Trees With Red Leaves in Fall

The trees are starting to change color, and the leaves are turning red and orange. This can only mean one thing: it is officially Fall. That being said, one of the most beautiful sights in nature are trees with red leaves in the fall.

These trees can be found all over the world, and each country has its own unique variety. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the most popular types of trees with red leaves in the fall.

What is Red Fall?

Red fall is the name given to the phenomenon of leaves changing color in autumn. The leaves of most trees change color in response to a lack of sunlight and cooler temperatures.

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, the chlorophyll in the leaves starts to break down. This process reveals other pigments that were hidden by the chlorophyll, such as carotenes and xanthophylls.

These pigments are what give leaves their yellow, orange, and red colors. The exact color of a leaf in fall depends on the mix of pigments present.

Top 10 Stunning Trees With Red Leaves in Fall

Now that we know a little bit about red fall, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful trees with red leaves in the fall.

1. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)

This small tree is native to Japan, China, and Korea. It is a popular choice for gardens because of its beautiful leaves and branches. The leaves are usually red, but they can also be orange or yellow. In the fall, the leaves turn a deep red color.

Japanese maples are not very tolerant of cold weather, so they need to be planted in an area that gets full sun. They can also grow in any type of soil, but they prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

2. Red maple (Acer rubrum)

This is one of the most common trees in North America, and it’s easy to see why. The red maple is a beautiful tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. The leaves are simple, and have three lobes. They turn a brilliant red in the fall, making them a stunning sight.

The red maple is also a deciduous tree, which means it loses its leaves in the winter. But don’t worry, they’ll be back in the spring.

3. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

The sugar maple is one of the most popular trees for fall foliage, and for good reason. The leaves of this tree turn a beautiful red hue in the fall, making it a stunning addition to any landscape.

Sugar maples are also relatively easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of fall, without a lot of work.

Sugar maples are native to North America, and they can be found in the eastern United States and Canada. They prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Sugar maples need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

4. Flame Tree (Bischofia polycarpa)

The flame tree is a beautiful tree that is native to Taiwan. It gets its name from the red flowers that bloom on the tree in the spring. In the fall, the leaves of the flame tree turn a stunning red color.

The flame tree grows best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil, and is also drought tolerant once it is established. The flame tree can grow to be 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. This red fall foliage is definitely a sight to see.

5. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

The Scarlet Oak is one of the most popular red oaks for landscaping. It grows well in a variety of soils, and has a relatively fast growth rate.

The leaves are deeply lobed and turn a deep scarlet red in the fall. This oak is also known for its brilliant red autumn foliage.

Scarlet Oaks are native to the eastern United States, and can be found as far north as Maine, and as far south as Florida. Scarlet Oaks are a popular choice for landscaping because of their beautiful fall color.

6. Winged sumac (Rhus copallinum)

This North American native shrub or small tree is covered in clusters of red fruits in fall. The leaves turn a deep scarlet red, providing brilliant color in the autumn landscape.

The Winged sumac grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a good choice for mass plantings, hedges, and naturalized areas. These deciduous trees reach a height of 15 feet, with a spread of 20 feet.

7. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

The sourwood tree is a tall, slender tree that grows up to 80 feet tall. It has long elliptical leaves that are dark green on top, and light green on the bottom. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful red color. The tree produces small white flowers in the summer, which turn into clusters of small, red fruits.

Sourwood trees are native to the southeastern United States, and can be found in woods and forests from Virginia to Florida. They prefer acidic soil and full sun, but they will also grow in partial shade.

8. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

A beautiful North American tree, the sweetgum is known for its five-pointed star-shaped leaves. The star-shaped leaves turn bright red, yellow, purple, or orange in the fall.

Sweetgum is a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive fall foliage and its ability to thrive in a variety of soils. This tree can grow to be quite large, so make sure you have enough space in your yard before planting one.

9. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)

The pin oak is a medium to a large deciduous tree that typically grows 50-80 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 18-24 inches. It has a pyramidal shape when young, but matures into a more rounded form.

The leaves are simple, alternate, and obovate with sharp teeth on the margins. They are dark green above, and lighter green below with prominent red veins. The fall color is typically a deep red, but can also be yellow or brown.

This tree is native to the eastern United States and prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of urban conditions, and does not tolerate drought well.

10. Black gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica)

The black gum tree is a native of the eastern United States. It’s easy to identify because its leaves turn red in the fall before other trees’ leaves have even begun to change color. The black gum is a slow-growing tree, but it can live to be 500 years old.

These trees are an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for many animals. If you’re lucky enough to have a black gum tree in your yard, be sure to take care of it.

These are just a few of the many beautiful trees that turn red in the fall. Be sure to get out and enjoy the autumn foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The maple tree produces red leaves in fall by a process called chromatography. Chromatography is the separation of a mixture into its component parts based on their different rates of migration across a medium. In the case of the maple tree, the pigments that give the leaves their color are separated as they travel across the cell membranes during photosynthesis.

The most colorful fall foliage is that of trees with red leaves. When these leaves catch the sunlight, they create a beautiful scene that is perfect for any autumn day. Red foliage is also perfect for adding contrast to a green landscape.

No, these trees do not require any special care. However, if you live in an area with a lot of wind, you may want to stake them so they don’t blow over. Also, be sure to mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture.

Trees with red leaves in fall are definitely a beautiful sight. They can add so much color and life to any landscape. Not to mention, they’re also great for providing shade and privacy. So if you’re looking for a tree to add to your yard, be sure to consider one of these red-leaved beauties.