With a bit of planning, your yard can be a stunning example of fall in all its glory! Check out this list of our favorite trees and shrubs to plant for beautiful fall color! We’ve even included some sample landscape designs to help you get started!
Maples
Maples make for some of the most vibrant fall turners. These cultivars are landscape trees that can be planted along the margins of your property or along the street. They will grow to be 25 to 35 feet tall and make a stunning first impression.
Autumn Blaze
Autumn Blaze is the earliest turner and turns to a bright crimson. If you’re as in love with fall as we are, planting these will make sure your yard’s fall color starts as early as your pumpkin spice latte drinking does.

Red Sunset
Red Sunset maples turn a beautiful mix of red, orange, and yellow and turn color mid-season.

October Glory
October Glory maples are the last to turn and are effective for making sure your yard doesn’t look too wintry too soon ;). October glory turns a beautiful orange that’s perfect for October!

To ensure color all season long, plant a variety of these maples in different areas of your yard!
Japanese Maples
These Japanese maples are smaller specimen trees that work well close to a patio or in a prominent spot that you’ll see from inside your house. You might walk right past these without a thought in spring or summer, but they’re sure to capture your attention in the fall!
Sieryu
Sieryu Japanese maples have highly cut, jagged, five-pointed leaves that turn a striking bright red! They’ll grow to be around 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide, making them perfect as a focal point outside of a window or by your front entrance.

Viridis
This weeping Japanese maple turns a vibrant bright orange that is quite a bit brighter than the October Glory Maple!