Best Trees To Plant For Vibrant Fall Foliage

by Tammy Sons – October 07, 2024

Love Fall Foliage? Here's Some Great Trees To Plant

Want vibrant fall foliage trees? One of the most captivating aspects of autumn is the vibrant foliage.

If you're considering adding autumnal beauty to your landscape, planting trees known for their stunning fall foliage is an excellent choice. In this guide, we'll explore the best trees to plant for vibrant fall foliage, providing options that suit various climates and preferences.

Sugar Maple Has an Orange Foliage

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) The Sugar Maple, or Acer saccharum, is a quintessential tree for those seeking striking fall colors. Native to eastern North America, it is renowned for its brilliant orange, red, and sometimes even purple leaves during the autumn months. Planting Sugar Maples in well-drained soil and providing them with adequate sunlight will help ensure they put on their best fall foliage display.

The Japanese Maple Has Striking Fall Leaves (Foliage)

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is an ideal choice for smaller spaces or ornamental purposes. These trees are beloved for their delicate, finely cut leaves and the wide variety of colors that they display during the fall. You can find Japanese Maples with foliage in red, orange, yellow, and even deep purple shades. These trees require more care and attention than other options, as they can be more sensitive to climate and soil conditions. However, the effort is well worth it for their stunning visual impact on your garden or landscape.

Red Sunset Maple Has Brilliant Red Foliage In Fall

The Red Sunset Maple, or Acer rubrum, is another native American tree celebrated for its brilliant autumn foliage. As its name suggests, the leaves of this tree turn a vibrant shade of red in the fall, creating a bold and eye-catching display. These trees are medium-sized and fast-growing, so you won't have to wait too long to enjoy their spectacular fall colors. They are also a favorite among wildlife, attracting birds with their seeds and providing habitat and food for various creatures.

Sweetgum Trees Have Vibrant Fall Foliage 

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) The Sweetgum, or Liquidambar styraciflua, is known for its unique star-shaped leaves and brilliant fall foliage. The leaves of the Sweetgum tree turn a dazzling mix of red, orange, and purple, often creating a multi-colored effect on a single tree. This striking display makes Sweetgum trees popular for adding autumn vibrancy to landscapes. Sweetgums are adaptable to different soil types and tolerate wet and dry conditions. 

Tupelo Trees Has Dark Burgundy Fall Foliage

Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) The Black Tupelo, or Nyssa sylvatica, is a native tree to North America, known for its fiery red fall foliage. It is often referred to as the "Black Gum" tree. The leaves of the Black Tupelo turn a deep, vibrant red that stands out among other trees in the autumn landscape. This tree is hardy and can tolerate various soil conditions, making it suitable for multiple regions. Its distinctive bark adds visual interest year-round, making it a beautiful and valuable addition to any garden or landscape.

Bald Cypress Has Cinnamon Colored Fall Foliage

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) The Bald Cypress, or Taxodium distichum, is a deciduous conifer that graces the landscape with stunning fall foliage. Native to the southeastern United States, these trees are well-known for their striking rusty-orange to cinnamon-brown needles in autumn. The Bald Cypress is especially suited for wet or swampy areas, making it a unique choice for water features and wetland gardens. In addition to its beautiful fall colors, the Bald Cypress has an unusual growth habit of developing "knees" or protruding woody structures from its roots, adding to its visual appeal. This tree also provides habitat for various wildlife species.

Want Purple Fall Foliage Trees? White Oak Is The One!

White Oak (Quercus alba) While many oak species offer impressive fall foliage, the White Oak (Quercus alba) stands out for its remarkable combination of red, brown, and deep purple leaves during autumn. White Oaks are large, sturdy trees that can live for centuries, making them a long-lasting and valuable addition to your landscape. These trees adapt to different soil types and tolerate various environmental conditions. 

Dogwood (Cornus florida) The Dogwood tree, scientifically known as Cornus florida, is a smaller ornamental tree celebrated for its vibrant fall foliage and delicate springtime blossoms. While its fall colors are less intense than other species, the Dogwood offers a unique blend of red, purple, and deep burgundy leaves. Dogwoods thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Their early spring blooms are a bonus, making them a delightful choice for year-round visual interest.

