{"id":7341,"date":"2026-05-26T14:46:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T21:46:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/26\/21-of-the-best-trees-for-yellow-fall-color\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T14:46:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T21:46:55","slug":"21-of-the-best-trees-for-yellow-fall-color","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/26\/21-of-the-best-trees-for-yellow-fall-color\/","title":{"rendered":"21 of the Best Trees for Yellow Fall Color"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Please see our crabapple growing guide<\/a><\/strong> for more information.<\/p>\n

10. Katsura<\/h2>\n

Katsuras, <\/em>Cercidiphyllum japonicum<\/em>, grow in Zones 4 to 8. Mature dimensions are 40 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 25 to 60 feet, and they may have one or more main trunks.<\/p>\n

These trees prefer full sun to partial shade and require well-draining soil. In the early years, they do best with consistent moisture.<\/p>\n

The foliage is almost round with a slight teardrop shape and stunning yellow in the fall.<\/p>\n

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Katsura<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

These trees tolerate pollution and are noteworthy for having a shallow root system that does not disturb underground pipes or cause sidewalk buckling.<\/p>\n

Katsuras are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

11. Lombardy Poplar<\/h2>\n

Lombardy poplars, Populus nigra<\/em> \u2018Italica,\u2019 are suited to Zones 3 to 9. They have a columnar shape that makes an excellent privacy screen when multiple specimens are planted in a row.<\/p>\n

Mature dimensions are 40 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. These hardy poplars prefer full sun, grow well in various soils, and are drought tolerant.<\/p>\n

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Lombardy Poplar<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The triangular leaves rustle pleasantly when a breeze passes through them. In autumn, they blaze yellow like summer sunshine.<\/p>\n

Lombardy poplars are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

12. Niobe Weeping Willow<\/h2>\n

Niobe or golden weeping willows, Salix alba<\/em> \u2018Tristis,\u2019 grow in Zones 4 to 8, reaching heights of 50 to 60 feet with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. They prefer full sun and moist soil of any variety.<\/p>\n

Weeping willows have finely serrated narrow leaves with golden autumn hues and light, airy branches that cascade gracefully downward, often sweeping the ground with passing breezes.<\/p>\n

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Niobe Weeping Willow<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s best to plant away from underground sewer pipes, as willow roots grow invasively and may clog them.<\/p>\n

Niobe weeping willows are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Please see our weeping willow growing guide<\/a><\/strong> for more information.\u00a0<\/p>\n

13. Paper Birch<\/h2>\n

Native paper birches, Betula papyrifera<\/em>, grow in Zones 2 to 7.<\/p>\n

Their statuesque trunks have highly ornamental white, peeling bark and a loosely pyramidal shape, making them attractive stand-alone or clumped focal points.<\/p>\n

Heights reach 40 feet with a spread of 30 feet.<\/p>\n

They prefer full sun to partial shade and grow in most soil types. They require moderate moisture and do not tolerate drought.<\/p>\n

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Paper Birch<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The teardrop-shaped leaves are serrated and bright yellow in the fall.<\/p>\n

Paper birches are available from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

14. Patmore Green Ash<\/h2>\n

\u2018Patmore\u2019 green ashes, Fraxinus pennsylvanica<\/em> \u2018Patmore,\u2019 are suited to Zones 3 to 9.<\/p>\n

They have a rounded, lollipop shape that makes them eye-catching stand-alone specimens. Mature heights are 50 to 70 feet with a spread of 35 to 40 feet.<\/p>\n

Pest and disease resistant, they prefer full sun and moist soil but tolerate various soil types and some drought.<\/p>\n

Note that if you live in a region where the emerald ash borer beetle is prevalent, you may wish to avoid new plantings, or follow a preventative integrated pest management program<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Patmore\u2019 Green Ash<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fast-growing, green ashes put on approximately two feet per year through to maturity. The foliage consists of shiny, lance-shaped leaflets that turn a bright, sunny yellow hue in the fall.<\/p>\n

Ashes generally produce \u201csamaras,\u201d narrow, tan, papery seed pods. But with the \u2018Patmore\u2019 cultivar, you\u2019ll have no messy seeds to rake up.<\/p>\n

\u2018Patmore\u2019 green ashes are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

15. Princeton Elm<\/h2>\n

\u2018Princeton\u2019 elms, Ulmus americana<\/em> \u2018Princeton,\u2019 <\/em>grow in Zones 4 to 9.<\/p>\n

Mature dimensions are 60 to 80 feet tall and 40 to 60 feet wide, making them excellent stand-alone specimen shade trees.<\/p>\n

The overall shape is like a vase, with dense, upwardly arching branches. The foliage is elliptical and serrated, and flushes yellow at season\u2019s end.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Princeton\u2019 Elm<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unlike many elms, \u2018Princeton\u2019 is highly resistant to Dutch elm disease. These prefer full sun placements and adapt to most soils.<\/p>\n

\u2018Princeton\u2019 elms are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Please see our guide to growing elms<\/a><\/strong> for more information.<\/p>\n

16. Quaking Aspen<\/h2>\n

Native quaking aspens, Populus tremuloides<\/em>, grow in Zones 2 to 6, where they rise to heights of 40 to 50 feet with a spread of 20 to 30 feet.<\/p>\n

