Fall is the perfect time for St. Louis homeowners to invest in new trees and shrubs. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall during autumn create optimal growing conditions, allowing roots to establish before the winter frost sets in. By planting in the fall, you give your landscape a head start for spring, ensuring healthier, more resilient plants. Below are some of the best trees and shrubs to plant in fall for St. Louis landscapes.
1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
The Red Maple is a popular choice for St. Louis homeowners due to its vibrant fall foliage. Known for its striking red leaves in autumn, this tree is a perfect addition to any landscape looking for a burst of seasonal color. Red Maples are also tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, making them a versatile option for various St. Louis landscapes.
- Height: 40-60 feet
- Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Key feature: Brilliant red fall foliage
2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The Eastern Redbud is another excellent choice for fall planting. This small ornamental tree is celebrated for its early spring blooms of pink or purple flowers, but planting in the fall allows it to develop strong roots over the winter. Eastern Redbuds are also native to Missouri, making them well-suited to the local climate.
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Key feature: Showy spring blooms and heart-shaped leaves
3. American Holly (Ilex opaca)
If you're looking to add year-round interest to your landscape, the American Holly is a fantastic option. This evergreen shrub or small tree features glossy green leaves and bright red berries, which provide food for local wildlife. Planting American Holly in the fall allows it to establish a strong root system, preparing it to withstand St. Louis winters.
- Height: 15-30 feet
- Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Key feature: Evergreen foliage and bright red berries
4. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Serviceberry is a multi-seasonal tree that provides beautiful white blooms in spring, edible berries in summer, and vibrant yellow-orange foliage in fall. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want a tree that offers aesthetic appeal year-round. Fall planting ensures it thrives in the coming growing season.
- Height: 15-25 feet
- Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Key feature: Year-round interest and edible berries
5. Viburnum (Viburnum species)
Viburnum shrubs are another versatile choice for fall planting in St. Louis. These hardy shrubs come in a variety of species, many of which offer colorful fall foliage, spring flowers, and even summer berries. Popular varieties like Arrowwood and Snowball Viburnum are known for their durability and adaptability to different soil types.
- Height: 5-12 feet (depending on species)
- Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Key feature: Multi-seasonal interest with flowers, berries, and fall color
6. Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Dogwood trees are beloved for their striking white or pink flowers in the spring and attractive red berries in the fall. Planting a Dogwood in the fall ensures it establishes strong roots during the cool season, which leads to healthier growth in the spring. This tree is native to Missouri, making it well-suited for the local climate.
- Height: 15-30 feet
- Growing conditions: Partial shade
- Key feature: Showy spring flowers and red fall berries
7. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Oakleaf Hydrangeas are a stunning shrub option for fall planting, with their large, oak-shaped leaves turning shades of red, orange, and purple in autumn. They also produce large, cone-shaped flowers in late spring that last well into summer. This shrub thrives when planted in fall, as the cooler weather helps it establish its root system.
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Growing conditions: Partial shade
- Key feature: Fall foliage and large, long-lasting flowers
Why Plant in Fall?
Fall planting gives trees and shrubs the time they need to establish healthy root systems without the stress of summer heat. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, and the cooler air temperatures reduce the risk of transplant shock. Additionally, fall rains help keep the soil moist, giving your new plants a strong start before the winter freeze.
Next Steps: Transform Your Landscape with Landesign
Ready to enhance your outdoor space with beautiful trees and shrubs this fall? The experienced landscapers at Landesign are here to help you select and plant the best varieties for your St. Louis landscape. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to design and maintain landscapes that thrive year-round.
Contact us today at (636) 278-9994 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Let us create a fall landscape that adds beauty, value, and functionality to your home for years to come!