Gingko Biloba (Ginkgo biloba) The Gingko Biloba, or Ginkgo biloba, has been a living fossil on Earth for millions of years. One unique aspect of the Ginkgo tree is that it is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. Male Ginkgo trees are preferred for landscaping as they do not produce fruit, which can have a strong odor. This makes them a low-maintenance and visually appealing choice for autumn color.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) The Sourwood, or Oxydendrum arboreum, is a native tree to the southeastern United States, celebrated for its exceptional fall foliage. Sourwood trees prefer well-drained, acidic soil and can be more selective regarding growing conditions.

However, those willing to provide the right environment they rewarded with spectacular fall colors and unique aesthetic value. Whether you have a large garden or a small urban plot, a tree is on this list to suit your needs. From the iconic Sugar Maple and Red Maple to the ornamental Japanese Maple and Gingko Biloba, these trees offer diverse colors and characteristics.

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Sugar Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar Maple Tree is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is prized for its vibrant fall foliage, distinctive five-lobed leaves, and the sap used to make maple syrup. The tree benefits landscaping endeavors, enriching outdoor spaces' aesthetics, ecological balance, and functional aspects. This majestic deciduous tree offers unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. If you have ever enjoyed syrup, you have the tree to thank. Of course, it is celebrated for more than just its ability to create sweet treats. It can also be used to add color to your property or a neighborhood as a whole. What Does Sugar Maple Tree (Acer saccharum) Look Like As with most deciduous families, this one will grow to more than 100 feet tall in ideal conditions. However, it can grow to 150 feet in some instances. It also has a canopy of green leaves during the spring and summer and turns multiple colors in the fall. It also contains flowers and winged seeds that are used to create offspring. How Long Does It Take for Sugar Maple Tree to Mature They will typically take at least a decade to produce fruit, but it may only take a few years to produce flowers. In addition, they will grow relatively quickly, which is why they can be a great addition to private property or public parks. Sugar Maple Tree Root System Is Strong Like others, the Sugar Maple Tree will create a robust root system that can help stabilize soil or prevent erosion. Therefore, it can be an ideal choice in wet areas or on slopes where a landslide could quickly decimate a landscape. In addition to protecting your property, keeping erosion to a minimum can help keep others in your neighborhood or community safe. Support Wildlife By Planting Sugar Maples Trees  Planting a Sugar Maple Tree on your property can provide birds and other animals with a place to live or food to survive. For instance, squirrels and other smaller creatures will eat the seeds, while deer may be interested in chewing on leaves. Some animals may be attracted to the foliage itself or the benefits it can provide other than being a food source for them.
2 for $24.99
2 for $24.99
Red Sunset Maple

Red Sunset Maple

The Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset') is a visually striking deciduous tree celebrated for its vibrant fall color and impressive overall presence. This cultivar of the native red maple, known for its robust and reliable characteristics, brings a touch of brilliance to any landscape throughout the year. Red Sunset Maples (Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset') Reach 40-50 Feet in Height  Typically reaching heights between 40 and 50 feet with a similar spread, the Red Sunset Maple is a medium—to large-sized tree with a symmetrical, rounded canopy. Its bark is light gray and smooth and becomes increasingly furrowed with age, adding a subtle, rugged texture to its appearance. The tree’s form is dense and full, providing ample shade and creating an inviting atmosphere beneath its broad, leafy crown. In spring, the Red Sunset Maple offers a refreshing display of small, reddish flowers that appear before the foliage fully develops. While modest, these blossoms are a welcome sign of the changing seasons and add a touch of early color to the landscape. Red Sunset Maple Tree Has Firey Fall Foliage  As the tree progresses into summer, its foliage becomes a lush, deep green, contributing to a rich, full canopy that offers excellent shade during the warmer months. However, the true highlight of the Red Sunset Maple is its autumn transformation. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the leaves turn a brilliant, fiery red that intensifies as the season progresses. This striking fall color is the tree’s signature feature, providing a spectacular visual display that can light up an entire landscape.  The vivid red hues contrast beautifully with the surrounding scenery, making the Red Sunset Maple a focal point of seasonal beauty. The Red Sunset Maple’s adaptability and resilience are notable throughout the year. It thrives in various soil conditions and can tolerate wet and dry environments. This versatility and its stunning seasonal changes make the Red Sunset Maple a popular choice for both urban and rural landscapes.  The Red Sunset Maple is a tree of remarkable beauty and character  Its lush green summer canopy and brilliant red fall foliage make it an eye-catching centerpiece through all seasons, enriching any garden or public space with its dynamic presence.
2 for $28.99
2 for $28.99
Sweet Gum Tree - TN Nursery

