Stories
October 15, 2025Our Forestry Team’s Favorite Trees
What’s your favorite fall tree? We asked our Land Forestry team to branch out and share theirs.
From the vibrant reds of the Scarlet Oak to the dramatic golden glow of the Ginkgo, their picks remind us how much beauty (and biodiversity) trees bring to our neighborhoods.
See their favorites and learn what makes each one special.
Catharine
American Beech - for the dry rattling when the leaves stay on in the winter
Scarlet Oak - Like most oaks, it is a host plant for the caterpillars of MANY species of moths and butterflies. It has the added bonus of vibrant red leaves in the fall. Side note: Leave the leaves as often as you can! They're free mulch and very important for the lifecycle of moths and butterflies!
Collin
Sweet Gum - Nice variety of fall colors, fun to step on the gumballs with bare feet. Goldfinches eat the seeds!
Micaela
Ginkgo - XTREME visual impact. Leaf shape. Bright color. The interesting foliage on branches/ branch structure are highlighted even more when they are yellow
Jenny
Sourwood - Color, contrast, form, drooping/weeping, dancing with the stars ready
Black Tupelo - The color, height, bark, and form - all 10s!
Laura
River Birch - BRIGHT YELLOW; Love that the bark is still interesting when the leaves fall off
Staghorn Sumac - BRILLIANT RED with multicolor change. Cool 'horns' for the birds; native but looks a little tropical.