Summer is nearly over and the fall planting season for Central Kentucky is upon us.  The summer of 2018 was extremely hot and humid, and we are thankful for this year’s rainfall.  Trees have put on much new growth which will help provide good shade next summer. If you are considering more shade for your yard, patio, or home, the experts at Glynn Young’s Landscaping & Nursery Center in Nicholasville, KY, share the following popular shade trees that have minimal care requirements.

5 Shade Trees to Consider for Fall Planting:

1. Red Maple Cultivars:

October Glory Red Maple – Fast growing, oval shape.  Fall color begins in Kentucky in mid-October to early November.

Autumn Blaze Maple – A hybrid, this tree is most reliable for red fall color.  Autumn Blaze is fast growing and upright oval shape.  Fall color begins in late September through the end of October.

1. Black Gum Cultivars:

Native Black Gum - Great red fall color.  In the woods, the black gum can begin to change from September thru November based on soil type.  Slow growing in the landscape, it has an upright oval shape, with a descending growth habit.  A central leader is hard to keep, and it often has a crooked trunk when small. 

Green Gable Black Gum – Outstanding red fall color.  Green Gable is a moderate grower with a more compact size that the native black gum.  Upright to oval in shape, it has a waxy, shiny leaf with a strong central leader.  Peak fall color occurs late October through mid-November.

Wildfire Black Gum – Great spring color with new growth that comes out red before turning green.  Fast growing with an upright oval shape, this tree has a strong central leader.

1. Ginkgo Cultivars:

Autumn Gold Ginkgo or Presidential Gold Ginkgo – Intense yellow fall foliage.  These Ginkgo trees are slow growing, large, upright and spreading in habit.  Plant a male cultivar, as the fruit on the female ginkgo is malodorous when ripe.  Ginkgo trees can be a bit pricey due to the slow growth rate, but they are worth every dollar in the fall.  Peak color occurs in mid-October to early November.

Jade Butterfly Ginkgo or Mariken Ginkgo – If you have a small yard or patio, these dwarf ginkgo cultivars have the same fall color, but in a compact size.  Upright or oval in form, dwarf ginkgo trees can be trimmed to fit your space.

1. Tulip Poplar:

Tulip poplar is a great fast growing tree for Central Kentucky.  There is not much yellow fall color, but the shade it gives makes up for that.  The yellow/orange bloom in the spring is not very showy, but the fast growth and shade it provides are the key features.

1. Oaks:

Many oaks are native and may live one hundred years or more.  Some varieties of oak trees need a big area where they can spread their branches for future generations.  The growth rate varies, so check with a garden center on the variety that would be best suited for your yard.

While these 5 trees are excellent for shade, there are many other shade trees that may suit your area better.  At Glynn Young’s Landscaping & Nursery Center, we have a wide selection of shade and ornamental trees.  Visit us this fall to select a tree for your yard.

For help with your landscape, visit Glynn Young’s Landscaping & Nursery Center.  With over 30 years of experience in the Lexington and Central Kentucky area, this company has the knowledge and experience to help you reach your landscaping dreams.  Call the garden center at (859) 885-6100.  Or if you would like our landscape division to handle the planning and installation of your project, call our design team at (859) 881-8111.  For more information, visit our website.