THE LEAFLET
We Updated our Fall Colors Map
Check out our Fall Showstoppers of DC Map and see what trees you can spot on your walk or while you’re hanging in the park and see what color changing trees you may find along the way. This map highlights the five showstopper fall color trees, as well as trees with significant fall color that we and/or the Urban Forestry Division of DDOT have planted.
Ginkgo | Ginkgo bilboa
With its instantly recognizable fan shaped leaves, look for shocks of yellow from the recognizable Ginkgo! A throwback to prehistoric times, the ginkgo is a beautiful shade tree with unique fan-shaped leaves that turn a beautiful yellow in fall, and distinctly furrowed corky bark that is gray-white in color. This tough urban tree is able to withstand varied conditions and stresses. Only plant male varieties to avoid the unpleasant smells associated with rotting ginkgo fruits. You can get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.
Oak | Quercus coccinea
The scarlet oak, the District of Columbia’s state tree, is prized for its rich, red fall foliage from which it gets its name. Once established, the scarlet oak can withstand significant dry spells. This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.
Black Tupelo | Nyssa sylvatica
With small purple fruit, brilliant fall colors and not to mention honey, the black gum aka black tupelo is quite a sight. Keep an eye out for its simple and oval-shaped leaves that turn vibrant red in early autumn, before most other tree species. The fruit also blossoms when the leaves are changing colors, which is another signifier. This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.
American Sweetgum | Liquidambar styraciflua
The American sweetgum—with its star-shaped leaves, neatly compact crown, interesting fruit and twigs with unique corky growths called wings—is an attractive shade tree. It puts on quite a show in the fall as the glossy green leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. You can get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.
Red maple | Acer rubrum
The red maple is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern North America. Like its name, the Red Maple turns a vibrant shade of red in the fall. This tree also produces small beautiful flowers in the spring before its leaves and is known for its ability to withstand challenging soil conditions and their seeds which fall “helicopter-like” to the ground. This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.