As the leaves change their colors for fall, you may be thinking about also changing your landscape design. Since New York State experiences all four seasons equally, you may be wondering which trees can withstand harsh winters as well as thrive in bright and sunny summers.
If so, this guide to the best trees for fall landscape design is for you! We’ll cover some of the best options to consider if you want to enjoy healthy trees with beautiful leaves year-round.
Maples
Maple trees are renowned for their vibrant color changes when fall arrives. Many maple varieties produce reds, oranges, and yellows that create a vivid, eye-catching aesthetic for your yard.
Depending on your stylistic preferences, you can select maple trees in a wide variety of sizes and spreads. Whether you want one that takes on a more conical shape as it grows upward, something with a rounder profile, or a small tree to add an accent to your yard, the options are nearly endless!
The Red Sunset Maple, one of our most popular maples, offers a brilliant combination of orange and scarlet leaves. As it grows, it will adopt a pyramidal shape that rounds in the midsection as it continues to mature.
The October Glory is another excellent choice for a maple tree thanks to its low maintenance and ability to produce deep crimson shades even in less-than-ideal conditions. It retains its leaves for longer than many other cultivars along with longer-lasting color intensity. Its rounded profile also complements the landscape design of nearly any yard.
Do you have limited space or just prefer a smaller tree? Varieties like the Bowhall Maple offer plenty of colorful leaves to enjoy with a narrower spread. Known for its cherry-colored samaras, the Hot Wings Tatarian Maple is another space-saving option with a low mature height and modest spread that doesn’t sacrifice beauty for its smaller size.
Arborvitae
Arborvitae trees are a popular choice for fall weather because they are extremely hardy and can withstand harsh conditions. The leaves of the tree are thick and leathery, providing protection against wind and rain damage.
Additionally, arborvitae trees are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can even grow in poor quality soil. As a result, arborvitae trees are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a tree that will thrive in fall weather.
One of the most popular types of arborvitaes is the American Pillar. Due to their rapid growth rate, slim profile, and low-maintenance needs, these trees are an ideal choice for lining walls or fences. They combine both the Green Giant’s quick-growing properties with the compact appearance of Emerald Green arborvitae cultivars.
Firs
Who doesn’t love the aesthetic of pinecones and evergreens when the cooler months begin? Fir trees provide a timeless aesthetic for any yard across a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Because they retain their color throughout the entire year, they can contrast nicely with color-changing options like maples.
The Balsam Fir offers aromatic foliage along with a classic evergreen style that remains a popular choice for many. For those who prefer a denser evergreen, a young Fraser Fir is a perfect new addition to any yard.
Spruces
As the weather starts to cool down and leaves start to change color, many people begin to picture a snowy landscape filled with spruce trees. While these trees are often associated with winter, they can actually be a great addition to any fall landscape.
One reason for this is that spruce trees tend to retain their needles longer than other types of trees. This means that they can provide much-needed color in a landscape where other leaves are falling off the branches at much quicker rates.
Additionally, spruce trees are relatively easy to care for and require little maintenance. As a result, they can prove an effective, low-maintenance option for busy homeowners.
Finally, spruce trees are also relatively drought-tolerant. They are a great choice for fall days when the air is drier with no rain in sight.
If you want to make a big, bold statement with your fall landscape design, the classic Norway Spruce can do that quickly. They are the fastest-growing variety of spruce trees, reaching heights of 60 ft., and are popular as a windbreaker. If you want to enjoy a year-round “Christmas tree” aesthetic, you could also opt for the shorter and cooler-toned Colorado Spruce.
Single-Stem Birches
Birch trees are known for their beautiful, papery bark that peels off in delicate layers. But did you know that these lovely trees are also great for fall weather? Their softer-toned trunks with the dramatic leaf colors create a unique aesthetic that no other species of tree can provide.
Varieties like the River Birch offer a slim, space-saving profile with symmetrical branching and beautiful color-changing leaves; often a deep golden hue. The bark on River Birches peels in a papery or ribbony fashion, creating unique textures that complement the falling leaves. For a smoother stem, the Paper Birch offers a beautiful chalk-white color when reaching maturity.
Upgrade Your Fall Landscape Design with New Trees Today
At Grasshopper Gardens, we supply homes and commercial properties throughout the New York Capital Region with beautiful trees sourced from the finest cultivars available. If you are looking to enhance your fall landscape design this year, contact us today to learn more.