Western New York is lucky to experience some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country. If you’ve ever taken a drive through the Finger Lakes or spent a crisp October afternoon in your own backyard, you know how the right trees can transform the landscape into a painter’s palette of reds, golds, and oranges.
At Woodeez Tree Service, we’ve spent years helping homeowners plant, care for, and maintain their trees. Today, we’re sharing the five best trees for fall color in Western NY, along with important fall tree care tips to keep them healthy and beautiful year after year.
Sugar Maple Tree
When most people think of fall in New York, they picture the fiery oranges and reds of the sugar maple tree. These native beauties are some of the most iconic trees with the best fall color, and they thrive in our climate. In summer, their broad canopy offers excellent shade; come autumn, they put on a show that rivals any scenic drive.
Sugar maples are a favorite across the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks, but they’re just as striking in a backyard setting. Homeowners love their longevity and stately size, often reaching 70–100 feet tall. That said, they do need plenty of space, as their root systems are large and can interfere with driveways, sidewalks, or foundations if planted too close.
Woodeez Tip: Sugar Maple
Sugar maples are low-maintenance once established, but routine tree trimming ensures they grow strong and balanced. If you’re planting one, fall is the best time in Western NY. Cool temperatures help roots settle in before winter.
Red Maple Tree
The red maple tree is another top pick for homeowners who want vibrant fall foliage. Known for its deep crimson and scarlet tones, it often turns earlier in the season than sugar maples, extending your yard’s fall color display.
One of the reasons red maples are among the best fall trees is their adaptability. They tolerate a wide range of soils and conditions, making them an excellent choice for Western NY’s varied landscapes. They’re also fast-growing, which means you’ll see shade and color sooner than with slower-growing species. However, this quick growth can sometimes lead to weaker branch structures if the tree isn’t properly pruned.
Woodeez Tip: Red Maple
Annual pruning is key for red maples. By shaping young trees early, you can prevent weak limbs and improve safety, especially before winter snow and ice arrive.
American Beech Tree
The American beech tree offers a different kind of fall beauty. Instead of fiery reds, its leaves shift to golden bronze, casting a soft glow across the yard. These leaves often cling into winter, adding visual interest even after most trees are bare.
Beeches are admired not only for their color but also for their smooth, gray bark—a signature look that stands out in any landscape. They can live for more than 150 years and grow quite large, making them a long-lasting investment in your property. Plus, their beechnuts provide food for wildlife like squirrels, chipmunks, and birds, adding life to your yard.
Woodeez Tip: American Beech
Because beeches grow tall and broad, their limbs can become heavy over time. Routine tree trimming and inspections are essential to prevent falling branches that could damage property or pose safety risks.
Sweetgum Tree
Looking for variety? The sweetgum tree delivers a full spectrum of fall color. Its star-shaped leaves may turn red, orange, yellow, and even purple, all on the same tree. This “rainbow effect” makes sweetgums one of the most eye-catching options for beautiful fall foliage in Western NY.
Though more common in southern regions, sweetgum trees thrive in our temperate climate and can grow up to 75 feet tall. They make excellent shade trees and can transform a yard into a seasonal showpiece. The only drawback is their spiky seed pods, which can scatter across lawns and sidewalks in late fall.
Woodeez Tip: Sweetgum
Professional pruning can help manage seed pod production and maintain the tree’s health. If you love color and don’t mind a bit of cleanup, sweetgums are one of the best trees for fall color you can plant.
Flowering Dogwood Tree
For homeowners with smaller yards, the flowering dogwood tree is a fantastic choice. It may not reach the towering heights of maples or beeches, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in four-season appeal. In spring, it blooms with delicate white or pink flowers. In summer, it offers lush green leaves. Come fall, its foliage turns deep red to burgundy, and in winter, bright berries attract songbirds.
Because dogwoods are smaller and more ornamental, they’re perfect for accenting gardens, walkways, or front yards. They add beauty without overwhelming the landscape, and their manageable size makes them a homeowner’s favorite.
Woodeez Tip: Dogwoods
Dogwoods are more delicate than maples or beeches. Fall is one of the best times to plant trees in Western NY, and young dogwoods especially benefit from extra watering and mulch before winter.
Fall Tree Care in Western NY
Planting the right trees is only half the story. Proper fall tree care ensures your landscape stays safe, healthy, and beautiful through the cold months ahead. At Woodeez, we recommend keeping up with your trees every year, especially if they are young.
- Professional Inspection: Our team can assess whether your trees are structurally sound and safe for the coming season.
- Mulching: A fresh layer of mulch around the base helps insulate roots and retain moisture as temperatures drop. This is very important for young trees. Make sure the tree has room to breathe by leaving space between the mulch and the trunk.
- Hydrating Before Frost: Give your trees a deep watering before the first hard frost to help them through winter.
Trimming and Pruning
Fall is an ideal time to remove dead or damaged branches before snow and ice cause them to break.
Tree Removal
Not every tree can be saved. If you notice significant decay, leaning, or branches near power lines, it may be time to remove the tree for safety.
Woodeez Tree Care
At Woodeez Tree Service, we specialize in trimming, pruning, tree removal, and stump grinding so you can enjoy autumn’s beauty without worry. Whether you’re planting new trees this fall or maintaining old favorites, our team is here to help.
Contact Woodeez today for a seasonal tree care inspection and make sure your yard is ready for fall.