Sweet Gum Tree

The Sweet Gum tree is a tall deciduous tree native to North America. It is known for its distinctive star-shaped leaves, spiky brown seed balls, and vibrant fall foliage. One of the standout benefits of using trees in landscaping is their striking visual appeal. The sweet gum, known as Liquidambar styraciflua and American sweetgum, is considered a precious forest tree. Its star-shaped, five-pointed leaves can occasionally confuse it for a maple. Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar) Leaves In the summer, these will grow smooth and shiny leaves with a rich, satisfying green color. It's in autumn that the sweetgum shines, though. Their leaves can turn into various colors, including dark purple, yellow, and red. Once again, comparable to maples, they appear almost on fire as they go out in a blaze of glory. It's something to behold and will quickly become your favorite fall beauty. The Flowers and Fruit Of Sweet Gum Tree Flowers first appear in spring and typically hang in there until at least fall. Depending on their gender, you may see yellowish-green drooping flowers or reddish-green upright flowers. Either way, the staminate flowers can grow up to three inches long. Over time, the ovaries of the sweetgum's flowers will harden and become fruit. The Seeds Of Sweet Gum Tree The fruit is dry and complex, and each one-inch contains 40-60 capsules. Inside these capsules are tiny seeds. Once they fall to the ground, these seeds are commonly referred to as burr balls. Most of these seeds won't come to fruition, but they provide an excellent food source for squirrels, birds, and chipmunks. Sweet Gum Trees offer excellent shade and should be planted away from foot traffic. Their long and distinguished history dates back to at least 1517, and they can live for up to 400 years. As they grow, they'll develop deeply ridged bark, sometimes called alligatorwood. Additionally, the branches will become gray, dark brown, or reddish-brown. If you're fond of stepping on fallen leaves, you'll be treated to a camphor-like fragrance. Combining this with Sweet Gum Tree's breathtaking autumn appearance, you'll get a deciduous sapling that can become part of your overall legacy. After all, with its long lifecycle, it can outlive you and several subsequent generations.
2 for $24.99
2 for $24.99
Black Gum - Tupelo Tree

Black Gum - Tupelo Tree

The Black Gum tree has some striking features, like beautiful foliage. In the spring, the tree unfurls glossy green leaves that transition into vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple during the fall season. This stunning color change provides a visually captivating display of any landscape. Native to eastern North America, the tree is found along the coastal Northeastern United States. It can be seen as far south as Florida and Texas. It is also native to southern Ontario. Its broad range and beautiful appearance make it a popular addition to many home gardens and landscape designs. Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica) Is a Hardy Native Tree  The Black Gum, or the Tupelo Tree, is a beautiful and valuable tree native to the eastern part of the United States of America. The black gum tree is mainly recognized by its bright-colored fall foliage. It conveys aesthetic as well as ecological values for landscapers and gardeners. In the autumn, its leaves turn red, orange, yellow, and scarlet, making it a wonder during that time of the year. Also, the tree serves other purposes for wildlife, such as nectar for bees and fruits for birds and mammals.  The Black Gum tree is ornamental and drought-tolerant and does well in various soils and climates. It can be found in urban gardens, city parks, or forested regions, and regardless of its location, it is a tremendous asset to the area.  Features of Black Gum - Tupelo Tree  Black Gum is famous for the brilliant fall color of its foliage: the leaves turn deep red, fiery orange, and bright yellow.  Its small, bluish-black edible fruits feed birds and mammals. The flowers are equally crucial for pollinators such as bees, as they provide nectar. Black Gum's Growth  It usually grows to about 30 to 50 feet long, though it can sometimes reach a maximum of 80 feet. When young, it is pyramidal, but the crown becomes rounded as it grows.  This plant quickly grows in many soils, such as acidic and poorly drained. Once established as drought-resistant, it can even cope with wet conditions.  The black gum tree is a slow-growing tree that can live for several decades and is, therefore, a long-lasting tree in any landscape. Black Gum Trees Have Consistent Fall Foliage  Learn more about the black gum tree for sale and other varieties at TN Nursery. Buy a black gum tree to fortify your landscape with its beautiful autumn foliage and other ecological values. You could also link it with similar aesthetically appealing trees like Sourwood, Red Maple, and Sweet Gum to establish a colorful garden.

