10 Best Trees for New England-Style Fall Foliage: Transform Your Landscape
A curated lineup that paints gardens in fall hues while supporting birds and pollinators.
10 Best Trees to Plant for New England-Style Foliage
New England is renowned for its spectacular autumn color â a tapestry of fiery reds, radiant oranges, and glowing yellows that draws visitors from around the world each fall. While this magic is often associated with vast forests, you can bring that same drama and beauty to your home landscape. Whether your space is a sprawling yard or a cozy urban garden, the right trees can ensure your garden blazes with vibrant color each November. Below, we explore the 10 best trees to plant for dazzling New England-style fall foliage, along with expert tips for successful selection and care.
Why Choose Trees for Autumn Color?
- Seasonal Impact: Trees are the backbone of the garden, creating lasting architectural structure and seasonal drama.
- Biodiversity Support: Many autumn-coloring trees also provide vital food and shelter for birds and pollinators.
- Year-Round Interest: Most top choices offer seasonal delights beyond foliage, such as blossoms, berries, or striking bark.
1. Crabapple (Malus spp.)
Crabapple trees stand out not only for their spring blossoms, but their fruit and foliage put on a tremendous show in autumn. Varieties such as ‘Adams’ and ‘Calocarpa’ display persistent, cherry-red fruit that illuminate bare branches into winter and provide food for birds during cold months.
- Fall Color: Leaves shift from green to yellow-gold, complementing brightly colored fruit.
- Bonus: Flowering in spring and dramatic fruiting in late summer through winter.
- Care Tip: Full sun and well-drained soil yield the best blossom and fruit.
2. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
An unexpected candidate for autumn color, crepe myrtle delivers a third season of beauty after its summer flowers and winterâs smooth, sculptural trunks. When planted in full sun, its leaves turn a bold orange that can rival any classic maple.
- Fall Color: Vibrant orange foliage in autumn.
- Form: Medium to small trees, suitable for containers or compact gardens.
- Care Tip: Best autumn color occurs in sunny spots; prune for desired trunk structure in late winter.
3. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp. and cultivars)
Hawthorns are too often overlooked outside of spring, but come autumn, their leaves turn golden to russet, and clusters of small, jewel-like berries persist into the winter months.
- Fall Color: Brilliant yellows and warm russet hues.
- Berries: Orange-red clusters last late into winter, feeding over-wintering birds.
- Additional Interest: Blossoms in mid-spring; berries usable in jellies and preserves.
- Care Tip: Thrives in a range of soils but prefers well-drained sites exposed to full sun.
4. Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
For those who love towering, imposing specimens, the native black locust is hard to beat. Its leaves become feathery gold in fall, carpeting the garden below in color once they drop. The treeâs late spring flowers are both fragrant and edible.
- Fall Color: Golden-yellow, feather-like foliage.
- Height: Well-suited to larger gardens or as a bold statement tree.
- Environmental Benefit: Improves soil by fixing nitrogen.
- Care Tip: Hardy and adaptable, but can spread by root suckers if not managed.
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5. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Native to Eastern North America, redbudâs broad, heart-shaped leaves light up the shade with bright yellow after the first frost. A compact, rounded form makes this an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as an understory tree beneath larger specimens.
- Fall Color: Vivid yellow foliage accentuates shady garden corners.
- Spring Display: Masses of pink to magenta flowers along bare branches in early spring.
- Size: Small to medium, ideal for shade and semi-shade.
- Care Tip: Prefers sheltered spots with moist, well-drained soil.
6. Rowan / Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana)
Native to the Northeast, rowan trees offer clusters of amber-orange berries that glow among crimson compound leaves in autumn. Delicious used in cordials and preserves, the fruit is also a favorite with songbirds.
- Fall Color: Crimson-red foliage set off by orange or red berry clusters.
- Flowers: Creamy white, forming in spring.
- Care Tip: Thrives in full sun and tolerates cold; best acquired from native plant nurseries.
7. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Sassafras offers multi-season interest, from fragrant spring leaves to its roots once used for traditional root beer. Its most spectacular feature may be the copper-orange flames of its fall foliage, enlivening woodland edges and shady borders.
- Fall Color: Intense orange and copper hues.
- Edible Uses: Leaves used in Creole filé powder; roots once popular in beverages.
- Care Tip: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soils at the edge of woodlands or large borders.
8. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Serviceberries are multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees that refuse to stay quiet in any season. Early spring brings delicate white blossoms followed by edible, deep-red fruit, while autumn showcases leaves that smoulder from yellow to deep red, each rib etched in gold.
- Fall Color: Gradual progression from bright yellow to scarlet, sometimes on the same plant.
- Edible Fruit: Berries taste like a cross between apples and blueberries.
- Care Tip: Tolerates a wide range of soils and prefers sun to light shade.
9. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
A graceful, shade-tolerant tree, spicebush is valued for its early spring flowers and the wild elegance it brings to woodland gardens. In autumn, the female treesâ yellow leaves are punctuated by red berries, used in Appalachian cuisine and attractive to birds.
- Fall Color: Yellow foliage offset by clusters of red berries.
- Fragrance: Twigs and crushed leaves give off a citrus-pine scent.
- Wildlife Value: Early nectar source for pollinators; berries for birds.
- Care Tip: Favors moist, woodland settings and partial shade.
10. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
No list of New England-style autumn trees would be complete without the iconic sugar maple. Its enormous canopy transforms into an explosion of reds, oranges, and gold every year, providing the classic autumnal backdrop celebrated in New England art and tourism.
- Fall Color: Dazzling blend of crimson, orange, and gold across sweeping branches.
- Sap: Source of maple syrup in early spring.
- Care Tip: Spreads widely, so give it room and plant in sun or light shade with deep, fertile soil.
Choosing and Planting Trees for the Best Autumn Foliage
When selecting trees for fall color, consider the following for a garden that glows with New England drama:
- Mix species for a longer and more varied display, as different trees peak at different times.
- Select cultivars suited to your regionâs climate, rainfall, and soil type. Many of these trees are hardy and adaptable, but always check local recommendations.
- Think about yard size and sunlight â large, fast-growing trees like sugar maple will overwhelm tiny gardens, while small trees like serviceberry or redbud are perfect for urban spaces.
- Combine with spring and summer interest: Many of these trees also offer vibrant blooms, edible fruit, striking bark, or wildlife benefits.
Table: Quick-Reference Comparison of Top Fall-Foliage Trees
| Tree | Primary Fall Color | Other Seasons Interest | Height | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crabapple | Yellow-Gold & Red Fruit | Spring flowers, winter fruit | 15-25 ft | Small yards, wildlife gardens |
| Crepe Myrtle | Orange | Summer flowers, sculptural bark | 10-20 ft | Containers, borders |
| Hawthorn | Yellow, Russet | Spring flowers, winter berries | 15-30 ft | Hedgerows, wildlife |
| Black Locust | Gold | Spring flowers | 40-70 ft | Large gardens, shade |
| Redbud | Yellow | Spring flowers | 20-30 ft | Understory, small gardens |
| Rowan | Crimson & Orange Berries | Spring flowers, edible berries | 15-30 ft | Native, specimen tree |
| Sassafras | Copper-Orange | Aromatic leaves, edible roots | 30-60 ft | Woodland edges |
| Serviceberry | Yellow-Red Blend | Spring bloom, edible fruit | 10-25 ft | Multi-season interest |
| Spicebush | Yellow & Red Berries | Early spring bloom | 6-12 ft | Woodland, shade |
| Sugar Maple | Red, Orange, Gold | Sap for syrup | 60-75 ft | Large gardens, lawns |
Expert Tips for Exceptional Autumn Color
- Soil Health: Feed trees annually with compost or organic mulch to promote vibrant foliage and resilience.
- Watering: Keep young trees well-watered during their first few years to establish deep roots.
- Pruning: Prune out dead or diseased wood in late winter to encourage healthy, vigorous new growth.
- Pest Management: Monitor trees for signs of disease or insect infestation and act early with organic controls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time of year to plant these trees?
A: Early spring or fall are ideal planting times. Cooler weather helps roots establish before the stress of winter or summer heat.
Q: Which of these trees is best for very small gardens?
A: Consider serviceberry, redbud, spicebush, or crepe myrtle; all stay compact and thrive in urban spaces or containers.
Q: Do these trees require special care for autumn color?
A: Most require little intervention beyond what a healthy tree needs: well-drained soil, adequate sunlight, and occasional feeding. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it may encourage leaf drop before peak color.
Q: Which species are best for attracting birds and pollinators?
A: Crabapple, hawthorn, serviceberry, and rowan offer significant food value for birds. Spicebush and redbud provide nectar for early pollinators.
Q: Can these trees be grown in containers?
A: Some smaller species such as crepe myrtle, serviceberry, and redbud adapt well to large containers given regular watering and good drainage.
Final Thoughts: Creating Your Own New England Autumn
By selecting and combining these trees, you can enjoy a New England-worthy autumn display right outside your window. With thoughtful planning, youâll be rewarded with a succession of color, beauty, and wildlife activity as each season unfolds. Remember: soil, sunlight, and variety are key. Whether you choose one glowing sugar maple for the lawn or a tapestry of smaller species for your urban oasis, these trees ensure your autumn will be spectacular, year after year.
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/guide/best-trees-for-gardeners-in-new-england
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-best-trees-to-plant-for-new-england-style-foliage/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/an-english-gardeners-diary-i-do-love-my-rowan-sorbus/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/true-colors-9-best-shrubs-for-fall-foliage/
- https://www.gardenista.com/issue/9/39/fall-foliage/
- https://www.gardenista.com/tag/new-england/
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