Oak trees don’t usually come to mind when people think of gorgeous autumnal foliage because their brilliant hues don’t appear until later in the fall. That being said, oak trees are still a great choice if you want to take advantage of the fall foliage.
After instance, as the season changes from late autumn to January, oak trees continue to display their fall foliage long after other trees, like maple trees, have lost their final few leaves.
The majority of oak trees reach maturity heights of 40 to 80 feet and have a lifespan of 100 to 300 years. In addition to offering beautiful fall landscaping, oak trees also benefit local wildlife and pollinators during the summer months and offer shade during the summer. However, horses are poisoned by oak.
Find out which kinds of fall-colored oak trees to plant in your landscape below.
Pin Oak
Pin oaks thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 and are known for their striking fall color, which can turn a vivid red under optimal conditions. Typically growing to about 70 feet in height with a similar spread, their leaves measure around 5 inches long and are characterized by five distinct lobes. During the growing season, the foliage is a rich, glossy green.
These trees flourish in sunny locations and prefer average soil with an acidic pH. They are also quite tolerant of wet soil. The name “pin oak” comes from the small, sharp stubs or “pins” that remain on the trunk after lower branches shed.
Name: Pin oak (Quercus palustris)
USDA zones: 4–8
Mature size: 70 feet tall
Light: Full sun
Water: Low needs
Soil type: Acidic
White Oak
White oaks are distinguished by their light-colored bark, which gives them their common name. In fall, their leaves can display a rich reddish-brown hue, especially on younger trees.
The leaves of white oaks range from 4 to 9 inches long and feature seven to nine lobes. They emerge pink in spring and mature to a deep green. These trees can grow up to 80 feet tall with a similar width. They prefer full sun and acidic soil, but unlike pin oaks, they do not tolerate wet conditions well. White oaks are drought-tolerant and thrive in well-draining soil, though they are slower to grow compared to some other oaks.
Name: White oak (Quercus alba)
USDA zones: 3–9
Mature size: 80 feet tall
Light: Full sun
Water: Low needs
Soil type: Acidic
Northern Red Oak
Northern red oaks, found in USDA zones 4 through 8, can grow up to 75 feet tall with a similar spread. They live up to their name with vibrant red foliage in the fall, although it may turn reddish-brown under less favorable conditions.
These trees feature medium green leaves, ranging from 5 to 9 inches long with seven to 11 pointed lobes. They grow faster than white oaks and are hardy, typically living for several decades. Northern red oaks need a sunny location and well-draining soil, preferring sandy conditions.
Name: Northern red oak (Quercus rubra)
USDA zones: 4–8
Mature size: 75 feet tall
Light: Partial to full sun
Water: High needs
Soil type: Sandy, well-draining
Sawtooth Oak
Sawtooth oak trees are known for their vibrant fall colors, turning yellow and then golden brown. Their leaves, which are about 7 inches long, remain a dark, glossy green throughout the growing season.
Sawtooth oaks mature to a height of 40 to 60 feet with a similar spread. They are fast-growing and suitable for USDA zones 6 through 9. These trees thrive in full sun and can tolerate drought, heat, and humidity. They prefer rich, well-draining soil.
Name: Sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima)
USDA zones: 6–9
Mature size: 40 to 60 feet tall
Light: Full sun
Water: Low needs
Soil type: Rich, humusy, medium moisture
Bur Oak
Bur oaks are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 and are known for their fall foliage, which ranges from golden to yellow-brown. Their leaves, which can be 6 to 12 inches long, feature between five and nine rounded lobes and remain dark green for most of the year.
These slow-growing trees can reach heights of 60 to 80 feet with a similar spread. Bur oaks are low-maintenance and long-lived, tolerating various soil conditions including dry and clay soils. They prefer well-draining loam and are resistant to pollution.
Name: Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
USDA zones: 3–8
Mature size: 60 to 80 feet tall
Light: Full sun
Water: Low-maintenance
Soil type: Well-draining loam
Live Oak
Live oaks, found in USDA zones 8 through 10, are evergreen trees that grow along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastlines from Texas to Virginia. Their expansive, sprawling branches can extend three times their height, making them impressive giants often adorned with Spanish moss.
These trees thrive in both full sun and part shade. Due to their massive size and broad canopy, make sure to provide ample space for them to grow both in height and width.
Name: Live oak (Quercus virginiana)
USDA zones: 8–10
Mature size: 40-80 feet tall
Light: Part shade, full sun
Water: Low needs
Soil type: Dry to moist and well-draining
Black Oak
Black oaks are native to the eastern United States and are recognized by their nearly black bark when mature. These trees reach heights of 50 to 60 feet and are suitable for USDA zones 3 through 9.
They prefer to grow alone, as they don’t compete well with other trees. Black oaks make excellent specimen trees due to their striking appearance and solitary growth habit.
Name: Black oak (Quercus velutina)
USDA zones: 3–9
Mature size: 50 to 60 feet tall
Light: Full sun
Water: Water once the soil is dry
Soil type: Average, well-draining soil
Scarlet Oak
Scarlet oak trees are renowned for their spectacular fall foliage, which turns a brilliant red. They require full sun and a medium amount of water to thrive. Scarlet oaks prefer dry, acidic, sandy soil and can grow up to 50 to 70 feet tall.
These fast-growing trees are commonly found in the eastern and central parts of the U.S., including states like New York, Georgia, Michigan, and Missouri. They are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.Name: Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea)
USDA zones: 4–9
Mature size: 50 to 70 feet tall
Light: Full sun
Water: Medium needs
Soil type: Dry, acidic, sandy soil