Planting trees in autumn

The heat of summer gives way to the refreshment of autumn, but autumnal gardens are far from barren if you choose trees that colour in cool to subtropical yards. 

Select the right backdrop to show off the tree foliage. Dark evergreen trees and dark-coloured houses suit pale yellow and orange foliage, while lighter houses contrast with rich reds and burgundy.
Tip A site with some protection from autumn winds means foliage lasts for longer.

Allow for growth by marking the eventual spread across the ground and estimate the height against the house so you can see how big the tree will be.
Tip Don’t plan on pruning a tree to contain its size as this destroys the natural branching habit, making it more likely to drop limbs.

Choose the tree according to the size of the space. In a small suburban garden choose a spreading shape for summer shade and an elegant winter silhouette. In urban gardens and courtyards, choose a narrow, upright and vase shape such as an ornamental pear.

Why leaves change colour

In autumn, leaf colour needs cold nights to develop, signalling the tree to remove and store green chlorophyll from the leaves. With the green gone, all the other leaf colours can be seen, such as red and purple from anthocyanins, and orange and yellow from carotenoids. In warmer areas, trees that should turn red or crimson may only become yellow or bronze and won’t show intense colour.