As summer fades and cooler days arrive, trees across the UK put on one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. Autumn is a season of transformation, when greens turn to brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden, improve your landscape, or simply enjoy the spectacle, choosing the right trees can make autumn truly unforgettable.
Here are some of the best trees for stunning autumn colour that thrive in the UK climate, along with expert advice on keeping them healthy and beautiful.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Few trees rival the Japanese maple for sheer vibrancy. Its delicate, hand-shaped leaves turn vivid shades of crimson, orange, and scarlet in autumn.
Why it’s great: Perfect for smaller gardens or containers, and available in many leaf shapes and colours.
Care tip: Prefers sheltered spots with partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid strong winds and direct midday sun.
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Native to North America but perfectly suited to UK gardens, the sweetgum produces an extraordinary mix of red, purple, and orange foliage.
Why it’s great: Long-lasting colour and striking star-shaped leaves.
Care tip: Best planted in a sunny location with slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
Field Maple (Acer campestre)
Our only native maple, the field maple offers golden-yellow foliage that glows in low autumn sunlight.
Why it’s great: Hardy, wildlife-friendly, and suitable for smaller gardens or hedgerows.
Care tip: Thrives in most soils and can tolerate dry conditions once established.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Also known as the mountain ash, the rowan brings double the colour — fiery foliage and clusters of bright red or orange berries that attract birds.
Why it’s great: Compact, hardy, and ideal for wildlife gardens.
Care tip: Grows well in most soils and prefers full sun or light shade.
Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
A classic of the British landscape, beech trees transform into a cascade of copper and bronze tones in autumn.
Why it’s great: Provides dense foliage and can be shaped into hedges or grown as a majestic standalone tree.
Care tip: Prefers well-drained chalky or sandy soils and sunny positions.
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
With its distinctive tulip-shaped leaves, this tree turns a brilliant butter-yellow in autumn.
Why it’s great: Adds architectural height and structure to larger gardens.
Care tip: Needs plenty of space and sunlight to reach its full potential.
Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Elegant and graceful, the silver birch offers shimmering yellow foliage that contrasts beautifully with its white bark.
Why it’s great: Adds light and movement to any landscape.
Care tip: Tolerates most soils and is an excellent choice for cooler, exposed sites.
Bringing Autumn Colour to Your Garden
When selecting trees for autumn colour, mix species with different hues and timing to extend the display throughout the season. Combine fiery maples with golden birches or coppery beeches for a layered, painterly effect.
Regular maintenance including seasonal pruning, mulching, and soil care helps keep trees healthy and vibrant year after year.
