Most Popular Trees for Fall Color 🍁

As the weather cools down and the days get shorter, nature puts on a beautiful show. Trees burst into vibrant reds, oranges, golds, and purples—making fall one of the most colorful times of the year.

If you’re looking to bring more fall color to your yard, choosing the right trees is key. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most popular trees for fall color and why fall is the perfect time to plant them.


🍂 Why Some Trees Have Beautiful Fall Color

In the fall, trees stop producing chlorophyll—the green pigment in leaves. As that fades, other pigments like yellow carotenoids and red anthocyanins become visible. Some trees naturally produce more of these pigments, giving them their beautiful autumn display.


🌳 Top Trees for Fall Color

Here are some of the most popular trees that show off vibrant fall foliage:

sugar maple

🍁 Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

One of the most iconic fall trees. Known for its bold mix of orange, red, and yellow leaves.

red maple

🍁 Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Turns a brilliant red early in the season. A fast-growing tree that puts on a dramatic fall display.

ginkgo biloba

🍁 Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Fan-shaped leaves turn a stunning golden yellow and often drop all at once—like golden confetti!

sweetgum

🍁 Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Displays multiple colors on a single tree—reds, oranges, purples, and yellows.

river birch

🍁 River Birch (Betula nigra)

Features soft yellow fall leaves and eye-catching bark that looks great year-round.

flowering dogwood

🍁 Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Dark red to burgundy leaves in fall, plus clusters of red berries that attract birds.


đŸŒ± Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant Trees

Fall isn’t just the season to admire colorful trees—it’s also one of the best times to plant new ones. Here’s why:

  • Warm Soil + Cool Air = Less Stress
    Cooler weather above ground and warm soil below make ideal growing conditions.
  • Stronger Root Growth
    Trees focus energy on building roots in the fall instead of leaf growth.
  • Better Establishment Before Winter
    New trees have months to settle in before the heat of summer.
  • Less Watering Needed
    Cooler temps mean less evaporation, helping keep the soil moist longer.

💡 Choosing the Right Fall Tree for Your Landscape

When selecting trees for fall color, consider:

  • Your local climate and soil
  • Tree size and shape at maturity
  • Leaf color and timing (some trees turn earlier than others)
  • Wildlife value (berries, nesting, etc.)

If you’re unsure, we’re happy to recommend species that will thrive in your area and give you the look you want.


🌳 Let’s Bring Fall Color to Your Yard

Planting trees with colorful fall foliage not only makes your yard more beautiful—it also adds value to your home and improves the environment.

🍁 Want help choosing or planting the perfect tree?
📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation or tree planting service.

trees for fall color

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