Many Minnesotans consider fall their favorite season and the colorful trees tend to be a big part of their reasoning. When cool fall weather comes to Minnesota, trees across the state begin to change colors, transitioning from their traditional green to a rainbow of red, yellows, oranges, and browns. If you choose to plant the right trees in your yard, you can bring some welcome autumnal beauty to your own property. Continue reading to learn about some of the best MN-hardy trees that will add colorful fall foliage to your landscape.
5 Minnesota Trees with Beautiful Fall Colors
1. Red Maple
A native of Minnesota, red maples are some of the most common trees throughout our state and can make a great addition to your landscape. As their name suggests, red maples turn a fiery red during the fall that’s sure to turn heads. Plant a red maple or two on your property if you want some gorgeous fall foliage but make sure to give them space, as these trees grow to be 40-60 feet tall. Red maples can tolerate a variety of soil conditions and extreme temperatures, just make sure they get full sun.
2. Northern Red Oak
Northern red oaks are one of the oak species native to Minnesota and thrive in our climate, which some trees find inhospitable. When autumn comes around, the foliage of these oaks turns to a dark red or reddish-brown, adding spectacular color to any property. Able to grow up to 75 feet tall, northern red oaks demand a lot of space and sunlight but can provide shade and privacy in addition to amazing fall color as they grow. These trees also tend to attract and shelter local wildlife, who often forage on their acorns.
3. Quaking Aspen
The most common tree found in Minnesota, quaking aspens are often planted as border trees in residential and commercial landscapes. Quaking aspens have white bark that is beautiful year-round but they become truly magnificent in fall, when their foliage changes to a golden yellow. With narrow trunks and a maximum height of 50 feet, quaking aspens make a great choice to create a natural border on your property. Aspens thrive in full sun and are accustomed to the frigid weather of Minnesota winters.
4. Ginkgo
Although a Chinese native, ginkgos are hardy enough to survive in the diverse climate of Minnesota. These trees have distinctive fan-shaped leaves that make them a favorite for many. In autumn, the foliage of ginkgo trees turns a bright yellow, adding a lovely golden hue to any landscape where they’re planted. Ginkgos demand full sun and can grow to be 50-80 feet tall, making them one of the larger landscape trees you can plant on your property.
5. Serviceberry
If you’re looking for a smaller tree with colorful fall foliage that can be added to your landscape, a serviceberry could make a great choice. Serviceberries offer visual interest year-round, with white flowers blooming in spring and edible purple berries growing in summer. This continues in fall, when serviceberry foliage turns to a mix of colors including red, orange, and yellow. Serviceberries only grow to be 15-25 feet tall and can tolerate partial shade, making them an ideal choice for most landscapes.
Trusted Tree Care Company in the Greater Twin Cities
If you plan on adding new trees to your property to improve your fall foliage, it’s important to hire an experienced tree care company to keep them in good health. Reach out to Pro Tree today if you’re looking for professional tree care services performed by certified arborists in the greater Twin Cities metro area!
