Thinking of adding a specimen tree to your yard? Fall is the perfect time to plant one (or two.) So… here are a few suggestions:
1) Eastern Red Bud (Cercis Canadensis) – This is one of the first trees to bloom in the Spring. When the robin arrives, the Red Bud displays showy purple-pink blooms on its otherwise bare branches. The attractive heart-shaped leaves that follow change from purple to dark green, & then to yellow. This tree has a graceful, rounded shape. It prefers partial shade, but will tolerate full sun, and even full shade. It is a slow grower, but can eventually reach a height of 20’-30’. The zigzag branch pattern & the seedpods add winter interest.
2) Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) – You might call the Stewartia a late bloomer. Its Camellia-like flowers don’t open until mid-Summer. When most trees have dropped their blossoms, this one rewards your patience with its delicate beauties. The tree will grow to about 30’-40’ and prefers part shade & moist, fertile soil. It has good Fall foliage; and, its camouflaged-hued bark makes it a tree for all seasons.
3) Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) – This is a low maintenance tree that is attractive in all 4 seasons. Its heart-shaped leaves emerge reddish-purple, then turn dark bluish green. In the Fall, the color range is from intense yellow to an apricot orange. In the Winter, the bark has a slight exfoliation pattern & a medium gray color. The Katsura prefers dappled sun, but will tolerate light shade to full sun. It can grow to a height of 40’-60’ with a potential spread of 20’-50’.
4) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – Also known as the Maidenhair Tree, the Ginkgo (also spelled Gingko) is the only tree that has fan-shaped leaves; and, they hang in clusters. This makes them perfect for catching a breeze. And, in the Fall, they turn a clear yellow. Once the temperature drops to about 25 degrees, they all fall at once! The Ginkgo is very tough and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for difficult conditions. It will take full sun and can reach a height of 50’-80’ with a possible spread of 30’-40’. According to fossil records, Ginkgo trees existed 200million years ago, looking just as they do today. A word of caution: the females produce very smelly & messy (but edible) fruits; therefore, only buy a male specimen.
