The Best Trees to Plant for Fall Colors

There are few things as beautiful as the sunlight falling on the beautiful, richly colored leaves of trees in the fall. You can landscape your yard with flowers and vines for beauty in the spring and summer, but one of the best ways to add a lot of "wow" factor in the fall is to plant trees that are known for their stunning fall colors.

The best time to plant trees is during their dormant cycle, which is in the late fall or the early spring - either after they have lost their leaves for the winter or before their new buds have sprouted. By choosing trees known for their fall colors you will be adding another season of beauty to your yard or garden while at the same time increasing your property value. Here is a list of some of the best trees for getting gorgeous fall foilage in your own yard:

Sugar Maples
Sugar maples have medium to dark green leaves that turn vibrant shades of burnt orange, yellow or red in the fall. These trees grow to heights of approximately 60'-75' with a 40'-50' spread. Sugar maples grow in zones 3-8.

Scarlet Oaks
The leaves of scarlet oaks are a deep, gloss green on the top surface and paler green on the underside. In the fall the leaves of the scarlet oak turn to a deep, rich scarlet red color. Scarlet oaks grow to heights of 60'-80' and have approximately a 40'-50' spread. These trees grow well in zones 4-9.

Tuliptrees
Tuliptrees, or yellow poplars, have bright green leaves that look like the flowers from tulips when viewed in profile. These leaves turn bright golden-yellow in the fall adding a splash of vibrant color. Tuliptrees are fast growers and reach heights of approximately 70'-90' with about a 40' spread. Tuliptrees grow in zones 4-9.

Paper Birches
The paper birch has smooth, bright white bark and the leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. These trees grow 50'-70' tall and have about a 35' spread. Paper birches grow well in zones 2-7 making them a great choice for fall color in cooler climates.