Autumn’s here… So your garden needs a tree to match.

Take a walk. Literally.

Head out this weekend for a bit of window shopping – garden-style. The streets and parks are full of the most gorgeous autumn swatches right now. And walking around the block is a great way to find your Goldilocks tree – not too big, not too small, but just right.  

From rosy pink and burgundy, to golden yellow and orange – here’s our pick of the best autumn trees for your garden. We’ve even included their scientific name to wow your friends at parties

    1. Japanese maple: Acer palmatum

Everyone’s favourite maple is the autumn champion of the Aussie backyard. Small and tough, this ornamental puts on a stunning display of red and pink every year.

    2. Forest pansy: Cercis Canadensis

With its big purple heart-shaped leaves, this little tree tries hard to be everyone’s favourite. And its sensational yellow and orange autumn colour just might win your heart over.

    3. Crepe myrtle: Lagerstromia indica

Crepe myrtles are the Vegas showgirls of the garden, their fluffy pastel flowers like a feather boa. They turn rich shades of red in autumn, before dropping their leaves to reveal eye-catching patterned bark.

    4. Flowering cherry: Prunus serrulata

Everyone loves their delicate spring blossom, but the flowering cherry turns from dainty to dramatic in autumn, with scarlet, orange and bright yellow lighting up the garden.

    5. Chinese pistachio: Pistacia chinensis

This little tree is perfect for small gardens. It has beautiful flame-coloured foliage. Look out for it as you walk around the neighbourhood – it’s a very popular street tree.

While now is the best time to choose your autumn tree, wait until winter to buy. Choose a bare-rooted tree – at a fraction of the cost of the potted-up variety – and get it in the ground before spring arrives. Ask for your favourite tree at your local nursery or advanced tree supplier.