The best trees for autumn colour

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, a spectacular transformation takes place.

Forestry England predicts a bumper season of fiery foliage in 2025 due to warmer temperatures across the nation this summer.

Its experts say particularly vivid display of reds, oranges and golds should last well into November.

Planting trees

There has been a growing trend of stunning autumn colour year-on-year, highlighting the change in weather pattens we’re seeing.

Planting trees is a climate positive activity and choosing the right trees can turn an autumnal garden or landscape into a gorgeous canvas of reds, oranges and golds.

Our free guide

We’ve curated a free tree guide that’s downloadable here, which highlights some of the best varieties for vibrant autumn colour.

Here are our top picks:

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’

The Sweet Gum tree is a classic autumn performer, with leaves that turn shades of orange, red, and purple.

Acer x freemanii ‘Celebration’

This hybrid maple combines the best traits of Red and Silver Maples. ‘Celebration’ is fast-growing and delivers bright orange-red autumn colour, perfect for adding drama to larger spaces.

Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’

If you’re looking for deep burgundy foliage, this Norway Maple cultivar is ideal. Its columnar shape makes it suitable for tighter spaces.

Ginkgo biloba

The Ginkgo is a living fossil with fan-shaped leaves that turn a stunning golden yellow in autumn.

Quercus robur ‘Select’

The English Oak is a timeless choice, and the ‘Select’ variety offers improved form and uniformity. Its leaves turn a rusty brown in autumn, adding a warm, earthy tone to the garden.

Liriodendron tulipifera

Also known as the Tulip Tree, this species offers golden yellow foliage in autumn. Its large leaves and stately form make it a striking specimen tree.

Amenity customer or garden centre?

Whether you’re an amenity customer searching for the perfect trees for your next large-scale landscape project, have parkland, wooded areas or an arboretum to plant up, or are a garden centre looking for stock, please get in touch to find out about our range of trees – which vary in size.

At this time of year, we can also supply large rootball options.

Get more details

For more details on these varieties and to explore others, please look at our free tree fact files that are downloadable here.

Free advice & how to order

If you would like to chat to our tree experts, please contact us.