Joan Swenson: Enjoy your own private Vermont with these colorful trees
| Tuesday, Nov 25 2008 01:42 PM
Last Updated Friday, Mar 27 2009 01:51 PM
Can a pear tree blush?
I think so. I drove past a long line of ornamental flowering pear trees in the median on Stockdale Highway near Cal State Bakersfield last week and while the trees were still deep green, the south-facing leaves were burnished deep red, reminding me of a perfectly blushing peach.
It has been a beautiful fall in Bakersfield. Stunningly warm — I keep wondering when I will need to turn on the heat, perhaps in December? — but I imagine that the mostly dry, windless weather has enabled trees to hold on to their leaves and the bright, clear afternoons have allowed me to appreciate them all the more.
Bakersfield isn’t famous for its fall color, but still there are bright, delightful trees to enjoy all around town. If you are interested in planting a tree, this is a good time to head to the nursery to find a specimen whose colors you want for your own yard. I recommend deciduous trees over evergreens because in addition to providing shade in the summer months, you get the bonus of more sunshine in your yard when the leaves fall. Given the dank fogginess of so many Bakersfield winters, I appreciate deciduous trees. Any sunshine is much appreciated.
MY FAVORITE TREES FOR FALL COLOR
Ornamental pears:There is so much to recommend with this tree, season after season. Both the upright and spreading forms produce clouds of white flowers in the springtime (although I’m told that some people suffer from allergies, thanks to the flowers). The trees, which make good shade trees, stay relatively short — at between 35 and 50 feet tall, with many staying at medium height. The largest one in my neighborhood I would estimate is 30 years old and has reached its 50 feet. It is a beautiful specimen with a broad spread of perhaps 25 feet.
In the fall, ornamental pear tree leaves turn deep shades of orange and red. When the leaves fall, you’ll note the small, ornamental fruit on which birds feed through the winter.
Chinese pistache:My favorite tree for its attractive summer profile and great fall color, ranging from yellow to brilliant red.
Some complaints: Male trees have catkins that make a mess in the spring. Female trees have red, green and blue berries in the fall that birds enjoy, but which are potential mess-makers, too. You won’t be able to tell if you have a male or a female tree for a number of years after planting because the trees have to develop a substantial size before they start showing their sexual characteristics.
I was surprised to find that a tree of ours that I had assumed was male began producing small berries a few years ago. A moderately tall tree at 35 to 50 feet, the Chinese pistache may not be pretty in its early years, but it develops a beautiful profile with time.
Liquidambar:Probably the tree with the biggest variety of colors to enjoy in the fall, from golden yellow to orange and brilliant red and maroon. Catkins in the springtime and round, ankle-twisting seedpods in the fall are pesky, it’s true. But consider the cultivar “Rotundiloba” that doesn’t produce seedpods.
While some branches may need to be pruned back to prevent breakage, prune carefully to avoid damaging the central leader or main trunk that will alter the appearance of the liquidambar trees. Roots grow close to the soil surface. Great height: 75 feet.
Scarlet oak:A beautiful red tree in the fall that gets quite large, up to 60 feet, and which should not be planted too close to the house. However, faded brown leaves remain on the tree well through the winter, which may be a deal killer for some who want a tree without leaves in the winter.
Modesto ash:Another big tree with big, golden yellow color in the fall. This tree needs plenty of room to grow; expect 50 feet. Don’t cut Modesto ash trees to reduce the tree size as you’ll likely cause branches to die.
Crape myrtle:You want a small tree? Here’s your tree that will stay reasonably petite at no more than 25 feet. It loves Bakersfield, with bright June and July flowers and gold and red leaves in the fall. Some cultivars produce really pretty fall color, so shop in the fall. Older trees have beautiful bark.
Ginkgo biloba:This tree is just plain tough and can take the alkaline Bakersfield soil, the polluted air and the hot summers. Fan-shaped leaves are bright green in the summer and golden in the fall. The leaves drop almost en masse in the fall for a short cleanup period. It grows tall and can top out at 70 feet. Female trees produce a smelly, messy fruit, but nurseries sell grafted male trees to prevent the problem.
