Ten trees for dazzling fall color in Illinois

As the days get shorter and the weather finally cools, Illinois residents are treated to an annual spectacle: the brilliant canopy of colors from deciduous trees. This fantastic display isn’t magic; it’s a perfectly timed biological process signifying a time of rest in nature.

The Science Behind the Spectacle

The best fall foliage — vibrant yellows, oranges, and fiery reds—is the result of a specific weather cocktail: sunny days, cool (but not freezing) nights, and ample precipitation.

• Cool nights, new hues: Cooler overnight temperatures signal the trees to stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment. As the green fades, the inherent yellows and oranges are finally revealed.

• Warm days, bold reds: Warm, sunny days that follow those cool nights help the leaves continue to produce sugars. These sugars are trapped in the leaves, triggering the creation of pigments that bring on the intense reds and purple hues.

• A healthy tree is a colorful tree: Adequate precipitation keeps the tree healthy, allowing it to hold onto its leaves longer for a more extended and vibrant color show before they eventually drop.

Top 10 Trees to Transform Your Landscape

Looking to dramatically enhance your property with a tree that delivers an unforgettable fall color performance? Consider one of these top-rated picks for the Illinois landscape:

American Beech

• Fall color range: Yellow to yellow-bronze

• Key features and planting notes: Superior color to the European variety. Has attractive, smooth, silvery bark. Provide adequate space; not suitable for high-traffic or small areas.

Bald Cypress

• Fall color range: Rusty brown

• Key features and planting notes: Unique deciduous conifer (loses its “needles”). Prefers wet soils and is native to southern Illinois. It can grow very tall.

Black Tupelo

• Fall color range: Amazing red, orange, purple

• Key features and planting notes: Stunning color that pops from a distance. Excellent native accent or shade tree. Sensitive to pollution and difficult to transplant; start with a smaller-sized tree.

Downy Serviceberry

• Fall color range: Yellow, orange, to bronze-red

• Key features and planting notes: Native understory tree with year-round interest: edible fruit, nice gray bark, and early spring flowers. Avoid compacted soils and provide regular pruning.

Flowering Dogwood

• Fall color range: Consistent red to reddish-purple

• Key features and planting notes: A gorgeous native understory tree with consistent color and outstanding spring flowers. Likes some protection, and needs moist, well-drained soil.

Ginkgo

• Fall color range: Brilliant yellow

• Key features and planting notes: Famous for its uniform yellow color. Leaves often drop quickly once turned. A great, hardy urban tree; select male trees to avoid the smelly fruit of females.

Red Oak

• Fall color range: Reddish-brown

• Key features and planting notes: An excellent, classic native shade tree for larger landscapes. A top-pick oak for its clean foliage and fast juvenile growth rate. Transplants well.

Sassafras

• Fall color range: Brilliant yellow, orange, to deep red

• Key features and planting notes: Brilliant color with little to no upkeep required. Known for its interesting, irregular branching pattern.

Smooth Sumac

• Fall color range: Brilliant red, orange, purple (early fall)

• Key features and planting notes: A smaller tree that thrives on poor, dry sites. Excellent for stabilizing banks. This native tree spreads and can form thickets, making it a poor choice for small home yards.

Sweetgum

• Fall color range: Red, orange, yellow, purple (often a mix).

• Key features and planting notes: Lovely, variable fall color. Excellent native specimen or shade tree native to southern Illinois. Avoid planting near walkways as its spiky, round fruit can be very messy. Does not tolerate pollution.

Ensuring Long-Term Success

A tree is a lifelong investment! Once you’ve selected the perfect specimen, commit to proper planting and after-care to facilitate long-term success:

• Plant correctly: Ensure the hole is wide enough and the tree is positioned at the correct depth.

• Mulch for protection: Apply a layer of mulch (but not against the trunk!) to help retain moisture and protect the root zone.

• Water consistently: Plan to water the tree regularly for the first three years as it establishes its root system. Young trees need consistent hydration to transition successfully and thrive for decades to come.

Nancy Kreith is a University of Illinois Extension educator, horticulture, serving Cook County.