Fall Arrives in time for the New Year

Photos by Lisa E White

Some Scottsdale transplants complain that they miss the fall colors here in the desert.  I have found that you just need to know when and where to look.  Most Scottsdale trees are evergreen, keeping the scenery green, which added to the 300+ days of sunshine make this the ideal escape for snowbirds who are used to seeing many (over 30) shades of grey.  Native trees such as mesquite, palo verde and ironwood as well as citrus trees, eucalyptus, cascalote, acacia, bottle trees, olive trees, and oleanders stay green all winter.  But at the end of December, after a few cold nights, with a little searching, visitors can enjoy the fall color.  Some trees such as the Chinese elm, Chinese pistache, mastic tree or pomegranate all put out beautiful bright red colors.  I picked up these leaves that were rolling down the street Thursday after a brief rain.  I had the opportunity to hear the crunch of dried leaves underfoot.   Just another example of Scottsdale having a little of everything.  Don't expect to spend your Sundays raking leaves or shoveling snow.  You have time for golf!!