There's More to Fall than Foliage

Best Places For Fall Foliage

New England has gained a reputation as the destination for a profusion of autumn color -- residents take day trips to see the colorful leaves, and foliage cruises, bus tours, and weekend specials at local B&Bs abound. Colorado vies for destination honors in the minds of those who have witnessed the vibrant sunshine yellow of Aspen trees in the high Rockies, mainly if there's an early snowfall to cap distant peaks.


But the spectacular fall color is broader than just a handful of locations across this continent. Even in southwestern deserts or in Alaska, colorful fall scenery can be enough to take your breath away. In Hawaii, leaves on the trees might not turn to vibrant autumn shades, but the sky can have a distinctive character, and the water seems to be a different blue. And who could resist the lure of bright orange pumpkin fields under a clear blue West Texas sky? That, after all, is the essence of fall.


No matter where you live -- or where you plan to travel this fall, the seasonal panorama can be short-lived. If a sudden cold front comes through, pack up and head out for a picnic on a back road. Wherever you may be or wherever you go, resolve to enjoy the fleeting natural beauty on display all around you because the timing of the spectacle can vary considerably.


Longer nights influence when leaves begin to turn, but higher altitudes and cooler temperatures accelerate the change. Autumn color comes earlier in northern latitudes and mountainous regions. Fall foliage in the northeast tends to appear as a blanket of color across the landscape, while in other areas, it can appear more like a burst of fireworks or a sprinkling of paprika or curry on an otherwise green or brown patch of land. You might be fortunate to live in an area with distinct seasons. If not, however, just be watchful, and you're sure to be captivated by some of the changes apparent each fall.
Just try to get out to appreciate the show. Here are some suggestions:
Camden, Maine


Tourists flock to the charming Down East town of Camden throughout the year, but it has a particular appeal in the fall when there is not only colorful but also some relative quiet between summer and winter crowds. The foliage and sweeping views of the Atlantic from nearby Mount Battie are worth the trip. Camden's close to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park if they're on your itinerary.


Michigan's Upper Peninsula


Brockway Mountain Drive on the Keweenaw Peninsula, with a gorgeous view of Lake Superior, is a particularly enchanting trip through brilliant gold and burgundy-tinged leaves, or drive the National Black River Scenic Byway. Check the Fall Color Report, which is updated weekly, and bring a camera.


Seeley Lake area of Western Montana


The yellow pine needles of the Western Larch, also known as tamarack, are unique. This ancient species, which can live to be 600 years old, masquerades as an evergreen, but its needles turn golden and fall to the ground. Winter can come here, in the Crown of the Continent region near Glacier National Park, but if you're here at the right time, it's a detour to be noticed.


Ozark Mountains between Missouri and Arkansas


There's excellent fall color in the Ozarks. Eureka Springs and Branson are nestled into these sometimes craggy mountains-filled lakes, trout-filled streams, caves and natural springs, scenic overlooks, and curving roadways. There's a lot more than foliage, and you won't be disappointed, no matter what kind you're after. No matter the season, you can enjoy mountain music, shop for antiques, meet exciting people, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of small-town life.


Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains


If a road trip is your style, plan a visit to Georgia for fall, when the air is still warm, the skies are clear, and the foliage is spectacular. The Blue Ridge Parkway is scenic along its entire route, but the colors are particularly intense from the vantage point of Brasstown Bald, the highest natural point in the state. It's a climb to the top from the parking lot, but it's well worth it!


Floydada, Texas


Yes, pumpkins qualify as a fall color! Floydada is the self-proclaimed pumpkin capital of Texas. It's nothing if not unique, and the city sponsors a "punkin festival" on the second weekend of October. It's also known for its cotton fields, so depending on the season, the plains surrounding the town can be shrouded in green, white, or orange!
If it's too late to enjoy the colorful displays this season, it's not too late to plan a fall getaway for next year. There are almost limitless opportunities to enjoy nature's seasonal shows across this vast land.

 

