As autumn sets in, the soil stays cool and welcoming, making it the perfect season to plant native trees. With the stress of summer behind them, new trees can take root and prepare for a strong start come spring. Whether you want year-round privacy, striking seasonal beauty, or a haven for birds and pollinators, these nine native trees are top choices for fall planting.

Evergreen Screening Trees

These trees are ideal for property borders, natural fences, and year-round privacy.

1. Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’

One of the most popular screening trees, Green Giant Arborvitae is fast-growing, disease & deer resistant, and maintains a lush, dense shape year-round. It can quickly create a living wall, making it a favorite for homeowners who want instant privacy.

2. Cryptomeria Japonica

Japanese Cedar has soft, feathery foliage that adds texture and beauty to your yard. It is a popular choice for screening because it grows well in many soil types and has a graceful shape. For best results, plant it in moist, well-drained soil and give it some shelter from strong winds. It works especially well on the north side of your garden.

3. Norway Spruce

Norway Spruce grows quickly and has a classic, pyramid shape. It makes a great windbreak and privacy screen, and birds often use it for shelter. Its deep-green branches give your yard a traditional woodland look.

4. Hemlock

Hemlocks are evergreens with soft needles and a gentle, feathery appearance. They do well in shady spots where other screening trees might not grow, and they offer shelter for wildlife while making property edges look softer.

Specimen Flowering Trees

These trees make great focal points in your yard, thanks to their colorful flowers, unique bark, and bright leaves.

5. Moonglow Magnolia

Known for its large, white, fragrant blooms, the Moonglow Magnolia brings elegance to any landscape. Its glossy evergreen leaves also provide year-round appeal, making it both a flowering and screening option.

6. Sweetbay Magnolia

With lemon-scented white flowers and semi-evergreen foliage, Sweetbay Magnolia is a versatile choice. It grows well in wet soils, making it ideal for properties near ponds or streams.

7. Stewartia

A four-season beauty, Stewartia features delicate white summer flowers, colorful fall foliage, and stunning bark in winter. It’s a true specimen tree that provides interest all year long.

8. Crape Myrtle

Beloved for its vibrant late-summer blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, or white, Crape Myrtle also boasts attractive bark and long-lasting color. It thrives in sunny spots and can be pruned into a tree form or grown as a large shrub.

9. Redbud (Weeping & Upright)

Redbuds are prized for their early-spring pink and purple blossoms that brighten landscapes after winter. Upright varieties make striking specimen trees, while weeping forms add graceful movement and charm.

✅ Tip: Group screening trees strategically along property lines for privacy, and plant specimen flowering trees in focal areas—like near an entryway, patio, or open lawn—where their seasonal beauty can be fully enjoyed.

At Cider Mill Landscapes, we know which trees thrive in our region and how to position them for long-term success. Contact us today, and let’s create a landscape you’ll enjoy in every season.

9 Native Trees to Plant on Your Property This Fall