Crisp autumn air is on its way, and it beckons us back from air-conditioned sanctuaries to putter in our gardens and yards once again. Of utmost importance is for us to plant more deciduous native trees.  

 

Those trees are cleaning our air, cooling our pavement, and keeping Austin as one of the most beautiful places in Texas.

 

You’ll be seeing the tawny-gold trees and ruby-red leaves that dance in the autumn winds soon. Why not offer your own contribution to the show?

 

I’m listing a few lesser-known, brilliantly colorful native trees for you to think about planting this fall. They might be tough to find, but they are certainly worth the effort.

 

1) Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum) This rare and slow-growing native namesake of Lost Maples State Park is a showstopper in fall with red, orange and yellow leaves. Although I usually recommend planting younger trees, the slow rate of growth on this one might influence you to go bigger. A real Texas celebrity. (see photo above)

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2) Chalk Maple (Acer leucoderme) This smaller, understory maple is a fabulous choice for yards with a mature canopy overhead, as it likes a more shaded position. Fiery oranges will illuminate your yard, and this tree will stay a manageable size. Make sure you have some healthy soil prepared for this one to thrive.

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3) Lacey Oak (Quercus laceyi)  This small oak is criminally-underused.  Its petite size and blue-green foliage during the growing season are lovely and delicate, but it reveals a luminescent gold for fall. If you can plant two trees, pair this one with the Bigtooth Maple for a stunning painted autumnal orchestra in your very own yard.

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4) American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) This tree attains a large size, so only use it if you have plenty of space.  A star-pattern leaf adorns this lovely lady in the growing season, and after the green-pigmented chlorophyll retreats to roots, a blood red canopy is left perched on sturdy branches.  Unrivaled red.

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5) Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia) Cedar Elm is one of the most resilient and robust trees I’ve ever known. Slow and steady, the Cedar Elm has a golden crown for weeks until the leaves let go in a swirling, shimmering cascade of gold that is pure fairy-magic.

 

Help the planet. Help your neighborhood. Plant a tree this weekend!❦