Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year, when tree leaves burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. Choosing trees with outstanding fall foliage can greatly enhance the curb appeal and enjoyment of your landscape.
Based on my research into trees that have beautiful fall colors, here is a list of the 11 best ones to think about:
1. Sugar Maple
The iconic sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is one of the most popular trees for fall color. Its leaves transition from green in summer to brilliant shades of yellow, burnt orange and red in autumn Sugar maples grow 40-120 feet tall and thrive in zones 3-8. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade
2. Red Maple
The red maple tree, Acer rubrum, gets its name from its flowers, leaf stalks, buds, and fall leaves. From bright orange-red to burgundy, it has a great range of red tones. Fast-growing and adaptable, red maple reaches 40-90 feet at maturity. It does well in zones 3–9 and in different types of soil, from wet to dry.
3. Black Tupelo
Black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) reliably produces outstanding fall color ranging from yellow and orange to bright crimson and purple – sometimes all on the same branch! Also called black gum, this medium-sized tree grows 30-80 feet tall. It thrives in zones 4-9 and appreciates moist, acidic soil.
4. Persimmon
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a beautiful native tree that doesn’t get enough attention, but it puts on a stunning fall show. It has dark green leaves that turn bright orange, red, and purple. When fully grown, persimmon trees are 35 to 60 feet tall and like full sun and soil that drains well. The weather zones 4 through 9 are good for them to grow in.
5. Sourwood
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is loved for its beautiful, fragrant white flowers that fall off in the summer and its bright fall color. There are bright shades of red, purple, and sometimes yellow on the long, drooping leaves. This little tree gets 20 to 50 feet tall and does best in zones 5 to 9.
6. American Sweetgum
American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) dazzles with deep purple, orange, yellow and burgundy fall foliage. It grows fast to 60-80 feet tall and does best in zones 5-9. Sweetgum prefers moist, acidic soil and full sun. The spiny seed pods can be messy, so allow enough room for them to drop.
7. Scarlet Oak
Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) lives up to its name with deeply lobed green leaves that shift to lustrous scarlet in fall Eventually the leaves turn reddish-brown before dropping. This large oak tree grows 60-100 feet tall and is hardy in zones 4-8 Provide full sun and acidic, sandy soil.
8. Shagbark Hickory
Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) brings golden bronze fall color and beautiful scaling bark. This large tree grows 70-90 feet tall. Hickories perform best in zones 4-8 with full sun and moist, fertile soil. The sweet nuts attract wildlife.
9. Japanese Maple
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is coveted for its artistic form, fine texture and fall foliage. Varieties display red, orange, pink, purple, yellow and green tones. These small understory trees reach 15-25 feet tall. Japanese maples thrive in zones 5-8 with rich, moist, well-drained soil.
10. Dogwood
Dogwood trees (Cornus spp.) like flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and kousa dogwood (C. kousa) provide excellent orange to reddish-purple autumn color. Most dogwoods are smaller trees, maturing around 15-30 feet high. They grow best in zones 5-8 with partial shade and moist, fertile soil.
11. Oak
Many oaks like shumard oak (Quercus shumardii), scarlet oak, and red oak (Quercus rubra) have beautifully vibrant fall foliage. Oaks range from small trees to towering giants up to 100 feet tall. Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Select an oak suitable for your climate’s growing zone.
When planning your ideal autumn landscape, consider incorporating several trees with seasonal interest. Maples, dogwoods, hickories, oaks, tupelos and other trees with colorful fall foliage will boost your yard’s beauty and visual appeal. Proper tree selection and care will allow you to enjoy their changing hues for many years to come.
Sweet gum, Liquidambar styraciflua[image id=”78758″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Trees for autumn colour – Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts'” alt=”Trees for autumn colour – Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts'” classes=””] Trees for autumn colour – Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts’
Liquidambar styraciflua, or sweet gum, is native to the eastern United States and Mexico. It is thought to be one of the most beautiful small trees in the fall. It doesn’t stand out much the rest of the year, but in the fall, its maple-like leaves turn beautiful shades of orange and red before falling. There are several cultivars to choose from – ‘Worplesdon’ is considered the most hardy.
H x S: 12m x 8m
Paperbark maple, Acer griseum[image id=”78751″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Trees for autumn colour – Japanese maple, Acer griseum” alt=”Trees for autumn colour – Japanese maple, Acer griseum” classes=””] Trees for autumn colour – Japanese maple, Acer griseum
Acer griseum is a compact tree with wonderful, peeling bark. Its fresh green leaves turn glorious shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn.
H x S: 10m x 10m
Top 5 Trees You Need for Fall Color | NatureHills.com
FAQ
What trees have the best fall color?
Called “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color” by tree expert Michael Dirr, the black tupelo is a terrific landscaping choice. Its leaves stand out in the fall because they are often the same branch and have different shades of yellow, orange, bright red, and purple.
Which trees look best in autumn?
Five favourites: trees for Autumn interest2. Ginkgo biloba3. Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet gum)4. Malus sylvestris (Crab apple)5. Acer palmatum (Japanese maple).
What tree is associated with autumn?
Sugar Maple Maples are the most popular trees of the fall foliage world in North America. Different kinds of maples have bright yellow, red, orange, or burgundy leaves in the fall, and each tree’s color can change from year to year.
What trees hold their leaves the longest in the fall?
Most deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall, but some trees hold on to their leaves a little longer. This is called marcescence. In Massachusetts, two common types of marcescent tree are beeches and oaks.