The Ultimate Guide to 21 Trees for Yellow Fall Color

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to drop, it’s time for gardeners to reap the rewards of their hard work throughout the spring and summer. The changing foliage in the fall brings a sense of renewal and beauty to our outdoor spaces.

If you’re looking to add some new trees to your landscape, why not consider those that provide stunning yellow fall foliage? Not only do these trees offer a burst of color, but they also add texture and interest to your garden.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 21 of the best trees for yellow fall color. From native species to cold-loving varieties, there’s something here for every gardener. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of vibrant fall foliage.

Discover the Best Trees for Yellow Fall Color

Table of Contents

Here’s a look at some of the most stunning trees that turn yellow in the fall:

American Hop Hornbeam
Native to the US, these trees feature lance-shaped leaves that turn soft yellow in the fall.
Ideal for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
Pest and disease resistant, making them a low-maintenance landscaping choice.
American Larch
These cold-loving conifers blaze with golden hues before shedding their needles in the winter.
Well-suited for Zones 2 to 5.
Best planted in boggy wetlands for a dramatic display of color.
American Pawpaw
Palm-like in shape, these trees feature club-shaped leaves that turn bright yellow in the fall.
Thrive in Zones 5 to 9 and prefer full sun to partial shade.
Autumn Gold Ginkgo
Characterized by their fan-shaped leaves, these trees offer sizzling gold foliage in the fall.
Suited for Zones 4 to 8 and are pollution and drought tolerant.
Beacon Swamp White Oak
Unique for their upright branches and bronze-yellow fall color, these oaks are a striking addition to any landscape.
Prefers full sun and is well-suited for Zones 4 to 8.
Greenspire Linden
These lindens feature heart-shaped foliage that turns dazzling gold-yellow in the fall.
Ideal for Zones 4 to 7 and are excellent urban trees due to their pollution tolerance.
Hardy Pecan
Known for their pinnate leaflets that burst into shades of harvest gold in the fall.
Thrive in Zones 5 to 9 and prefer full sun with room to spread wide.
Hardy Red Pomegranate
Impressive for their cold hardiness, these trees produce orange-red spring flowers and oblong, fleshy fruits.
Suited for Zones 7 to 11 and feature thorny branches with golden yellow fall foliage.
Harvest Gold Crabapple
Showy white spring flowers precede yellow, berry-like fruits that complement the yellow autumn foliage.
Ideal for Zones 4 to 8 and prefer full sun locations.
Katsura
- These trees feature almost round leaves with a slight teardrop shape that turn stunning yellow in the fall.
- Perfect for Zones 4 to 8 and require well-draining soil.
Lombardy Poplar
- Characterized by their columnar shape, these poplars provide excellent privacy screening when planted in rows.
- Well-suited for Zones 3 to 9 and offer yellow autumn hues.
Niobe Weeping Willow
- These weeping willows feature finely serrated leaves with golden autumn hues.
- Thrive in Zones 4 to 8 and prefer full sun with moist soil.
Paper Birch
- These birches have highly ornamental white bark and serrated, bright yellow leaves in the fall.
- Ideal for Zones 2 to 7 and prefer moist soil.
Patmore Green Ash
- These green ashes offer bright, sunny yellow foliage in the fall with no messy seed pods.
- Suited for Zones 3 to 9 and prefer full sun with moist soil.
Princeton Elm
- These elms feature elliptical, serrated leaves that flush yellow at season’s end.
- Perfect for Zones 4 to 9 and resistant to Dutch elm disease.
Quaking Aspen
- Thriving in Zones 2 to 6, these aspens feature heart-shaped leaves with golden fall hues.
- Ideal for full sun locations and a range of soils.
River Birch
- Stunning in Zones 3 to 9, these birches offer buttery, serrated leaves and showy orange-green catkins.
- Thrive in full sun to part shade with well-draining soil.
Shagbark Hickory
- These hickories feature lance-shaped, golden yellow leaves and are tolerant of various soil types.
- Suited for Zones 4 to 8 and offer impressive stand-alone trees.
Silver Maple
- Boasting pale lemon yellow foliage in the fall, these maples add height and interest to any landscape.
- Prefers full sun to part shade and medium to wet soil.
Thornless Honey Locust
- Fast-growing and thornless, these honey locusts offer golden foliage and a oval shape.
- Suited for Zones 4 to 9 and prefer full sun with moist, loamy soil.
Tulip Poplar
- Featuring tulip-like blossoms in the spring, these poplars have golden autumn foliage.
- Ideal for Zones 4 to 9 and thrive in full sun with well-draining soil.

Embrace the Beauty of Yellow Fall Foliage

Adding trees with yellow fall foliage to your garden is a simple way to bring vibrancy and warmth to your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking for a fast-growing shade tree or a stand-alone specimen, there’s a tree on this list that’s perfect for your landscape.

So take the time to explore these stunning trees, find your favorites, and watch as your garden transforms into a sea of golden hues when fall arrives. Don’t forget to share your experiences and favorite trees in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more landscaping inspiration, be sure to check out these guides next:

15 of the Best Woody Shrubs for Fall Color
Fall Garden Planting Design Guide: Create a Cozy and Inviting Autumn Oasis
The 15 Best Perennials for Fall Color

Remember, as you plan your fall garden, be sure to consider the unique requirements of each tree to ensure they thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions. Happy planting!