Liriope’s Muse: Tree Care Tips from a Master Arborist

Liriope's Muse - Falling for Fall in Advance: Why Valentine’s Day Is the Perfect Time to Plan for Autumn Color

1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Fall Color: Fiery red, orange, and yellow

Why Plant It? Japanese Maples are prized for their delicate leaves and brilliant fall colors. While they prefer partial shade in Houston’s hot climate, they thrive in well-draining soil and add an elegant touch to any yard.

2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Fall Color: Bright red to orange
Why Plant It? True to its name, the Red Maple delivers some of the most striking autumn hues. It’s a fast-growing, hardy tree that adapts well to Houston’s climate, though it prefers slightly acidic soil for the best color display.

3. Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera)

Fall Color: Golden yellow, deep orange, and red
Why Plant It? One of the most reliable trees for vibrant fall foliage in Houston, Chinese Tallow trees are fast-growing and thrive in a variety of soil conditions. In fact, they are Eric’s favorite tree! to learn mor about the tallow tree, check out this blog.

4. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Fall Color: Rusty orange to copper
Why Plant It? A deciduous conifer, the Bald Cypress turns a stunning copper-orange in fall before shedding its soft, feathery needles. It’s highly adaptable and does well in both wet and dry conditions, making it a great choice for Houston landscapes. To learn more about why the bald cypress may be thew tree for you check out this blog.

5. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Fall Color: Purple, red, orange, and yellow
Why Plant It? Sweetgum trees offer one of the longest-lasting fall color displays in Houston. Their star-shaped leaves turn a mix of warm hues, creating a spectacular autumn scene. Be mindful of their spiky seed pods, which can be a bit messy.

Tips for Successful Planting

• Choose the Right Spot: Make sure your tree has enough space to grow and thrive. Consider sunlight exposure and soil drainage.
• Mulch & Water Well: A layer of mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and provide a protective layer to the trees roots. Water newly planted trees regularly and deeply, especially during dry spells.
• Be Patient: Some trees take a few years to fully develop their fall colors, but the wait is well worth it!

Why do trees change color in the fall?

As autumn arrives, trees and shrubs undergo a colorful transformation influenced by three key factors: leaf pigments, night length, and weather. The increasing length of night is the primary trigger for these changes, initiating biochemical processes that reveal nature’s vibrant fall palette.

Leaves contain three main pigments that contribute to autumn colors. Carotenoids produce yellow, orange, and brown hues, found in foods like carrots and bananas. Anthocyanins, which develop in response to bright light and excess sugars, create reds and purples seen in apples and cranberries. Chlorophyll, responsible for green color and essential for photosynthesis, breaks down as nights lengthen, allowing other pigments to emerge. This process results in the brilliant seasonal display we enjoy each fall.

Why do my trees change color some seasons and not others?

The intensity and timing of fall colors in your trees can vary from year to year due to several environmental factors:

1. Weather Conditions – Temperature, sunlight, and moisture levels all play a role. Warm, sunny days and cool (but not freezing) nights enhance red and purple hues by increasing anthocyanin production. A warm, wet fall or an early freeze can dull colors.
2. Drought and Soil Moisture – A dry summer can stress trees, causing leaves to drop early before colors fully develop. On the other hand, adequate moisture throughout the growing season can lead to more vibrant displays.
3. Tree Health and Stress – Trees that are stressed from disease, pests, or poor soil conditions may not develop strong fall colors and could drop their leaves prematurely.
4. Length of Night – This is the most consistent factor. As nights get longer, chlorophyll (which makes leaves green) breaks down, revealing underlying pigments. However, if other conditions aren’t ideal, colors may not be as striking.

If your trees have inconsistent fall colors, it’s likely due to variations in weather, soil conditions, or stress factors from year to year.

Final Thoughts

While February might be all about hearts and romance, it’s also the ideal time to invest in the beauty of your fall landscape. Plant now, and by the time autumn arrives, your yard will be bursting with breathtaking color.

If you need help selecting the right trees or ensuring they get off to a healthy start, reach out to Eric Putnam BCMA, Inc. We’d love to help you plan your perfect fall landscape!