The Best Fall Foliage Trees & Shrubs for an Unforgettable Yard

Sugar Maple — If you want a multicolored show, choose a sugar maple. These trees turn red, orange, or yellow in the fall (sometimes all on the same tree). They need room to spread, so don’t plant them in a confined space. Sugar maples thrive in full or partial sun with moist, well-draining soil.

Red Oak — These colorful autumn trees can grow up to 75 feet tall. They have classic oak-shaped leaves that change every season. They start off reddish pink, then turn dark green in the summer, then transform into russet red when fall hits. Red oaks are drought tolerant and need full sun in well-draining soil.

Fire Power Nandina — These evergreen nandina shrubs keep their foliage year round. While they show hints of red in the summer, they turn fiery scarlet in autumn to really brighten up your yard. These fall shrubs grow well in full or partial sun or your favorite garden containers. Keep out of reach of your kids and pets since the leaves are toxic.

Oakleaf Hydrangea — This shrub gets its name from its leaves, which look similar to oak trees. White flowers in the summer turn pinkish-brown as the seasons change, and their leaves become red, bronzy-orange, and even purple. Native to North America, these shrubs can grow up to ten feet tall! They thrive with morning sun and afternoon shade in rich, well-draining soil.

American Elm — Known for their arched canopy of leaves, these trees are perfectly suited to line streets and provide shade to pedestrians. They produce small flowers in late winter and early spring, with green leaves that turn golden in the fall. They grow best in full sun and well-draining soil.

Katsura — Native to Japan, these trees have heart-shaped leaves that offer color year-round. They start off reddish-purple in the spring, and as they mature they turn green and then yellow in the fall. Katsuras can grow up to 60 feet tall and enjoy full or partial sun. For the best color, plant them in acidic soil. They are sensitive to drought, so make sure to water them during dry spells.

Ginkgo — You can easily spot a ginkgo by its unique fan-shaped leaves. These trees can tolerate lots of growing conditions, making them a hardy choice for your yard. They have dull green leaves in the warm months that turn golden in autumn. And since the leaves fall late in the season, they’re one of the best fall foliage trees to add long-lasting color. The biggest drawback of ginkgos is that female trees produce bad-smelling fruit, so make sure you only plant males.

Northern Spicebush — Named after their spicy scent, these fall shrubs have glossy green leaves that turn yellow in the fall and contrast nicely with their red fruit. In the early spring, look out for greenish-yellow flowers. They are easy to grow and thrive in partial shade and well-draining soil.

Beauty Berry — We love adding a unique spin to our yards with a pop of violet! These ornamental shrubs boast arching branches and pink flowers in the summer. But the real beauty comes in the fall when they produce glossy violet berries. They grow in full sun or partial shade and like moist conditions. Do not let this shrub dry out.