Trees with yellow autumn colours

In autumn, the days can be pretty gloomy and drizzly. Fortunately, there are many trees that let the sun shine through by wrapping themselves in a brilliant yellow autumn colour. Even the darkest places light up beautifully in this way. Planted tactically in the border or green space, they are of great value in a garden or urban design.

What causes trees to turn yellow?

The fact that a tree leaf turns yellow in autumn has everything to do with the declining substance chlorophyll, which gives the leaf its green colour. In fact, chlorophyll absorbs all colours of light, but not the green. When sunlight decreases and the temperature drops, the leaf produces less chlorophyll and that green reflection becomes less. The colours of the other substances in the leaf then become highly visible, especially the yellow colour.

How intensely a leaf discolours depends not only on the tree species, but also on the temperature course, the degree of light incidence and the moisture content of the soil. So it's not surprising that the colouration of the same tree can vary considerably from year to year!

Our favorite trees with yellow autumn colours

The list of trees with a beautiful autumn colour is huge. However, as far as we are concerned, there are a number that stand head and shoulders above the rest. Not only because of their beautiful yellow colour, but also because almost all of these trees have strong properties and thrive in different soil types.

In autumn, for example, we cannot ignore the Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'. This imposing tree shines out to you from afar. Belonging to the ancient Ginkgo family that dates back more than 250 million years, this tree is exclusive in appearance and leaf. Like the species, it grows to 15-25 metres with a narrow pyramidal crown that widens later. 'Autumn Gold' also shows airiness due to its open branching and bundles of fan-shaped leaves. Because it tolerates hardening, frost and wind quite well and does not set fruit, it is certainly suitable for use along streets or in squares.

Precisely for a park or spacious growth area, Fagus sylvatica 'Grandidentata' is beautiful as a solitary tree. At 15 to 20 metres, this cultivar remains somewhat lower than the normal Fagus sylvatica, but it has almost the same stately appearance. Especially when in autumn the broad ovoid leaves turn completely yellow. In the summer the leaves are deep green, between which the flower catkins - and later the beechnuts - develop rather inconspicuously. It does have a few requirements, such as a soil that is not too wet and rich in nutrients, and preferably not a windy location.

Gleditsias with yellow autumn colours

Gleditsias are known for their yellow autumn tones. Almost all cultivars also have an attractive airy crown that, in combination with the pinnate leaves, provides a nice filtering of light. Gleditsia triacanthos 'shademaster' is one of the tallest cultivars that can be planted very well in an urban environment; it tolerates hardening, wind, frost, salt and heat and is a good bee attractor because of the many yellow-green flowers that form in June. Another plus is the thornless branches. We also offer Gleditsia triacanthos 'shademaster' organically, thus grown without chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizer.

A little lower remains the Gleditsia triacanthos 'Skyline'. This tree develops a fairly compact crown and does not grow more than 8 meters wide. This makes this tree very suitable for planting along streets. Gleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst' is one size smaller and treats us early in the year to the bright yellow sprouting of its new leaves. After that, the pinnate leaves turn a deep green and then bright yellow again in autumn. Its slow growth also makes it a real eye-catcher for the private garden and ideal for giving dark green spaces year-round colour.

Yellow-coloured Ulmus and its relatives

A lesser known tree species, but absolutely worthwhile, is the Celtis australis, or European nettle tree or whip tree. This 10 to 15 meter tall species is related to the Ulmus and is quite inconspicuous in colour and crown throughout the year. But in autumn this tree absolutely shows its value, because then the sharply serrated dark green leaves turn into all kinds of yellow tones. In between are the dark red drupes that are even edible. Another plus; it is an easy tree with little heat stress that will adapt well to all kinds of locations. With high nectar and pollen values as well, we are happy to push it forward as one of our favorites.

Ulmus 'Columella' is also not that critical in terms of location or soil type. Even in heavy clay and near the coast it develops well. This tree is further distinguished by its curly, twisted leaf position and as soon as autumn arrives it turns a beautiful golden yellow. It eventually reaches 15-20 meters and grows quite slowly. Because it grows a narrow, columnar crown, it requires relatively little space. It is also a healthy, strong tree that has proven to be the most resistant to the Dutch Elm Disease.

Maples with autumn colours

Maples also stand out in the autumn with their surprising colour palette. Acer platanoides 'Columnare', for example, is very beautiful. This medium-sized to 20 m high tree has a narrow, columnar crown, which limits its width and makes it ideal for planting in between buildings. When budding, the leaves are first brown-red, followed in summer by an exuberant flowering and the autumnal colouring varies from intense orange to bright yellow, which creates an attractive street scene. Can be planted in almost any soil, but preferably not too wet and avoid exposure to sea wind.

A little lower, but just as impressive in its autumn colour is the Acer platanoides 'Cleveland'. The tree reaches a maximum height of 15 meters, but its egg-shaped crown is somewhat broader than that of 'Columnare'. Remarkably, it flowers before the leaves appear and the large clusters of yellow-green flowers attract many bees and other insects. We also offer this wind-resistant tree organically grown and it fits perfectly in ecological green zones.

Acer ×freemanii CELEBRATION ('Celzam') can be a nice alternative; it grows upright and pyramidal, turns all shades of red and yellow after the summer, and because this cultivar does not set seed and tolerates paving well, it is very versatile.

Also worth mentioning: Acer saccharinum 'Born's Gracious' - an exquisite park tree which is extra special because of its deep, almost raggedly incised leaves; the more compact Acer platanoides 'Globosum' - which derives its value from its dense, flattened crown; and the often multi-stemmed Acer rufinerve - which stands out even more in the winter months because of its white-grey striped bark.

Unusual trees with yellow autumn colour

Our tree collection also includes relatively unknown golden gems. For example the Cladrastis kentukea. This 8 to 10 meter high tree branches a bit capriciously and low, whereby the leaves turn from fresh green to bright yellow throughout the year. In combination with the white flower panicles and subsequent pods the tree is a true feast for the eyes.

The gracefully shaped Quercus pontica is also an asset, especially in a smaller garden. This beautiful oak has a characteristic growth and decorative are also the often loose bark plates, hanging catkins, elongated acorns and large winter buds. Requires some sun and remains quite compact with its round crown and maximum height of 4-6 meters.

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