Fall is a great time to add new trees to your yard. They can change how your property looks and even make it worth more. But choosing the right tree is key, especially if you have limited space. You don’t want a tree that grows too big or causes problems with your home.
Luckily, there are many trees that do well when planted in autumn. Some offer beautiful colors, others keep their leaves all year, and some just make your yard look nicer overall.
We’ve made a list of 11 trees that are perfect for fall planting, helping you pick the best option for your yard without sacrificing looks or practicality.
Sugar Maple
Bright yellow, red, and orange foliage is seen in the fall on sugar maple trees, which are well-known for their dramatic seasonal variations. USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 are ideal for these trees’ growth. Their development rate is somewhat modest; they usually gain one to two feet of height annually. Because of their vast root system, which frequently spreads to the surface, they might be difficult to plant next to other plants or structures.
Oak
Oak trees are a long-term investment for any landscape because of their long lifespans, which can exceed several hundred years. With vivid green foliage in the spring and summer that change to colors of yellow, orange, and brown in the fall, they display noticeable seasonal variations. Although they can occasionally contract illnesses like oak wilt, oaks are generally resistant to disease and need to be carefully managed to maintain tree health.
Redbud
Redbud trees grow best in early fall or early spring, when they are planted. They are commonly used for their beautiful pink or purple spring blossoms. They grow at a modest rate and adapt well to a wide range of soil types and conditions, which is noteworthy. These trees are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, as they are appropriate for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Well-known cultivators like “Forest Pansy” have dark purple foliage that turn yellow in the fall.
Dogwood
Dogwood trees have brilliant spring blooms and lush fall leaves, which change in color with the seasons. As far as maintenance goes, they benefit from routine trimming to promote strong growth and air circulation, which wards off illness. Dogwoods can be planted in US Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, which means they can withstand a range of climate conditions.
Ginkgo
The Ginkgo tree is adaptable to a wide range of climates, as it grows well in U.S. Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. Its disease resistance is notable, making it a reliable choice for urban environments. The tree has striking seasonal variations, with vivid green leaves in the spring and summer that become golden yellow in the fall.
Crabapple
The spring blossoms on crabapple trees come in a variety of tones of white, pink, and red, while the foliage can change to yellow, orange, or red in the fall. Their growth rates are moderate, usually gaining one or two feet in height year. Popular kinds include ‘Prairifire,’ which is distinguished by its rich red fruit and vivid pink petals, and ‘Sugar Tyme,’ which is prized for its fragrant white flowers and resilience to disease.
Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern Red Cedar is a dependable option for many landscapes because of its high level of disease resistance, which is widely acknowledged. It grows well in US Hardiness Zones 2 through 9, showing broad climate adaptability. In regions where there is a lot of wildlife activity, this tree’s exceptional resistance to deer and rabbits aids in maintaining its structure and foliage.
Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossom trees are well-known for their exquisite seasonal variations, which include rich green foliage in the summer and pink or white flowers in the spring. They mature in roughly 20 years, growing at a modest pace. Cherry blossoms are best planted in the fall or early spring, when the roots have time to grow before severe weather. USDA Hardiness Zones five through eight are ideal for tree growth.
Serviceberry
Known for its quick growth, serviceberry can grow up to 15 to 25 feet tall in a few of years. This tree requires little care, as it is typically resistant to numerous common diseases. In terms of planting time, early spring or fall is ideal, allowing the roots to establish before extreme weather sets in. These trees also have beautiful seasonal hues, with white blossoms in the spring, crimson to purple fruits, and eye-catching foliage in the fall.
Birch
In order to take advantage of the mild weather and grow roots, birch trees are frequently planted in the spring or fall. They have distinct seasonal variations; in the fall, their leaves turn yellow and then fall off. Birch trees grow quickly—they typically grow 12 to 24 inches a year—which makes them a desirable option for people looking for shade or aesthetic value more quickly.
Magnolia
Depending on the kind, magnolias can have huge, spectacular blossoms in spring that are colored yellow, pink, purple, or white. After they are established, they only need an annual pruning to shape the tree and get rid of dead wood. Magnolia trees are adaptable to a variety of climates because they do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Magnolias often have shallow roots, which makes them easier to transplant, but it also means that garden placement needs to be well thought out.