Red Oak Tree Seedlings - TN Nursery

Northern Red Oak Seedlings

Northern Red Oak Tree Seedlings possesses a dense, wide canopy that shields outdoor areas from harsh sunlight, creating a cooler and more comfortable environment for relaxation and outdoor activities. The shade they offer can also reduce energy costs by lowering the temperature around buildings, thus decreasing the need for air conditioning. Red Oak Tree Seedlings, also known as Quercus rubra, are one of the most popular types on earth. They're well-known worldwide for being able to sustain themselves in various conditions. When you add to this how stunningly beautiful they are, it's easy to see why so many people are attracted to them. Northern Red Oak Tree Seedlings Has Stunning Leaves The leaves have seven to nine lobes, are alternate, and can grow up to 10 inches long. Each leaf begins its life by sprouting out of a convolute bud. Initially covered in a soft, silky down, they transition to a smooth, dark green. They look their best, however, once fall comes. That's when the leaves become a brilliant crimson! Northern Red Oak Tree Seedlings Have Unique Bark And Wood When saplings grow into a tree, they will have light gray, smooth bark. Additionally, it will grow branchlets that cycle through several colors until finally landing on dark brown. As it matures, it will become a brownish gray. The wood is reddish-brown, intense, complex, and heavy. It's also coarse-grained with a darker sapwood. During the winter season, dark chestnut brown buds will appear. Northern Red Oak Tree Seedlings Will Produce Acorns The acorns are considered quite a treat by wildlife, but they'll initially take approximately 18 months to mature. They will become quite prevalent and can take many different forms. For instance, they can come in pairs or be solitary, and they'll be stalked or sessile. The acorns will be green when they're still immature and change to a healthy nut brown when ready for your local squirrels. Not only will they provide a safe harbor for a variety of small mammals and birds, but they're also commonly grazed by rabbits, moose, elk, and deer. In autumn, you can hear the acorns falling right off them, feeding squirrels, birds, and several other small mammals. Once Red Oak Tree Seedlings reach their 10th year, they'll already have grown up to 20 feet high. They also make a fantastic thing to plant for subsequent generations to enjoy because they live for up to 400 years!

Regular price From $37.99
Regular price Sale price From $37.99
Unit price  per 
Sugar Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar Maple Tree is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is prized for its vibrant fall foliage, distinctive five-lobed leaves, and the sap used to make maple syrup. The tree benefits landscaping endeavors, enriching outdoor spaces' aesthetics, ecological balance, and functional aspects. This majestic deciduous tree offers unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. If you have ever enjoyed syrup, you have the tree to thank. Of course, it is celebrated for more than just its ability to create sweet treats. It can also be used to add color to your property or a neighborhood as a whole. What Does Sugar Maple Tree Look Like As with most deciduous families, this one will grow to more than 100 feet tall in ideal conditions. However, it can grow to 150 feet in some instances. It also has a canopy of green leaves during the spring and summer and turns multiple colors in the fall. It also contains flowers and winged seeds that are used to create offspring. How Long Does It Take for Sugar Maple Tree to Mature They will typically take at least a decade to produce fruit, but it may only take a few years to produce flowers. In addition, they will grow relatively quickly, which is why they can be a great addition to private property or public parks. Sugar Maple Tree Root System Is Strong Like others, the Sugar Maple Tree will create a robust root system that can help stabilize soil or prevent erosion. Therefore, it can be an ideal choice in wet areas or on slopes where a landslide could quickly decimate a landscape. In addition to protecting your property, keeping erosion to a minimum can help keep others in your neighborhood or community safe.  Planting a Sugar Maple Tree on your property can provide birds and other animals with a place to live or food to survive. For instance, squirrels and other smaller creatures will eat the seeds, while deer may be interested in chewing on leaves. Some animals may be attracted to the foliage itself or the benefits it can provide other than being a food source for them.

Regular price From $29.99
Regular price Sale price From $29.99
Unit price  per 
Pine Trees - TN Nursery

Pine Trees

Pine trees are evergreen conifers characterized by needle-like leaves, conical or irregular shapes, and cone production. They are found in various species and are widely distributed across the world's forests. Pine trees, or Pinus, are a family of conifers that includes at least 121 species. They're typically located in the Northern Hemisphere and can be as small as 10 feet or as large as 268 feet. Pine Trees Bark and Cones For the most part, they have a scaly, thick bark. The branches are highly tight spirals, which are often referred to as 'pseudo whorls.' These whorls typically grow one set of branches per year. The cones, meanwhile, provide the plant with a source of reproduction. Both genders appear on each of these evergreens, offering a unique appearance. Cone hunters often collect the cones, which have been displayed in any number of baskets over the years. The needles of these conifers can be sharp, but they're yet another thing that offers a visual feast for wildlife lovers. Interestingly, more mature ones do not typically have any needles. Instead, they only stick around for up to 40 years. While they're still there, though, they feed butterflies and moths. The seed leaves come in a whorl of four to 24. Not only do these help distribute additional evergreens, but they also offer a food source to squirrels and a wide array of birds. Height and Life Expectancy of Pine Trees Although the extreme height range is listed above, most can grow to approximately 50-150 feet tall. Even more impressive, though, is their expected lifespan. Most will live anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years. However, the oldest known ones are around 4,800 years old! In other words, anytime you plant one of these evergreens, it'll likely be around for many subsequent generations. Pine Trees Are Perfect for Christmas Everyone who envisions their ideal Christmas tree immediately thinks of them. These evergreen types have just the right mixture of greenery and heavy-bearing limbs to make them suitable for holding all your Christmas decorations. Of course, you probably won't want to cut down these beautiful conifers, but you can still decorate them in your yard! If you're looking for something beautiful, durable, and extremely hardy, you should definitely consider planting Pine Trees!

Regular price From $29.99
Regular price Sale price From $29.99
Unit price  per