Autumn is the season when deciduous trees earn their place. While evergreens hold the structure of a garden year round, it is the deciduous selections that turn three months of the year into something memorable. The three trees below cover the full range of autumn colour available in Australian conditions: deep burgundy, pure butter-gold, and the multi-tone fire of a Sweetgum.
Each suits a different garden scale, so you can find an autumn tree whether you are working with a courtyard or a country driveway.
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'
The burgundy Japanese Maple is the most refined of the three. Finely lobed purple-red foliage holds rich colour through the entire growing season, then deepens to crimson and scarlet as the days shorten. The compact form keeps it usable in courtyards, entry beds, and large pots where larger autumn trees would overwhelm.
Plant in full sun to part shade with shelter from hot afternoon wind, and the colour intensifies year on year. Mulch heavily to keep the root zone cool and even.
Ginkgo biloba
The Maidenhair Tree is a living fossil, virtually unchanged for 200 million years. The fan-shaped leaves turn pure butter-gold in autumn then drop almost overnight, leaving a clean golden carpet beneath. The form is upright and dignified, broadening with age into a serious feature tree for large entry positions.
Ginkgo is exceptionally tolerant of urban conditions, pollution, and most soil types. Choose male grafted stock to avoid the messy fruit produced by female trees.
Liquidambar styraciflua
The Sweetgum delivers Australia's longest autumn colour display, working through reds, purples, oranges and yellows over four to six weeks rather than the usual one. The star-shaped leaves are glossy and dense through summer, then turn one branch at a time as the tree slowly catches fire.
This is a serious tree at 15 to 20m mature height. Give it room. Sweetgum roots are vigorous and not suited to tight paving or pool surrounds, but in a lawn or driveway position they are unmatched.
Planting and Care
All three trees prefer deep, well drained soil with organic matter worked through before planting. Water deeply twice a week through the first two summers to establish a strong root system, then taper off as the trees become self-sufficient.
Mulch the root zone with 75mm of coarse organic mulch, kept clear of the trunk. Light pruning in winter only — these trees shape themselves and rarely need correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the autumn colour appear?
Colour change starts in mid-autumn and peaks as overnight temperatures drop. Cooler regions get earlier and more intense displays.
Can these trees handle smaller gardens?
The Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' is ideal for courtyards. The Ginkgo and Liquidambar are sized for medium to large gardens.
How much maintenance do they need?
All three are low maintenance once established. Deep watering through the first two summers and a yearly mulch is the bulk of the work.
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