Autumn is a great time for trees

Among strong greens of evergreens and the blue/greys of natives is the wonderment that is autumnal colour. Deciduous trees put on a spectacular show this time of year, most noticable along avenues and city streets, botanical gardens and in front yards of homes embracing the change of seasons. Against the blue sky, pale yellow sun and cooler temperatures of that perfect autumn day, these trees are certainly on show for all to see.

The reds, purples, and colour combinations in between that decorate autumn foliage come from a group of pigments in the cells of leaves called anthocyanins.

During the summer growing season, phosphate is at a high level. It has a vital role in the breakdown of the sugars manufactured by chlorophyll. But in autumn, phosphate along with the other chemicals and nutrients, move out of the leaf into the stem of the plant. When this happens, the sugar-breakdown process changes, leading to the production of anthocyanin pigments.

The brighter the light during this period, the greater the production of anthocyanins and the more brilliant the resulting color display. When the days of autumn are bright and cool, and the nights are chilly but not freezing, the brightest colorations usually develop.

These images will leave no doubt about the precious beauty of deciduous trees during autumn.

This tree is a definite feature in autumn. The Pistashio tree (Pistachia chinensis) offers a beautiful blend of interesting leaf shape with sensational autumnal colour. Growing around 8 metres tall, it makes a knock-out feature tree for domestic or commercial landscapes. We have good numbers most of the year in 40cm and 50 litres.