5 Native Trees to Plant This Fall
Fall is the perfect time to plant new trees in your yard, and what better way to celebrate the natural beauty of southeastern Pennsylvania than planting native trees? Pennsylvania is home to over 2,100 native plant species, with more than 100 of those being trees.
In this article, we will look at the benefits of planting in the fall, as well as some of our favorite native trees to complement your beautiful landscape.
PRO TIP: Want to learn more about caring for your trees and lawn in the fall? See some of our previous articles on fall care for your landscape:
Key Takeaways:
- Planting in the fall is ideal because it gives roots time to grow, the weather is cooler, and the rainier season brings much-needed moisture for the plant.
- Native trees are generally a good choice for planting, but climate change and urban conditions might make them less suitable for certain properties.
- Red maples, white oaks, American dogwoods, eastern black walnuts, and Allegheny serviceberries are all native trees that we consider excellent choices for your property.
Why Plant Trees in the Fall
Fall tree planting may seem counterintuitive, as the young tree will have to face winter conditions shortly into its life. However, planting in the fall will likely produce a tree with less stress and better growth.
Some of the benefits of planting in the fall include:
- Established Roots: Fall planting gives trees a head start on building their root system, which is important for surviving the summer heat.
- Cool Temperatures: Cooler temperatures produce less stress for the tree and allow its roots to grow better than in extreme temperatures.
- Rainfall: If we have a wet fall, you likely won’t need to provide as much supplemental water for your trees. The lower heat will also lessen water evaporation from the soil, meaning your tree is less likely to deal with stress from a lack of water.
5 Native Trees You Should Plant This Fall
There are many native trees to choose from in Lancaster County, and these are just some of our favorites. Select a tree that complements your available space and soil conditions.
PRO TIP: While planting native trees is usually a good idea, factors like climate change and urban environments can sometimes make them less ideal for specific locations. If you’re unsure which tree to plant, consult a local Certified Arborist.
1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Red maples are one of the most versatile trees you can plant, as they can survive in many types of soil and are very adaptable to your yard conditions. There are several cultivars to choose from that can provide different benefits. Some cultivars will provide different fall colors, such as ‘Franksred’ or ‘Brandywine,’ while others may be more tolerant of flood conditions, such as ‘Autumn Flame’ or ‘Morgan.’
While these trees are often quite durable, there are a few concerns to watch out for in southeastern Pennsylvania. Red maples do not thrive in high-pH soil and drought conditions and may develop chlorosis symptoms (pale green leaves contrasted with dark green veins). Maple trees are also susceptible to Verticillium wilt, a fungal disease.
Red Maple Basic Facts
- Mature Height: 40-60 feet
- Mature Width: 35-45 feet
- Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hours) or partial sun (4-6 hours)
- Soil Preferences: Acidic soil, moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
2. White Oak Tree (Quercus alba)
If you have a large yard, the white oak tree might be the perfect addition. This majestic native shade tree will undoubtedly become a focal point, sparking conversations among visitors to your property. White oaks are also known for their longevity, ensuring you and your children can enjoy their beauty for years to come.
While the white oak is a beautiful addition to your landscape, they face numerous threats. Even though oak wilt has not yet been confirmed in Lancaster County, it is likely only a matter of time before we are dealing with this deadly disease. Avoid pruning your oak trees in the summer, and remain vigilant for signs of anthracnose and scale insects.
White Oak Tree Basic Facts
- Mature Height: 50-80 feet
- Mature Width: 100 feet
- Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hours)
- Soil Preferences: Moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
3. American Dogwood (Cornus florida)
The American dogwood (also known as the flowering dogwood) is perfect when you have limited space or want an ornamental tree to complement the rest of your landscape. Like many ornamentals, dogwoods bring attention and beauty to your yard in the spring. The American dogwood produces white, red, or pink flowers in early spring.
Avoid planting American dogwoods in your yard if you have heavy clay or poorly-drained soil. Dogwoods are also susceptible to anthracnose infections. We recommend placing a few inches of mulch around all dogwood trees to protect their shallow root systems.
American Dogwood Basic Facts
- Mature Height: 20-40 feet
- Mature Width: 20 feet
- Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hours), partial sun (4-6 hours), or full shade (4 hours or less of sun daily)
- Soil Preferences: Acidic soil, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: Zones 5-9
Left photo courtesy of Richard Webb, Bugwood.org; Right photo: a close-up look of the Allegheny serviceberry flowers
4. Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)
Sharing a name with a river in western Pennsylvania, the Allegheny serviceberry is another ornamental tree worth considering for a pop of beauty in your yard. This flowering tree is quite striking – bringing beautiful blooms in the spring and vibrant orange and red foliage in the fall.
Caring for Allegheny serviceberries is relatively easy, as they tolerate most conditions and have few specific concerns. The trees do not tolerate salt and drought conditions, so ensure you provide supplemental water in the summer if we see a period of drought in Lancaster County, like the drought watch in 2024.
Allegheny Serviceberry Basic Facts
- Mature Height: 15-25 feet
- Mature Width: 15-25 feet
- Light Exposure: Partial sun (4-6 hours)
- Soil Preferences: Alkaline and clay soils
- Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-8
Left photo courtesy of Richard Webb, Bugwood.org; Right photo is a close-up look of black walnut tree fruits.
5. Eastern Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Growing an eastern black walnut is a perfect way to encourage small mammals, such as squirrels, to come to your yard as they feed on the nuts the tree produces. Black walnuts also offer a welcome shade canopy, making it a valuable addition to your landscape as long as you have sufficient space for it to grow.
Consult an arborist before planting an eastern black walnut, as they produce a chemical called juglone, that is toxic to many plants. You’ll need to plant these trees away from other plants that are intolerant of juglone. Avoid pruning your walnuts in the spring when their sap will run from the wounds, and keep an eye out for anthracnose and caterpillars affecting your tree.
Eastern Black Walnut Basic Facts
- Mature Height: 50-75 feet
- Mature Width: 30-50 feet
- Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hours)
- Soil Preferences: Alkaline and well-drained soils
- Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-9
Arborist Enterprises Can Help You Care for Your Native Trees
Whether you plan to add a single shade tree as the centerpiece of your property or a few ornamentals to brighten your spring, fall is the best time of year to do it. Any of the native trees on our list will make an excellent addition to your yard, and if you ever need assistance taking care of your newly planted or established trees, the team at Arborist Enterprises can help.
At Arborist Enterprises, we lean on the expertise of our ISA Certified Arborists to make recommendations for caring for your trees and the best method to combat problems with them. If you have a problem with your trees, call the team at Arborist Enterprises at 717-393-7602 or request a proposal online.