2 for $24.99
2 for $24.99
Sugar Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Sugar Maple Tree

Sugar Maple Tree is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is prized for its vibrant fall foliage, distinctive five-lobed leaves, and the sap used to make maple syrup. The tree benefits landscaping endeavors, enriching outdoor spaces' aesthetics, ecological balance, and functional aspects. This majestic deciduous tree offers unique qualities that contribute to various dimensions of landscape design. If you have ever enjoyed syrup, you have the tree to thank. Of course, it is celebrated for more than just its ability to create sweet treats. It can also be used to add color to your property or a neighborhood as a whole. What Does Sugar Maple Tree (Acer saccharum) Look Like As with most deciduous families, this one will grow to more than 100 feet tall in ideal conditions. However, it can grow to 150 feet in some instances. It also has a canopy of green leaves during the spring and summer and turns multiple colors in the fall. It also contains flowers and winged seeds that are used to create offspring. How Long Does It Take for Sugar Maple Tree to Mature They will typically take at least a decade to produce fruit, but it may only take a few years to produce flowers. In addition, they will grow relatively quickly, which is why they can be a great addition to private property or public parks. Sugar Maple Tree Root System Is Strong Like others, the Sugar Maple Tree will create a robust root system that can help stabilize soil or prevent erosion. Therefore, it can be an ideal choice in wet areas or on slopes where a landslide could quickly decimate a landscape. In addition to protecting your property, keeping erosion to a minimum can help keep others in your neighborhood or community safe. Support Wildlife By Planting Sugar Maples Trees  Planting a Sugar Maple Tree on your property can provide birds and other animals with a place to live or food to survive. For instance, squirrels and other smaller creatures will eat the seeds, while deer may be interested in chewing on leaves. Some animals may be attracted to the foliage itself or the benefits it can provide other than being a food source for them.
2 for $24.99
2 for $24.99
Red Sunset Maple

Red Sunset Maple

The Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset') is a visually striking deciduous tree celebrated for its vibrant fall color and impressive overall presence. This cultivar of the native red maple, known for its robust and reliable characteristics, brings a touch of brilliance to any landscape throughout the year. Red Sunset Maples (Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset') Reach 40-50 Feet in Height  Typically reaching heights between 40 and 50 feet with a similar spread, the Red Sunset Maple is a medium—to large-sized tree with a symmetrical, rounded canopy. Its bark is light gray and smooth and becomes increasingly furrowed with age, adding a subtle, rugged texture to its appearance. The tree’s form is dense and full, providing ample shade and creating an inviting atmosphere beneath its broad, leafy crown. In spring, the Red Sunset Maple offers a refreshing display of small, reddish flowers that appear before the foliage fully develops. While modest, these blossoms are a welcome sign of the changing seasons and add a touch of early color to the landscape. Red Sunset Maple Tree Has Firey Fall Foliage  As the tree progresses into summer, its foliage becomes a lush, deep green, contributing to a rich, full canopy that offers excellent shade during the warmer months. However, the true highlight of the Red Sunset Maple is its autumn transformation. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the leaves turn a brilliant, fiery red that intensifies as the season progresses. This striking fall color is the tree’s signature feature, providing a spectacular visual display that can light up an entire landscape.  The vivid red hues contrast beautifully with the surrounding scenery, making the Red Sunset Maple a focal point of seasonal beauty. The Red Sunset Maple’s adaptability and resilience are notable throughout the year. It thrives in various soil conditions and can tolerate wet and dry environments. This versatility and its stunning seasonal changes make the Red Sunset Maple a popular choice for both urban and rural landscapes.  The Red Sunset Maple is a tree of remarkable beauty and character  Its lush green summer canopy and brilliant red fall foliage make it an eye-catching centerpiece through all seasons, enriching any garden or public space with its dynamic presence.
2 for $28.99
2 for $28.99
Sweet Gum Tree - TN Nursery

