This tree has an ombre effect ... red, yellow, and orange at the top, then fading into various shades of green as it gets closer to the ground. I took this picture towards the end of the day, when the sun was at a severe angle to the tree. When the sun is shining directly on it from above, it is blindingly beautiful!
I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of it when I first noticed its brilliant display of color. By the time I'm able to get a full-sun picture of it again, the tree will likely be past its peak. I would say I'll have to wait until next year to get a better picture of just how gorgeous this tree is, but trees look different every year. But who knows ... maybe next year it will be even prettier!