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When most people think about adding beauty to their yard, they picture ornamental trees, their beautiful blooms, a striking fragrance, or even full and eye-catching shapes in summer. While those are excellent choices, landscaping trees offer much more than a single seasonal show.
In fact, the right selection of trees can provide beauty in the spring, shade through the hot months, and, when autumn arrives, a breathtaking display of fall foliage.
In Colorado, Utah, and across the West, homeowners and HOAs are increasingly looking for landscaping trees that deliver more than quick curb appeal. That means choosing varieties that shine in all four seasons, so you’re not just planting for today; instead, you’re creating long-term beauty, canopy diversity, and resilience.
In fall, an investment in the right landscaping trees pays off with a brilliant display of yellows, fiery reds, and warm oranges that transform entire neighborhoods into vibrant, colorful landscapes. And, because many of these choices can also be native trees, the result is both stunning and sustainable.
There’s a reason folks travel for hundreds of miles sometimes to “leaf peep.” More than pumpkin spice baked goods and coffee drinks, more than flannel and Ugg boots, perhaps even more than Oktoberfest beers, the fall is all about foliage.
There’s something unmistakably magical about the way trees transform as the summer fades. And, during that time, landscaping trees show they aren’t just functional; they anchor outdoor spaces in rhythm with the seasons, and fall is when they take center stage.
Cooling temperatures and shorter daylight hours signal a natural shift that creates the rich autumn palette – vivid golds, reds, and oranges – that many homeowners and HOAs consider the highlight of the year.
And, unlike a fireworks display that packs color into a brief, but beautiful display, a well-chosen mix of landscaping trees can extend the color season by combining species that turn at different times, keeping a landscape lively well into late October or November.
Native trees such as maples and oaks are particularly valued for their reliable hues, while cultivars bred for specific color intensity can make a neighborhood or park look like a postcard. In Utah and Colorado, where crisp fall days contrast against clear blue skies and mountain backdrops, trees with bold autumn foliage often become the defining feature of community landscapes.
If you’re looking to extend the beauty of fall foliage, planting just one type of tree may create a brief but fleeting display. A more thoughtful approach, especially for HOAs, parks, and neighborhoods, is to plan for canopy diversity.
Mixing species that change color at different times and in different ways helps create a layered seasonal show that can last weeks instead of days. For example, early-turning maples can usher in the season with fiery reds, followed by oaks and elms that hold onto their color deep into autumn. This staggering effect ensures landscapes stay vibrant throughout the fall rather than peaking all at once.
But canopy diversity offers far more than just extended beauty. It’s also one of the smartest strategies for creating resilient, healthy landscapes. Planting a variety of trees reduces the risk of losing an entire canopy to pests or disease—a lesson hard learned during Dutch elm disease and the emerald ash borer outbreaks.
Diversifying your landscape with both native trees and hardy cultivars not only creates a richer fall color palette but also safeguards long-term investments in tree planting.
In Utah, Colorado, and across the Mountain West, this balanced approach protects against climate stress, improves wildlife habitat, and ensures neighborhoods enjoy healthy trees for decades to come.
Ready to get to the trees? Us too!
If you’re ready to plant a diverse group of trees that meet your other needs as well, you don’t have to miss out on fall foliage. Whether you’re looking for towering shade, compact ornamental trees, or hardy natives, there’s a tree that will bring seasonal color to your home, community, or city.
Here are some of the best options to consider:
Big, bold, and beautiful, these trees anchor the landscape, providing shade in the summer and delivering a canopy of glowing fall foliage.
Smaller in stature but big on seasonal drama, ornamental trees add accents of color throughout neighborhoods and gardens in both spring and fall.
Choosing native trees ensures both regional resilience and ecological value, as well as striking autumn hues.
For water-wise landscapes, these trees prove you don’t need heavy irrigation to enjoy a colorful fall.
Perfect for tight lots, courtyards, or community streetscapes where color is desired without overwhelming scale.
Regardless of your needs, there’s a fall foliage tree to help. Planting a diverse mix of these landscaping trees helps make fall more beautiful. And, when planted strategically, it can also extend the color season and strengthen long-term canopy health.
Selecting the right landscaping trees for fall is about more than just choosing color. There’s little doubt that you’re hoping for more than just vibrant color and beauty in the fall; other factors matter. Whether you’re planning for a private yard, an HOA community, or a public space, thoughtful tree selection leads to healthier trees, extended seasonal interest, and a stronger overall canopy diversity.
Aiming for spectacular fall foliage is a common goal, especially when you’d prefer to look out the window rather than travel. Thinking a tree can only meet one need might lock you into choices you don’t need to make. Trees don’t need to be limited to a single purpose.
With thoughtful selection, you can enjoy shade, stunning fall color, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and even low-maintenance, drought-tolerant options, all from the same landscape. The key is knowing which species and cultivars will thrive in your specific climate, soil, and space.
That’s why partnering with an established tree nursery is your smartest move. Experienced professionals can help you select trees that meet multiple needs, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure long-term health and beauty.
And when your nursery has deep knowledge of your region—whether Colorado, Utah, or the broader Pacific Northwest—you gain an invaluable resource for trees that will thrive season after season. That’s why cities across the West choose SuperTrees.
With over 50 years of nursery expertise, certified arborists, and a wide selection of trees, SuperTrees is here to help you, your HOA, or your community choose not only the best fall foliage trees but also ones that meet other needs. Reach out to our team today, and let’s get planting!