When autumn rolls around, nothing beats the breathtaking beauty of trees adorned in vibrant fall colors. If you want to create a picturesque scene in your landscape, selecting the best plants for fall color is critical. Hence, we have compiled our list of the best trees for fall color.
These trees provide shade and beauty throughout the year and put on a show-stopping display as the temperatures cool. From fiery reds to golden yellows and deep purples, the hues of fall foliage can create a captivating atmosphere in any outdoor space.
Maple Trees
Maple trees are renowned for their vibrant fall foliage, which makes them a top choice for adding fiery autumn colors to your landscape. These deciduous trees are known for their brilliant fall color and are considered some of the best trees for fall color. The sugar maple, with its reddish-purple leaves, is a standout choice.
Another option is the red sunset maple, which showcases burnt orange hues. The Japanese maple, with its delicate leaves and bright yellow or reddish-purple foliage, adds a touch of elegance to any garden. These trees typically grow between 20 and 80 feet tall and thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Berries and Fruit
In addition to their stunning fall foliage, maple trees can produce berries and fruit, adding further interest to your landscape. While not all maple trees bear fruit, some varieties, such as sugar maple, can produce winged samaras, the characteristic “helicopter” seeds. These seeds add visual appeal and are a great edible source if you’re looking for a snack.
Additionally, other maple species, such as the red maple and the Japanese maple, may produce small fruits or clusters of berries ranging in color from red to orange. These fruits and berries add a pop of color and attract wildlife, enhancing the overall beauty of your garden.
Sugar Maple
The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is an iconic tree known for its brilliant fall color and its production of delicious maple syrup. With its dark green leaves that turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall, the sugar maple is a favorite tree for fall foliage.
It typically grows to 60 to 80 feet and prefers well-drained soil and full sun. The sugar maple’s colorful leaves and ability to thrive in various environmental factors make it a fantastic choice for adding a stunning display of autumn colors to your landscape.
Red-Twig Dogwood
Although not a maple tree, the red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a native shrub that deserves mention for its contribution to fall color. This small tree or large shrub boasts bright red branches, contrasting the colorful leaves of nearby maple trees.
While its leaves turn yellow in the fall, the vibrant red twigs genuinely steal the show when the tree is bare in winter. The red-twig dogwood is a versatile and visually appealing addition to any garden, offering year-round interest.
Red Sunset Maple
The red sunset maple (Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’) is a tree that lives up to its name, delivering a spectacular display of red foliage as autumn arrives. This tree is one of the favorite trees for fall color, thanks to its large canopy of leaves that turn a vibrant red or orange-red hue.
The red sunset maple is a fast-growing deciduous tree that can achieve heights of 40 to 60 feet tall. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a tree that provides a fantastic display of autumn colors.
Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is prized for its delicate and colorful leaves, which make it a standout tree for fall foliage. The Japanese maple adds elegance and beauty to any garden with its graceful branches and exquisite blue-green or reddish-purple foliage.
This small tree typically reaches a height of 15 to 25 feet and prefers partial shade. Its leaves transform into bright orange, red, or yellow hues in the fall, creating a breathtaking sight. The Japanese maple is a popular choice among garden enthusiasts, as it offers a stunning display of autumn colors and adds a touch of sophistication to the landscape.
Quaking Aspen
The quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a native tree that adds a unique charm to the fall season. As a deciduous tree, it is known for its mesmerizing display of fall colors. The quaking aspen features delicate, heart-shaped leaves with a glossy dark green color during the growing season. However, the leaves turn a vibrant golden yellow as autumn arrives, creating a stunning contrast against the blue sky.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the quaking aspen is its fluttering leaves. Even the slightest breeze causes the leaves to tremble and quake, hence its name. This gentle movement adds a dynamic element to its appearance, making it a beautiful tree to observe during fall. The quaking aspen typically grows in groves, with its slender trunks and white bark providing a striking visual against the colorful backdrop of the foliage.
Purple Beautyberry
Purple Beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotomy) is a showstopper as autumn approaches. It features clusters of small jewel-like berries that cover the branches, creating a striking visual display. The berries persist well into the fall, providing a burst of color when most other plants are already fading.
Not only do these berries add a pop of color, but they also attract birds, who enjoy feasting on them during the cooler months. The Purple Beautyberry is a relatively low-maintenance shrub that grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Its arching branches and lush foliage make it an excellent choice for borders, hedges, or even as a standalone specimen in your garden. Adding the Purple Beautyberry to your landscape will give you a beautiful burst of color in the fall and create a haven for wildlife in your garden.
Get The Best Trees for Fall Color at Landscaping Experts
When selecting the best trees for fall color, seeking advice from landscaping experts can be invaluable. As Landscaping Experts, we possess in-depth knowledge of various tree species and can help you choose your specific landscape. By considering the size of your garden, sunlight exposure, soil conditions, and desired color palette, we can recommend the perfect trees to create a stunning autumn display. People tend to make many mistakes when they try out landscaping themselves, which is why you need to know the reasons behind hiring a landscaping contractor. We also offer services like hardscaping, softscaping, and Lighting.
Whether it’s the fiery reds of sugar maples, the vibrant oranges of Japanese maples, or the golden hues of quaking aspens, we can guide you toward selecting trees that will provide the most brilliant and long-lasting fall colors. Our expertise ensures you can enjoy a breathtaking landscape that genuinely represents the essence of the fall season. so Contact us today!
