Introduction
Two different species of maples trees live next to me in adjoining yards. Both have a quiet beauty which only bit by bit captured my full attention. One of them dominates the view from my study window and the other from my kitchen window. I want to introduce them to you.
Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum)-19 Oct 2021
My next-door neighbor received this tree as a gift about a dozen years ago. Although it was then a sapling, I had misgivings because it was to destined block out a portion of prime astronomy sky. Yes, the tree’s beauty has conquered my limited vision (pun intended), and my telescope still has access to other parts of the night sky.
Rocky Mountain Maple Closeup
I had no idea the closeup would turn out this delightful. My procedure on a shoot is to find a place with promise and then take a series of photos while concentrating on technical aspects such as composition, aperture, shutter speed, and white balance. Later at home I view the photos on the computer and ask myself, “Is this anything?” Sometimes it is, and more often it isn’t. This time it was. I have known of my methodology for a while, but I did not put words to it until I read Jerry Seinfeld’s book, Is This Anything? ((I loved this book. It often made me laugh out loud. The bits on Superman and Batman are especially hilarious.))
Canyon Maple (Acer grandidentatum)-28 Oct 2021
I suspect that this tree was planted about thirty years ago by a neighbor long since moved. It seems sad that I only become aware of this tree three years ago. It is beautiful all year, but the spectacular fall foliage is, of course, a highlight. The range of the canyon maple is centered in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. A little crest of the Wasatch is visible at the far left of the frame.
Canyon Maple Close-up
The close-up emphasizes color: The deep blue sky and the golden yellow foliage contrast with the brownish red.
Endnotes
- I purposely don’t have trees in my yard so at least some of the night sky is available for astronomy. But I love trees and am fortunate to have these two maples practically in my yard. I enjoy them every day of the year including during the winter.
- Both trees are native to the western United States with the canyon maple native to Utah.
- Some authors of tree field guides speculate that the Rocky Mountain maples are especially closely related to the sugar maples of Canada and the eastern United States.
- I am gratified that I have found such beauty right next door – twice.
Thank you,
Michael
Hosting often overlooked wonders with photography and writing
The colors in these images are simply stunning! They provide such a contrast to the blue sky. What a nice choice to photograph these two trees on a pretty autumn day.
Your amazing appreciation of color inspired me to develop a consciousness of color detail. I would have never noticed these trees beyond the superficial without your guidance. Thank you!
Wonderful pictures and description! We have two maples in our yard. A silver maple and a red maple. Each has a distinct personality.
That’s wonderful that you have two different maples and know their personalities. I am a novice at identifying trees and started only last winter when the broadleaf trees had no leaves. At first, I thought the canyon maple featured here was a silver maple and a sugar maple before that. I have learned that tree identification requires a high degree of sorting out details.
I love trees and really enjoyed your post and pictures. We think of the trees in our yard as part of the family.
I have always liked trees superficially as “trees” but only recently have I awoken to trees as individual lifeforms with personalities. I am grateful for your and Alex’s comments because I now realize that it is cool to love trees as fellow members of our communities. I look forward to meeting your trees when I next visit.