They thrive in full sun in a range of soils and add the calming sound of gently rustling leaves to the landscapes they adorn.<\/p>\n

Tall trunks and a pyramid shape show the crisp, white bark to the best advantage, especially in an impressive stand of multiple trees in a row.<\/p>\n

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Quaking Aspen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The foliage is near heart-shaped with serrated margins. The leaves are golden in the fall and sometimes surprise with red tones.<\/p>\n

Quaking aspens are available from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Find our guide to growing quaking aspen here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

17. River Birch<\/h2>\n

River birches, Betula nigra, <\/em>are stunning in Zones 3 to 9.<\/p>\n

In addition to their brief but glorious fall display of buttery, serrated, diamond-shaped leaves and dangling reddish-green catkins, they sport cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark.<\/p>\n

Mature heights are 25 to 50 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide. As they age, they transition from a pyramid to a rounded shape.<\/p>\n

These trees prefer full sun to part shade and tolerate drought, various soils, and wind.<\/p>\n

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River Birch<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Plant them in naturalized areas and clump to create privacy. Avoid planting near buildings, as branches will likely fall into rain gutters.<\/p>\n

River birches are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

18. Shagbark Hickory\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Shagbark hickories, Carya ovata<\/em>, are suited to Zones 4 to 8. They are large shade trees with a rounded crown and an irregular shape that mature to 70 to 90 feet tall and 50 to 70 feet wide.<\/p>\n

The foliage is lance shaped, slightly serrated, and golden yellow in the fall.<\/p>\n

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Mature specimens produce round nuts, have gray, exfoliating bark, and make impressive stand-alone trees in expansive settings.<\/p>\n

They prefer full sun to part shade and organically-rich, well-draining soil. They tolerate clay and black walnut juglone toxicity and are not prone to pests or diseases.<\/p>\n

Check out our guide to growing hickories<\/a><\/strong> for more information.<\/p>\n

19. Silver Maple<\/h2>\n

Vase-shaped silver maples, Acer saccharinum<\/em>, grow in Zones 3 to 9.<\/p>\n

They reach heights of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 35 to 70 feet, adding approximately three feet per year to their landscape footprint until they reach maturity.<\/p>\n

These trees prefer full sun to part shade and medium to wet soil. However, they tolerate drought well.<\/p>\n

They have deeply lobed leaves that are characteristic of maple trees. Winged seed pods called \u201csamaras\u201d disperse in the spring. The fall color is pale lemon yellow.<\/p>\n

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Silver Maple<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The best placements are moist areas like streambeds and riverbanks away from buildings and cars, as silver maple limbs are susceptible to breakage in high winds and ice storms.<\/p>\n

Silver maples are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Read more about growing maples here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

20. Thornless Honey Locust<\/h2>\n

Fast-growing, native, thornless honey locusts, Gleditsia triacanthos<\/em> var. inermis<\/em>, are suited to Zones 4 to 9.<\/p>\n

They reach 50 to 70 feet tall with a spread of 40 to 50 feet, adding approximately two feet per year until maturity, and lack the long thorns found on the branches of the thorned variety.<\/p>\n

These trees prefer full sun to part shade and moist, loamy soil. They will also tolerate other soils, dryness, wetness, and road salt.<\/p>\n

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Thornless Honey Locust<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The overall shape is upward arching and oval, with foliage consisting of pinnate leaflets with narrow, oblong foliage.<\/p>\n

Spring brings fragrant, nondescript blossoms and long, reddish-brown seed pods. In the fall, the leaves are golden.<\/p>\n

Honey locusts make a bold statement and provide ample shade in large yards.<\/p>\n

Thornless honey locusts are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

21. Tulip Poplar<\/h2>\n

Native tulip poplars Liriodendron tulipifera<\/em>,<\/em> grow in Zones 4 to 9. Mature dimensions are 60 to 90 feet tall and 30 to 50 feet wide. They require full sun with loose, loamy, well-draining soil.<\/p>\n

Also called tulip trees, they are in the magnolia<\/a><\/strong> family and are unrelated to tulips<\/a><\/strong> or poplars.<\/p>\n

They have tulip-like flowers that bloom high in the canopy in the spring in shades of orange, yellow, and green.<\/p>\n

Tulip poplars show well in wooded, naturalistic settings where they are somewhat sheltered from potentially damaging winds.<\/p>\n

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Tulip Poplar<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

These trees have a pyramid shape when young and mature to an oval form. The palmate or hand-like leaves also resemble tulips. Fall foliage is golden.<\/p>\n

Tulip poplars are available from Nature Hills Nursery<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Get tips on caring for tulip poplars here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Backbone of a Vibrant Fall Display<\/h2>\n

With 21 landscape trees that offer exciting yellow hues, it\u2019s time to pick your favorites and add them to your garden planner<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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When cool, crisp days arrive, you\u2019ll be glad you chose landscape trees with yellow fall foliage.<\/p>\n

Yellow hues are the backbone of a late-season display punctuated by oranges, russets, and scarlets.<\/p>\n

What yellow-leafed trees grow in your outdoor living space? Tell us about them in the comments section below.<\/p>\n

And for more information about growing trees in your landscape<\/a><\/strong>, add these guides to your reading list next:<\/p>\n