Fall trees are the stars of the Iowa landscape, transforming ordinary streets and backyards into a brilliant canvas of orange, red, and gold. In October, when the air cools and the days shorten, Iowa’s landscapes burst into color thanks to these seasonal showstoppers. Trees are more than just background scenery—they anchor your yard, shape your space, increase property value, and provide essential habitat for wildlife year-round.

Let’s walk through the best trees for Iowa’s fall landscapes and why they’re worth planting now. Whether you’re in Bettendorf or anywhere across Eastern Iowa, these selections will help you create a display that inspires awe every autumn.

Why Plant Fall-Color Trees (the Value for Homeowners)

Of course, planting trees with dazzling autumn foliage isn’t just about beauty—it’s about adding long-term value to your property and community. Here are a few reasons Iowa homeowners should consider planting fall-color trees:

• Boost curb appeal: Even in the slower season for real estate, luminous, autumn-colored trees can help your property stand out.
  

• Support wildlife: Many fall trees offer food and shelter for birds, from the persistent crabapple fruits that last through January, to the acorns that sustain the blue jays and squirrels.
  

• Lower utility bills: Strategically-placed shade trees reduce cooling costs in summer while allowing more sunlight into your home during the winter months.
  

If you’ve never thought about fall planting before, the cool soil and mild weather actually help trees root in better than spring. That means you’ll give your tree a head start for the growing season ahead.

Quick Guide: Match the Right Tree to Your Yard

Choosing the right tree doesn’t need to be overwhelming. A simple framework—space, soil, sun, and desired effect—can guide your decision:

• Small yard? Choose a Sparkling Sprite Crabapple, which fits neatly into tight landscapes.
  

• Want four-season interest? Opt for the Royal Raindrops Crabapple, offering purple leaves, vivid blooms, and winter fruit.
  

• Looking for drama? Plant a Sugar Maple, unmatched in bold oranges and reds.

Without further ado, here’s how to narrow down your choices without feeling overwhelmed.

Seasonal Showstoppers: Top Trees for Iowa Fall Color

Sugar Maple

Nothing says autumn like the Sugar Maple! Its leaves shift from green to vivid orange and fiery red, often holding their color well into October. Beyond its fall display, this classic Iowa favorite grows into a stately shade tree, perfect for front yards or lining long drives.
Pro tip: Give it plenty of space—it wants to stretch out in full sun with well-drained soil.

Red Maple

A faster-growing cousin of the Sugar Maple, the Red Maple lives up to its name with crimson foliage in the fall. It adapts well to various soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for Iowa homeowners.
Extra perk: Its red flowers in early spring provide an early food source for pollinators.

Crabapples 

Crabapples are small but mighty. Their foliage turns shades of bronze, orange, and purple in autumn, while many varieties hold their fruit well into winter. From the compact Lollipop to the vibrant Prairiefire, there’s a crabapple for every yard.
Extra perk: Persistent fruit adds winter interest and provides food for cedar waxwings and robins.

Royal Frost Birch

For a birch with added drama, the Royal Frost variety offers deep purple foliage that turns a glowing red-orange in fall. Paired with its striking white bark, it’s a design element all its own.
Pro tip: Plant in a group of three or five for maximum visual impact.

River Birch

Known for its distinctive peeling bark, the River Birch combines texture with seasonal interest. In the autumn, its leaves glow golden-yellow, adding brightness to yards.
Pro tip: The River Birch thrives in moist soils, making it ideal for low-lying areas or rain gardens.

Swamp White Oak

Tough and resilient, the Swamp White Oak thrives in Iowa’s soils and weather extremes. Its broad leaves turn shades of copper and gold in the fall.
Extra perk: This tree produces acorns that attract wildlife!

Red Oak

Bold, dependable, and majestic, the Red Oak delivers brilliant scarlet foliage every fall. Its strong branching structure also makes it a long-lived, durable shade tree.
Pro tip: Best planted in open spaces where it can grow to its full potential.

Designing With Fall Trees (Practical Inspiration)

When designing with fall trees, think in terms of contrast and layering:

• Mix species: Pair Sugar Maples with Red Oaks for staggered displays of fiery-orange and deep crimson.
  

• Leverage crabapples: Their colorful fruits can provide visual interest from autumn into winter.
  

• Play with texture: Combine the white bark of Birches with the scarlet leaves of Maples for a high-contrast design.
  

• Layer plantings: Add shrubs like viburnums or hydrangeas beneath larger trees, and finish with perennials such as asters or ornamental grasses for a multi-season display. These combinations create more than color—they craft an experience that shifts and evolves throughout the year.

Bring Autumn Home

Iowa’s landscapes are never more inspiring than in October, when fall trees turn entire neighborhoods into glowing works of art. Whether you’re planting your very first tree or adding another seasonal star to your yard, you’ll thank yourself every October for the decision. Stop by Wallace’s Garden Center to see these stunning trees in person and get expert advice on choosing the right one for your yard.

Bring home the joy of autumn—and let your landscape shine with seasonal color and texture.