10 Trees to Plant for Incredible Fall Foliage
Good morning sweet humans! Today we’re talking about one of my favorite things on our entire planet: trees. Even as a small child, I was quite obsessed with them, always wanting to lie under them and climb up them. I used to bring a paperback copy of my favorite book up into my grandmother’s dogwood tree, spending my afternoons completely withdrawn from the world. My only regret is that I don’t do this more often.
As an adult and a homeowner, trees have taken on another layer of meaning for me. They are the soothing retreat after a long day at work, privacy from the neighbors, homes for birds and critters, and beautiful jewelry for our house, both inside and out. Sadly, when we bought our property there was not a single tree in our front yard. The house looked stark and imposing, had absolutely no privacy from the street, and our view out the windows lacked beauty and magic. Since then we have planted a flowering dogwood and maple tree in the front yard and a sycamore tree in the back. I will probably keep planting more until our entire property is a forest. It just can’t be helped.
If you’re a homeowner too, or a fellow tree lover, I hope this article adds a bit of value to your life! I compiled my favorite trees for fall, and I’ll be sure to tell you all about why I chose each one. I did try to research folklore, stories, and cultural beliefs about trees, because I thought that would be really interesting and nice, but unfortunately the internet has a lot of bad information on the topic. So I ordered some books written on the subject. In the meantime, I’ve made up my own backstories for these trees. This is 100% opinion based as per usual.
Here are my top 10 trees to plant for incredible fall foliage.
#1: Autumn Blaze Maple
The Show Off
The Autumn Blaze Maple might just be the brightest tree on this list. No matter what you are doing or where you might be looking, if you happen upon one of these it will grab your attention immediately. Looks especially nice against a white house or a very dark house.
#2: Sycamore
The Gentle Giant
Sycamore trees have been inhabiting the planet for an extraordinarily long time - paleobotanists estimate that they appeared over 100 million years ago. They can live to be hundreds of years old. Sitting underneath a Sycamore transports you to another time, and that’s reason enough to plant one (if you have the room!)
#3: Paper Birch
The Fairytale Tree
If you have ever been lucky enough to roam through a patch of birch trees, you’ll understand why I gave them this name. They are right out of an ethereal fairytale, with beautiful brown and white bark soaring into the sky, and branches with delicate wisps of leaves hanging gently overhead. Just. Perfect.
#4: Copper Beech
The Mysterious Wonder
I have loved Copper Beech trees a long, long time, and I have yet to find any information about them that is reported consistently. Some seem to keep deep purple leaves all summer, turning copper in late fall. Others appear to begin with purple in the spring, change to a silvery-green in the summer, and finally into a bright shade of copper in autumn. Either way, they are absolutely stunning.
#5: Quaking Aspen
The Golden Glory
Aspen trees are unique in that they can grow almost anywhere in North America. Like the birch tree, the Aspen’s white bark is an absolute show stopper, especially against the backdrop of vibrant golden leaves.
#6: Crimson King Maple
The Firecracker
This magnificent tree is aptly named - featuring dark plum colored foliage most of the year, it turns bright red in the autumn months. If you’re a fan of red, this tree is definitely worth a shot! Like all maples, it’s quite tolerant of subpar amateur gardeners (believe me, I know from experience).
#7: Bitternut Hickory
The Friendly One
Am I the only one who assigns personality traits to trees? The Bitternut Hickory looks like it would just be the sweetest. Tall and lean with beautiful tapered leaves, the yellow-orange foliage in the fall should do it for any leaf lover.
#8: Oak
The Mighty Marvel
I almost feel like this one doesn’t even need explanation or justification - oak trees are simply the best. With protective canopies and ancient trunks, these trees are so damn special. Their leaves are perfect for crafts and decorations, and if the branches are low enough, it’s the perfect place to perch.
#9: Sassafras
The Sweet Skyscraper
Sassafras trees are well-known for their sweet aroma and almost silly shaped leaves. They grow to be around 60’ tall at full height and have wonderfully vibrant foliage. This specific image features red leaves, but different varieties will turn orange or yellow as well.
#10: Sugar Maple
The Timeless Classic
It should come as no surprise that we began and ended this list with a maple tree. This one will bear sap for maple syrup after about 50 years, which I only found out after planting one in our front yard (somehow I don’t think we’ll be here 50 years from now). Regardless, I so look forward to seeing that beautiful vibrant orange year after year.
