Beyond the Maple: 5 Trees for Spectacular Fall Color (Hello, Ginkgo!)

While the Japanese Maple is the undisputed superstar of autumn, a truly breathtaking fall garden features a symphony of color. If you're looking to extend your autumn display beyond the classic maple, we've got you covered. Here are five incredible trees that will set your landscape ablaze with color.

1. The Ginkgo Biloba: A Golden Sentinel

• Why it's great: Nothing compares to the pure, radiant gold of a Ginkgo in fall. Its unique, fan-shaped leaves turn a brilliant, uniform yellow and then drop almost simultaneously, creating a stunning golden carpet.

• Pro Tip: Be sure to plant a male cultivar (like 'Autumn Gold') to avoid the messy fruit produced by female trees.

• Find it at our shop: We carry select male Ginkgo cultivars that guarantee a mess-free spectacle of gold.

2. The Black Tupelo (Black Gum): A Fiery Masterpiece

• Why it's great: This native North American tree is one of the first to turn in the fall, and it puts on a shocking display. Its leaves ignite in a cascade of brilliant scarlet, purple, orange, and yellow—often all on the same branch!

• Pro Tip: It's an excellent wildlife tree, providing food for birds.

3. The Sweet Gum: A Star-Shaped Showoff

• Why it's great: Don't let the spiky seed balls deter you! The Sweet Gum offers a long-lasting fall show with leaves that morph into a dazzling mix of deep purple, crimson, orange, and yellow. The star-shaped leaves are beautiful up close.

• Pro Tip: Look for the non-fruiting cultivar 'Rotundiloba' to avoid the seed pods.

4. The Serviceberry: A Small Tree with Big Impact

• Why it's great: Perfect for smaller spaces, the Serviceberry offers multi-season interest. In autumn, its delicate leaves turn from a soft yellow to a deep, fiery orange-red.

• Pro Tip: You'll be rewarded with sweet berries in early summer and lovely white flowers in spring.

5. The Persian Ironwood: An Understated Elegance

• Why it's great: This is a connoisseur's choice. Its mottled, exfoliating bark provides year-round interest, but the fall color is truly unique. The leaves develop subtle, exquisite blends of orange, rose, ruby, and peach.

• Pro Tip: Plant it where you can admire its beautiful bark up close in the winter.

Visit us at [Your Shop Name] to explore our curated collection of maples and these spectacular fall alternatives. Let's plan your unforgettable autumn garden together!