By Nancy Penrose
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin their vibrant transformation, fall becomes the perfect time to plant trees. The cooler soil encourages strong root growth, ensuring your new additions establish well before winter. To bring enduring beauty and seasonal charm to your landscape, consider these standout selections from Big Trees Supply’s Tree Finder.
1. Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer × freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’)
This hybrid maple is a fall favorite, lighting up landscapes with brilliant red foliage. It’s often one of the first to change—and holds that fiery color longest—while also growing quickly into a majestic specimen, reaching around 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide.
2. October Glory Maple (Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’)
Reliable and radiant, this red maple variant delivers consistent deep red fall color. It’s a dependable choice for creating dynamic autumn scenery that homeowners can count on year after year.
3. Heritage River Birch (Betula nigra ‘Heritage’)
With striking yellow fall foliage and peeling bark that reveals soft tones of tan to salmon pink, this multi-stemmed birch adds both color and texture to any garden. It works beautifully as a solo focal point or in groups for a wooded effect.
4. Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
More than just visual—this tree also delights your sense of smell. Its heart-shaped leaves emerge with a red or purple tinge, later turning bluish-green, and in autumn transform to bright yellow with a sweet, sugary scent reminiscent of cotton candy.
5. Crimson King Maple (Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’)
A dense shade tree with deep, purple foliage that endures from spring through fall, the Crimson King brings a rich, dramatic presence to lawns and streetscapes. It’s valued for its extended seasonal interest.
6. Weeping Willow (Salix alba)
Graceful and distinctive, the Weeping Willow offers movement and winter structure with its sweeping branches. Its golden stems provide visual interest long after the leaves have fallen, making it a year-round treasure in the landscape.
7. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’)
An evergreen that maintains rich green color through winter, this columnar tree is perfect for narrow spaces or as a natural privacy screen. Low-maintenance and easily trimmed when needed, it’s a practical and elegant choice for year-round structure.
Why Fall Planting Works Wonders
- Optimal Root Development: Warmer soil and cooler air help young trees develop strong root systems before winter dormancy sets in.
- Less Stressful Establishment: With lower temperatures and less water loss from evaporation, fall planting reduces transplant shock.
- Admire Immediate Benefits: Some of these trees flaunt spectacular fall color soon after planting—an instant reward for your efforts.
Planning Tips for Your Fall Tree Project
| Tip | Why It’s Important |
| Check mature size | Trees like Autumn Blaze Maple can grow 50 ft tall—plan space accordingly. |
| Select the right type | Choose deciduous trees if you want vibrant fall colors; evergreens like Emerald Green give structure in winter. |
| Consider fragrance | The Katsura’s sweet scent enhances sensory appeal beyond just visual beauty. |
| Space for form | Weeping Willow’s sweeping branches and Emerald Green’s narrow form both need thoughtful placement. |
| Balance beauty with practicality | Crimson King and Autumn Blaze offer bold color; Heritage Birch gives texture; and Emerald Green offers screening. |
Putting It All Together
Planting one or a mix of these seven trees will enrich your landscape through all seasons:
- Autumn Blaze Maple dazzles in red.
- October Glory Maple brings reliable fall flair.
- Heritage River Birch gives textured yellow tones and unique bark.
- Katsura Tree captivates with color and scent.
- Crimson King Maple offers dramatic purple foliage.
- Weeping Willow provides architectural grace and winter interest.
- Emerald Green Arborvitae ensures evergreen structure and privacy.
For best results, prepare planting holes properly, water deeply, and apply mulch. Bundle your choices wisely—maybe pair vibrant deciduous trees at the front of your yard with evergreens behind for year-round visual layering.
Fall offers the perfect window to plant for long-term beauty. With these selections from Big Trees Supply, you’re set for a landscape that delights in color, form, and fragrance during every season.
Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.
Big Trees Inc.
10928 Springhetti Rd
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-563-2700
