TL;DR
- Best Fall Trees for Ontario:
- Sugar Maple: Fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves; produces maple syrup.
- Red Maple: Bold red tones, fast-growing, versatile.
- Japanese Maple: Compact, with dramatic red and purple hues, ideal for small spaces.
- Northern Red Oak: Majestic, with long-lasting red foliage.
- White Ash: Shifts between yellow, purple, and burgundy in fall.
- Paper Birch: Yellow leaves with distinctive white bark.
- American Beech: Golden-bronze leaves that persist into winter.
- Choosing the Right Tree: Consider the tree’s size, climate suitability, and how its autumn colors complement your space.
- Sequoia TreeScape: Offers expert advice on tree planting, pruning, and removal in Newmarket, Aurora, and Uxbridge.
The Best Trees for Stunning Fall Colours in Ontario
One of the best parts of living in Ontario comes from getting to enjoy the different seasons and the beauty they bring with the changing landscape, with autumn being the most spectacular of all when trees don their fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. The transformation of foliage into a vibrant tapestry is a sight to behold, and while there are many places you can go to take in this beauty such as Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, or the Muskoka Region, some people are interested in planting trees that can provide stunning views in their own backyard. If you’re looking to add some fall brilliance to your yard or garden, our tree of local tree experts has provided a guide to some of the best trees for fall colours.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
The Sugar Maple is often considered the quintessential fall tree because of its breathtaking display of colour. The Sugar Maple’s leaves turn a mixture of fiery red, vibrant orange and golden yellow. Not only is this tree beautiful, but it is also capable of producing maple syrup, although if you are looking to harvest this sweet treat you will need multiple trees on your property to collect enough sap to turn into syrup. The Sugar Maple is best for larger yards due to its size, growing up to 75 feet tall, but is a hardy tree that can handle our cold Ontario winters very well.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
As the name suggests, the Red Maple is known for its scarlet fall foliage. While the tree can vary in colour from orange to yellow in certain regions, its red tones are often dominant and provide a bold splash of colour. It’s a hardy tree that thrives in many soil conditions, making it versatile and widespread. The Red Maple is a medium-sized tree growing up to 50 feet tall, which makes it a great choice for almost anyone’s yard. It is also fast-growing and easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to add instant fall beauty.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
The Japanese Maple is renowned for its intricate, lace-like leaves and vibrant fall colours. Although smaller than many other trees, its dramatic red and purple hues make it a showstopper in any landscape. It’s perfect for adding texture and colour to gardens, especially in small spaces. Because the Japanese Maple only grows from 15-25 feet tall it is best for small gardens, patios, or ornamental planting around homes. The delicate leaves and compact size of the Japanese Maple make it ideal for creating stunning focal points in gardens.
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
The Northern Red Oak is one of Ontario’s native hardwoods, beloved for its strong form and long-lasting red fall foliage. This majestic tree is a great option for adding height and structure to a landscape, while its brilliant colour adds drama during the autumn months. The Northern Red Oak can grow up to 60–75 feet tall, and so it is also best planted in a larger backyard. It is also a hardy tree that can tolerate cold winters, making them a reliable choice for Ontario’s climate. Their long-lasting colour makes them standout trees in the fall.
White Ash (Fraxinus americana)
The White Ash tree can add a stunning range of purple and burgundy shades to your backyard. Its fall foliage tends to shift through yellow and purple hues, creating a unique contrast to the more common red and orange shades of other species. The White Ash can also grow up to 70 feet tall, so is best for a bigger backyard. The Ash tree has suffered due to the Emerald Ash Borer which has wiped out entire populations of this tree species in Ontario, efforts have been made to reestablish this tree into the Ontario landscape, but the Borer does still remain a threat to this tree.
Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)
The Paper Birch is known for its distinctive white bark that makes it stand out against any backdrop. In the fall, the leaves of this tree turn to a stunning golden-yellow leaves. This tree is native to Ontario and does well in cooler climates and can handle Ontario’s fluctuating fall temperatures. Because the Paper Birch is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall, it works in almost any yard. In autumn, its bright yellow leaves against its iconic white bark create a striking visual in the autumn landscape.
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
The American Beech is a slow-growing tree that becomes a showstopper in the fall with its golden-bronze leaves. One of the great things about the American Beech trees is that even after most trees have shed their leaves, the Beech holds onto its copper-coloured foliage into the winter, making it stand out against the wintry landscape. The American Beech is another large tree that can grow up to 70 feet tall and does well in moist soil and can do well in both sun and shade. The American Beech is a great addition to anyone’s property.
Enjoy Your Yard and Trees This Autumn
Choosing trees for your property that offer brilliant fall colour is a wonderful way to enhance your landscape and celebrate the changing seasons. From the fiery reds of the Sugar Maple to the shimmering gold of the Paper Birch, each tree has its unique appeal. When selecting a tree, consider your local climate, the size of the tree at maturity, and how its autumn colours will complement your space. It can be helpful to speak with a licensed arborist near you that can answer any questions you have about planting trees, or if necessary removing or pruning your current trees. Planting any of the trees mentioned above will not only add beauty in the fall but also provide shade and shelter throughout the year. With the right selection, your yard can become a vibrant autumn oasis for years to come.
If you are looking to plant a tree near your house in the Newmarket, Aurora, or Uxbridge area, our tree care experts at Sequoia TreeScape can help. We have years of experience and can offer helpful tips and suggestions. Or if you need someone to handle the pruning of the trees in your yard, we have you covered. If you are looking for tree work or a tree removal near you then contact us today for your free estimate. The Sequoia TreeScape team is only one call away at (416) 770-8733.
And also see our articles on Fastest Growing Trees, and The Best Fruit Trees to Plant for more helpful tree tips.
Until Next Time,
Matt Gladwin – Owner
Certified Arborist