3 States With Fantastic Fall Foliage

 

Southeastern Growers: 3 States With Fantastic Fall Foliage

When the crisp breezes of autumn begin to blow, you know that beautiful fall foliage is on its way. The only question you have to ask yourself is exactly where you should go to view one of the most enchanting shows that nature has to offer. Here are a few of the best places that you can visit to surround yourself with the alluring colors of the changing leaves.

South Carolina

A harmonious blend of southern charm and picturesque views greet you in South Carolina. There’s no need to drive down some scenic route to view the leaves because there are a variety of outdoor activities that are perfect for immersing yourself in the colors of nature. Autumn temperatures in South Carolina tend to stay on the mild side, so it’s great weather for going on a picnic, hiking and camping. Surrounding yourself with the glorious colors of the state’s changing oak, maple and elm trees while enjoying outdoor activities is a great way to spend the day. Those that do prefer a scenic drive can enjoy the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway stretches 469 miles, and it’s highest point, the Richland Balsam Overlook, tops out at 6,053 feet. This gives you a perfect vantage point to enjoy the autumn landscape.

North Carolina

Another great place to visit if you want more than a quick drive through the leaves is North Carolina. While you’re main purpose may be to watch the changing colors of fall, you can enjoy the view while hiking, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting. One particular place of note in North Carolina for leaf viewing is the town of Asheville. They have one of the longest autumn foliage seasons in the world. This means that there is even more time for you to enjoy nature’s splendor. North Carolina is home to a number of deciduous trees, such as the white oak, sugar maple, and the quaking aspen.

Tennessee

Numerous species of maple, hickory, and birch trees paint a beautiful picture across the landscape of Tennessee. If you’re like a large number of visitors to the state you may enjoy the view of the leaves as you walk along the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains. The elevation of the mountains reach up to 4,000 feet, providing you with an astounding view of the surrounding foliage. If walking sounds a bit too tame for you, you can join the countless others who have enjoyed the autumn view from above the tree tops. Zip-lining is a popular way to view the fall colors when visiting the Smoky Mountains.

How Are Trees Grown In Containers

Growing trees no longer requires acres on acres of open land. In fact, you can grow trees in compact containers on your porch, patio, or balcony!

Containerized trees are primarily used to frame entryways or to provide additional decorative or focal elements to a property.

There are a wide variety of containers that one can choose to grow/keep a tree in, and they range in size, material, shape, and color. This will require you to consider what you want your container to look like in the location you’ve planned on. You will also have to consider the size the tree will eventually grow to so the container can accommodate that size and the roots.

One should also keep in mind that the container should be equally wide as it is tall to ensure proper insulation of the roots.

While clay pots are more stable and durable than plastic ones, they are heavier. So, if you are planning on having your tree on a balcony or rooftop, a lighter, more portable plastic pot is for you.

When it comes to soil selection, drainage is paramount. First, ensure that your container has enough drainage through holes on the bottom. Next, you want to select soil – not directly from your garden or yard –  or soil-based  compost from a nursery or garden supply store.

Containerized trees are more prone to drying out, and therefore, require regular and thorough watering. Additionally, a fertilizer is necessary to facilitate proper growth either through an application of slow-release fertilizer annually, or by using a liquid feed on regular intervals.

Some great choices for trees that do well in containers are:

  • Holly
  • Japanese Maple
  • Star Magnolia
  • River Birch
  • Crepe Myrtle

Why You Should Consider Planting More Trees

southeastern growers

So you’ve decided to plant new trees, shrubs, and other greenery in your yard. Although your intentions may have been purely for aesthetic purposes, did you ever wonder if this brought your yard any other kind of value? Planting trees and shrubs can have loads of benefits that you may not have realized before. Below is a list of some of these great benefits.

Dry Up Wet Spots

Some yards just have higher water tables, or perhaps do not properly drain for one reason or another. If you’re hoping for your yard to become a more family-friendly space, you may need to find a way to drain out some of the water from your soil. Trees or shrubs are great, natural ways to make your lawn drier and more water efficient. Placing trees and shrubs in areas that are usually drenched will help soak up some of the excess water present in your lawn. Some trees can even soak up to 50 to 100 gallons a day, although much of that is “perspired” in some way later according to Gardens Alive.

Shading

Trees that are large enough can provide ample amounts of shading for your home. One great output of shading is energy efficiency. Because your home is well-shaded, there is less of a need to blast the air conditioning during the warm summer months. Because of this, you save energy as well as money in your next home bill.

Environmental Impact

Okay, everyone knows the environmental impact trees have on the world. They are the givers of oxygen, and therefore life. Without trees, the earth could no longer sustain life on its own. Trees are also the worlds natural filters, cleaning and improving the air we breathe by removing dust, particulates, and other pollutants. One source reports that: “one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.”

Value

Almost as superficial but more practical than just “beautifying” your garden, adding certain trees and shrubs to your yard can add extra value to your home. Trees are the most valuable part of a landscape primarily because of their many practical uses – many listed here!

Beauty

Finally there’s the beautification process. Even when considering aesthetics, trees provide more than just pretty ornate foliage and color to your yard. Trees can provide food and shelter for animals from the surrounding ecosystem. Your garden can become a mini testament of nature at its finest and fullest.

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