roughly eight years old. When the flowers emerge from them, they are tiny and scarlet, giving this maple its name. Interestingly, these pretty little flowers appear as early as December each year so that they will add splashes of crimson to the winter landscape in the garden. The male and female flowers are each a different shade, adding to the color palette of this stately plant. The flowers of this plant fade by the end of May, but the plant still looks like it's got flowers in bloom after pollination of the flowers. After the flowers fall away, beautiful samaras form in clusters throughout the summer, contrasting with the leaves. The Leaves Of The Red Maple Tree The leaves are lush and verdant, and they have one of the most famous shapes of any leaf in the plant kingdom. However, as the leaves turn colors in the autumn, they're not just one color. Gorgeous streaks of orange and yellow form throughout them, creating an almost kaleidoscopic effect as the eyes take in the majesty of the plant. Because this plant has so many colors, it goes well with many perennials of different shades, accentuating the colors of the other plants in the garden and vice versa. Because it is such a large plant for any garden, it's just right as a host for epiphytic plants to grow upon it. In this way, this plant can be integrated into the garden. Environmental Impact Of The Red Maple Tree Red Maple Tree is a necessary part of the food cycle as winter turns to spring, particularly for bumble bees. Because it flowers so early, it provides an exceptional source of pollen and nectar for hungry pollinators before almost any other plants bloom or produce leaves. These plants also help prevent soil erosion with their root systems, especially in wet climates.

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Sourwood Tree - TN Nursery

Sourwood Tree

The Sourwood Tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its long panicles of fragrant, white, urn-shaped flowers and vibrant red fall foliage. Among garden trees, the Sourwood Tree fits the bill. It grows around 25 feet tall, and its branches generally spread to 10 feet. It will become a stalwart focal point in any garden. These plants are stately enough to please the eye yet small enough not to overpower any perennials planted around them. Another name for this plant is the sorrel. Sourwood Tree Has Beautiful Blooms They say, "Good things come to those who wait." That is true of this plant. Beginning with its fifth season after being planted, it will sprout gorgeous white flowers throughout June and July every year. These bell-shaped flowers grow on panicles in a flowing, attractive fashion that has led them to be called "angel fingers." The flowers are also sweet-smelling, producing so much nectar during their blooming that it drips from the branches at the slightest shake. The Leaves of Sourwood Tree Are Rich and Colorful The leaves will turn brilliant colors in the fall, notably red and deep purple. The bark is reddish brown and is attractively furrowed, matching the hues of the changing leaves. The leaves are pleasantly aromatic, reminiscent of the smell of honey from the tree's nectar. The wonderful aroma is balanced between astringency, which gives the plant its name, and the sweetness of anise. The leaves are oblong and finely tapered, and the surface is glossy enough to reflect sunlight attractively. After the blooms fade at the beginning of August, pretty silvery capsules form along the branches. The color of these capsules meshes nicely with the changing leaves and the furrowed bark into winter. Because the sorrel is a slow-growing plant, its wood and bark are solid and sturdy, providing a beautiful sight in all four seasons. Attract Pollinators With Sourwood Tree Pollinators, especially bees, love the flowers of Sourwood Tree, the sweet-and-sour nectar that produces the world's most excellent honey. Birds will also fly among the branches for a snack as autumn turns to winter. As the sorrel is mainly unaffected by pests or disease, it will likely remain a pleasing focal point in any garden for many years.

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Red Oak Tree - TN Nursery

Red Oak Tree

The Red Oak Tree has a tall and robust trunk, spreading branches, and vibrant foliage that add a sense of grandeur to any landscape. It is a magnificent choice for landscaping due to its numerous benefits that enhance outdoor spaces' visual appeal and ecological value. Its stately presence and adaptability make it a sought-after option for various landscaping projects. A Red Oak Tree is a tall species you will notice on your property or the surrounding landscape. This tree offers several benefits for most landscapes, including stabilizing soil and attracting birds and other species. What Does a Red Oak Tree Look Like This plant can grow up to 75 feet tall and about 60 feet around. As with similar plants, it will have a canopy of green leaves throughout the spring and summer months that will turn various hues, such as orange or yellow, in the fall. The leaves will come off in the fall, and you may also notice acorns landing on the ground in the fall as well. Red Oak Tree Attracts Wildlife The acorns serve as sustenance for squirrels and other animals that need a store of calories over the winter. In return, the animals scatter the acorns throughout your property or a given area so that these trees can grow unimpeded by the competition. Red Oak Tree Proliferates and Has Strong Roots One of the primary benefits of having this plant on your property is that you won't have to wait years for it to reach maturity. Instead, it can grow several feet yearly and start creating acorns in less than a decade. As the plant grows, its root system will grow deeper into the ground, which can help to lap up excess moisture or anchor the ground where it is. This can minimize the risk of a landslide or other forms of erosion from eating away a vulnerable landscape. The root system typically grows about 20 feet, assuming it has the space to do so. Another positive attribute of Red Oak Tree is that it generally does an excellent job resisting pest damage. This means you can expect it to reach its entire lifespan of about 300 years. Its long life also means that several generations will be able to benefit from your work, and it also means that it can produce thousands of acorns during its life.

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