The coldest winters reward us with some of the most brilliant color in North Texas. Let’s take a look at my top 5 trees for fall color and foliage, showcasing the vibrant displays we’ve enjoyed in recent seasons.
Each year, we get countless questions about which trees provide the best fall color here in North Texas. To make it easier, I’ve highlighted my top picks below, complete with space for photos and details about each tree.
These are listed in order of my personal favorites — but I’d love to hear which one is yours!
1. Brandywine Maple
Color Range: Brilliant shades of red and purple in fall
Highlights:
- Exceptional fall color
- Upright growth habit
- Fast growing
- Adaptable to many soil types
Learn more about Brandywine Maple trees →
2. Chinese Pistachio
Color Range: Yellow, orange, red, and plum
Highlights:
- Exceptional drought and heat tolerance
- Brilliant fall color
- Recognized as a Texas Superstar by Texas A&M
- Strong natural resistance to insects and disease
Learn more about Chinese Pistachio trees →
3. October Glory Maple
Color Range: Vibrant shades of orange and red
Highlights:
- Stunning fall color
- Upright growth habit
- Fast growing
- Adaptable to many soil types
Learn more about October Glory Maple trees →
4. Red Oak
Color Range: Brown-red, rust, bright red, deep red, orange, burnt orange, yellow, and gold
Highlights:
- Striking fall color display
- Upright growth habit
- Fast growing
- Adaptable to a wide variety of soil types
Learn more about Red Oak trees →
5. Shantung Maple
Color Range: Golden yellow, orange, and red tones in fall
Highlights:
- Beautiful fall color
- Excellent tree for small yards
- Recognized as a Texas Superstar by Texas A&M
- Adaptable to many soil types
Learn more about Shantung Maple trees →
Wrap-Up
I hope this list inspires you to bring a splash of fall color and excitement to your landscape.
If you have any questions, we’d be happy to help you decide which of these trees will be the best fit for your North Texas yard.
Feel free to browse our complete plant inventory for more options.
— Denise
Treeland Nursery Team
Expert gardeners and tree care specialists
