The autumn Equinox has arrived! With it, you’re experiencing the burst of color decorating shopping plazas, neighborhoods, and mountainsides. Don’t feel like you’re missing out, while taking in the sweet smell of leaves. 

There are five trees that you can plant that will bring a colorful view to your home.

Maple Trees 

Maple trees have beautiful burgundy, gold, or orange leaves. They take 10 to 30 years to reach full maturity and they’re easy to care for! Maples grow at medium speed, so you can expect to see it grow 12-18 inches per year. 

Maples also spread easily, so once you get one going, you’re likely to see sproutlings start to take root nearby.

This tree is well worth the wait. Maples thrive in well-drained and fertile soil. If you’re planting a sapling, start in a bucket with drainage holes or a large pot, to allow it to take root. Once it’s stable, it can be moved into its own plot of land. Just avoid planting your maple on rocky or sandy terrain to give it the best chance at survival.

Ginkgo Trees

If you’re looking for an exotic and refreshing change from the traditional tree, you found it. Ginkgo trees are also known as maidenhair trees because of the gold fall of leaves that they produce. Autumn is often associated with bright reds. Create contrast in your garden with these fan-shaped yellow leaves. 

Ginkgo trees are a unique asset: they are resistant to pests, disease, pollution and wind. They are also native to China. They grow best in full-sun exposure in the north and partial sun in the south. 

These “living fossils” are sand-tolerant plants. So they’re a good choice for those with a sandy yard or those who live near the ocean. Provide shade and or a wind barrier for your home with a Ginkgo tree.

Oak Trees

Oak trees are feisty. They have fiery red and yellow leaves, while also touting being some of the first trees to turn in fall. Oaks are hardy, fast growing, can be used for timber, and provide an abundance of shade. Depending on the Oak, they love stretching out in well-drained, humus-rich soil. 

Oak trees can also grow 2 to 3 feet per year when young, then 1 to 3 feet per year as they age. These are easy trees to care for and they produce acorns, which makes wildlife viewing a no-brainer.

Shumard Oaks, which look like a curly head of bright-red hair, prefer short winters and long summers. These trees are generational beauties and can live to be over 200 years old. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to plant a tree that your great-grandchildren will get the chance to enjoy.

Aspen Trees

Aspen trees grow all the time, even during winter. This white-bark, lean tree would truly stand out in your fall foliage. The burst of yellow leaves and lean stature, would look great alongside an Oak or Maple.

Quaking Aspens make a lovely sound when the wind runs through their leaves. They also provide food for animals. So if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you’ll have the opportunity to see moose, black bears, beavers, porcupines, and ruffed grouse. They also attract butterflies.

Aspens enjoy moist and well-drained soil. So if you’re looking for a shoot of color, they would work well atop your retaining wall. They also grow in the Rockies in dry and less hospitable soils. If you want a tree that is resilient, beautiful, and grows year round, then you’ve found your match.

Dogwood Trees

Dogwood trees look gorgeous throughout the seasons. Auburn colors in autumn, red berries in winter, and shiny green leaves in summer make this one-of-a-kind. These small ornamental trees look great next to Black Walnut trees and they’re native to North America.

Dogwood trees love sun, but in the south, they need a rest in some afternoon shade. These trees are sensitive towards areas that don’t drain well. So ensure they don’t get their feet wet, and they can stay put in nutrient-rich soil.

These are relatively slow-growing trees. But Ragin’ Red Dogwoods and Flowering Dogwoods love to put on a show. So don’t forget to add this vibrant tree to your garden.

Planting Your Trees

When planting your trees, remember to plant a hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball. Fill the hole with water before placing your tree in. Then place it in the center of the hole and backfill the hole with soil.

And don’t forget to water your tree well during dry spells for the first year! Before you know it, trees will be decorating your yard, while you sip a hot cider on your front porch.

Treat yourself to a fall filled with color! Fall trees and autumn shrubs add a special ambience to your yard that can’t be achieved solely with string-lights or jack-o’-lanterns. Track the seasons by watching your Aspen continue to grow or as your Dogwood liters the snow with red berries.

Planning on planting fall bulbs? Here’s what you need to know.

Happy gardening!