10 Trees to Plant Now for Gorgeous Fall Color Year After Year
You’ll get a front row seat every time the leaves start to change.
Just ask any fall fanatic (including Ree Drummond!) why autumn is their favorite time of year, and they'll give you a list of reasons that far outnumber the days of the season itself: picking apples, carving pumpkins, baking pies, and enjoying every other fall activity that makes these cooler months truly one of a kind. But nothing beats the breathtaking experience of watching the bright green leaves transform into the most dazzling shades of red, orange, and yellow every fall. While you can absolutely admire the spectacular autumn displays on a leaf-peeping road trip or a weekend excursion, seeing the leaves change from the comfort of your own kitchen is arguably even more magical.
If you want a front-row viewing of this natural phenomenon, there are a handful of terrific trees that’ll bring the most beautiful fall color to your yard. Of course, maple and oak trees are drenched in dazzling autumn shades, but there are plenty of other underrated gems that’ll give your fall landscape a vibrant boost. Some of the trees on this list change colors as soon as the weather cools down, while a few others peak later in the season for a garden that’s full of vitality for longer. But no matter when their fall foliage emerges, these trees radiate the most jaw-dropping color every autumn. If you’re looking for the ultimate fall decoration, plant these trees now, and watch them paint your yard in the striking shades of the season.
Find more ways to add fall color to your yard:
Sourwood
Showcasing one of the most brilliant fall displays, sourwood trees stun with jaw-dropping foliage in shades of crimson, maroon, purple, and orange or yellow every autumn. To maximize this glorious fall color, plant your tree in full sun.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Japanese Maple
When the temperatures start to drop, this tree’s finely lobed leaves are a lovely source of rich fall color: a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Since Japanese maples reach a height of 15 to 25 feet tall, they’re perfect for smaller yards.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Ginkgo Biloba
With its honey-colored, fan-shaped leaves, these trees stand out every autumn. Aside from their unique look, ginkgo leaves also retain their fall color for an extended period of time, making them a reliable option for gorgeous autumn displays.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
Black Gum
Black gum’s signature star-shaped leaves take on stunning shades of scarlet, red, and purple in the fall. They also yield small, bluish-black fruit that fuels a range of wildlife. Although they’re typically found in the 20- to 30-foot range, they can grow up to 100 feet tall.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Sugar Maple
The sugar maple is another variety bursting with fall color. With its impressive height of 40 to 120 feet and its eye-catching autumn displays, these trees are a natural wonder. For plenty of seasonal color, opt for “Fall Fiesta,” a variety known for its vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Sumac
This tree’s fern-like compound leaves are a surefire way to add visual interest and texture to your yard, especially in the fall, when the foliage shifts to red, orange, or purple shades. While there are dozens of varieties, the smooth sumac and staghorn sumac are the most popular.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
American Sweetgum
While fall foliage isn't always promised, when the leaves of American sweetgum do change, it's an absolute feast for the eyes! In autumn, they turn into a medley of red, orange, yellow, and even purple, which lasts for weeks. Since sweetgums thrive in various soil types, it’s a great choice for many landscapes.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Beech
If you're looking for an easy way to prolong the fleeting colors of fall, plant a beech tree. These tall trees (ranging from 20 to 80 feet) transform into golden-bronze later in the season, and some retain their leaves all winter, so your yard will look vibrant for longer.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Dogwood
The delicate flowers that bloom on dogwood trees every spring might get all the hype, but their fall leaves are just as dazzling. This underrated gem boasts striking autumn shades, from orange to reddish-purple, and it grows around 25 feet tall.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
White Oak
In the fall, this grand deciduous tree makes the marvelous transition from dark green to reddish-brown, which contrasts beautifully with its ash-gray bark. White oak trees are usually among the first oaks to have their lobed, oblong leaves change color during the season.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9 Sun Exposure: Full sun
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
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