Sweet Gum Tree

The Sweet Gum tree is a tall deciduous tree native to North America. It is known for its distinctive star-shaped leaves, spiky brown seed balls, and vibrant fall foliage. One of the standout benefits of using trees in landscaping is their striking visual appeal. The sweet gum, known as Liquidambar styraciflua and American sweetgum, is considered a precious forest tree. Its star-shaped, five-pointed leaves can occasionally confuse it for a maple. Sweet Gum Tree (Liquidambar) Leaves In the summer, these will grow smooth and shiny leaves with a rich, satisfying green color. It's in autumn that the sweetgum shines, though. Their leaves can turn into various colors, including dark purple, yellow, and red. Once again, comparable to maples, they appear almost on fire as they go out in a blaze of glory. It's something to behold and will quickly become your favorite fall beauty. The Flowers and Fruit Of Sweet Gum Tree Flowers first appear in spring and typically hang in there until at least fall. Depending on their gender, you may see yellowish-green drooping flowers or reddish-green upright flowers. Either way, the staminate flowers can grow up to three inches long. Over time, the ovaries of the sweetgum's flowers will harden and become fruit. The Seeds Of Sweet Gum Tree The fruit is dry and complex, and each one-inch contains 40-60 capsules. Inside these capsules are tiny seeds. Once they fall to the ground, these seeds are commonly referred to as burr balls. Most of these seeds won't come to fruition, but they provide an excellent food source for squirrels, birds, and chipmunks. Sweet Gum Trees offer excellent shade and should be planted away from foot traffic. Their long and distinguished history dates back to at least 1517, and they can live for up to 400 years. As they grow, they'll develop deeply ridged bark, sometimes called alligatorwood. Additionally, the branches will become gray, dark brown, or reddish-brown. If you're fond of stepping on fallen leaves, you'll be treated to a camphor-like fragrance. Combining this with Sweet Gum Tree's breathtaking autumn appearance, you'll get a deciduous sapling that can become part of your overall legacy. After all, with its long lifecycle, it can outlive you and several subsequent generations.
2 for $24.99
2 for $24.99
Black Gum - Tupelo Tree

Black Gum - Tupelo Tree

The Black Gum tree has some striking features, like beautiful foliage. In the spring, the tree unfurls glossy green leaves that transition into vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple during the fall season. This stunning color change provides a visually captivating display of any landscape. Native to eastern North America, the tree is found along the coastal Northeastern United States. It can be seen as far south as Florida and Texas. It is also native to southern Ontario. Its broad range and beautiful appearance make it a popular addition to many home gardens and landscape designs. Black Gum Tree (Nyssa sylvatica) Is a Hardy Native Tree  The Black Gum, or the Tupelo Tree, is a beautiful and valuable tree native to the eastern part of the United States of America. The black gum tree is mainly recognized by its bright-colored fall foliage. It conveys aesthetic as well as ecological values for landscapers and gardeners. In the autumn, its leaves turn red, orange, yellow, and scarlet, making it a wonder during that time of the year. Also, the tree serves other purposes for wildlife, such as nectar for bees and fruits for birds and mammals.  The Black Gum tree is ornamental and drought-tolerant and does well in various soils and climates. It can be found in urban gardens, city parks, or forested regions, and regardless of its location, it is a tremendous asset to the area.  Features of Black Gum - Tupelo Tree  Black Gum is famous for the brilliant fall color of its foliage: the leaves turn deep red, fiery orange, and bright yellow.  Its small, bluish-black edible fruits feed birds and mammals. The flowers are equally crucial for pollinators such as bees, as they provide nectar. Black Gum's Growth  It usually grows to about 30 to 50 feet long, though it can sometimes reach a maximum of 80 feet. When young, it is pyramidal, but the crown becomes rounded as it grows.  This plant quickly grows in many soils, such as acidic and poorly drained. Once established as drought-resistant, it can even cope with wet conditions.  The black gum tree is a slow-growing tree that can live for several decades and is, therefore, a long-lasting tree in any landscape. Black Gum Trees Have Consistent Fall Foliage  Learn more about the black gum tree for sale and other varieties at TN Nursery. Buy a black gum tree to fortify your landscape with its beautiful autumn foliage and other ecological values. You could also link it with similar aesthetically appealing trees like Sourwood, Red Maple, and Sweet Gum to establish a colorful garden.

2 for $24.99
2 for $24.99

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