Fall’s Last Holdouts: Trees That Keep Autumn Alive
Earlier this week, I shared one of my favorite fall trees on social media, which inspired a bigger question:
What is a fall holdout?
A fall holdout is a tree that stretches autumn to its limit, keeping its color, fruit, or seed longer than the rest.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas just as much as the next person, but I still have a strong desire to hold on to fall for as long as possible: the scents, the colors, the cool rains, and cozy nights out by the firepit. If you’re with me, then let’s celebrate fall, one last time, before all the holiday chaos cheer sets in with those trees that aren’t ready to give up on the season yet either.
Baldcypress: The Living Firework
First on the list is, of course, the Baldcypress. I mean, what other tree goes out with such style? It may look like an evergreen, but this deciduous conifer has one finale before winter. It’s basically a living firework; as you can see, its russet, orange color erupts from the tree, while the green remains as if it has just exploded. Talk about going out with a bang! And you cannot ignore the adorable seed balls that hang like tiny ornaments this time of year. To add one last hint of drama, baldcypress displays green, slender catkins! These drooping clusters add depth to the drama, becoming conspicuous in winter and releasing pollen in March–April. Next year’s growth is already waiting!
Honeylocust: Fall’s Little Noise Maker
Oaks: Kings of the Holdouts
Last, but certainly not least, we have oaks. These ecological powerhouses are last on our list because when you think of a holdout, several oaks earn the title of “King of the Fall Holdouts”. Why? Because many species of oak hold on to their leaves…forever.
Ok, maybe not forever, but at least through the winter, only dropping them completely as new growth begins in spring. Of course, not every oak clings to its foliage, but this trait, known as marcescence, appears in both the red and white oak families. It’s a shared quality across certain species and comes with both benefits and considerations.
On the positive side, certain species of oaks, such as shingle oak (red) or swamp white oak (white), can be effective components of a multi-species windbreak! The tree’s marcescence provides extra structure and protection through winter. And for consideration, if you have a south-facing window and are looking to bask in the sun’s glow on cold winter days – do your research. Select a species that is known to consistently drop its leaves in the fall, or site your new tree such that it does not block the rays of the low winter sun!
If you’re thinking about adding one of these fall holdouts to your landscape, we’re here to help. Reach out with your questions about species selection, placement, sunlight considerations, or which tree will best support wildlife on your property. With the right choice in the right location, you’ll enjoy beauty that lasts long after pumpkin spice season is over!
