September to November offers the perfect conditions for planting trees. The soil, still warm from the Summer sun, encourages roots to settle in quickly, while the crisp, cool air reduces transplant shock. Planting during this golden window means your trees will have time to establish themselves before Winter, so they’re primed to flourish with the first burst of Spring.
Here are a few beautiful choices to consider for your garden, along with guidance on making the best selection:
Norwegian Acers (Acer Platanoides)
A robust and fast-growing classic, the Norwegian Acer offers a kaleidoscope of autumn hues – from golden amber to deep, burnished crimson. They’re perfect for creating shade, anchoring larger gardens with architectural height, and bringing a bold sweep of seasonal colour. Unlike their Japanese cousins, Norwegian Acers don't need as much protection from winds. They are a wonderful choice if you are seeking a low-maintenance, long-lived shade tree that will deliver drama each Autumn.
Sorbus (Rowan or Mountain Ash)
The Sorbus offers year-round interest with frothy, creamy blossoms in Spring, fine, feathery foliage in Summer, a blaze of colour in Autumn, and bright clusters of berries that bring Winter gardens to life. Ideal for those seeking a tree that blends beauty with biodiversity, they attract birds and wildlife while maintaining a graceful, airy profile that won’t overpower smaller spaces.
Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua, or Sweetgum)
A true Autumn showstopper, Liquidambar’s maple-shaped leaves ignite in vivid shades of red, orange, and purple, lighting up the garden with colour and crisp texture. Its stately form works well as a specimen tree in larger plots. Perfect for gardeners wanting a statement specimen with lasting presence, it delivers striking form, all-season interest – it’s an Autumn showstopper.
Robinia Pseudoacacia (Black Locust or False Acacia)
Fast-growing and full of character, the Robinia Pseudoacacia produces cascading clusters of fragrant white flowers in late Spring which are loved by bees and renowned for producing exceptional honey. Its airy canopy casts dappled shade, while its roots improve soil health and help stabilise banks or slopes. It is a great choice if you would like to feature a tree that blends ornamental beauty, wildlife and hard-working resilience.
Liriodendron Tulipifera (Tulip Tree)
The Liriodendron Tulipifera or Tulip Tree is celebrated for its stately height, distinctive tulip-shaped leaves, and unique yellow-green, cup-like flowers marked with orange within, appearing in early Summer. In Autumn, its foliage turns a clear, luminous gold, creating a spectacular seasonal show. With a strong, upright form and a generous canopy, it’s ideal for those seeking a statement tree that provides shade and year-round interest. Choose it for its architectural grandeur, its graceful seasonal changes and the rare beauty of its blooms – a conversation piece in any garden.
Apple Trees (Malus species)
Few trees are as rewarding as an Apple tree, offering blossom, fruit and seasonal beauty in equal measure. Malus ‘Evereste’ is a standout ornamental variety, with its clouds of fragrant white Spring blossoms, flushed with pink, followed by small, vibrant orange-red crab apples that persist well into Winter, providing both colour and a feast for birds. Its compact size suits smaller gardens, while its disease resistance and resilience make it an easy, low-maintenance choice. Choose it if you want a tree that blends charm with practicality - delighting the senses through the seasons and adding both visual appeal and wildlife value to your space.
Essential planting tips:
- Thoroughly soak your tree prior to planting.
- Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and just as deep, ensuring the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) sits level with the soil surface. This helps the tree breathe and settle naturally.
- Add a generous mix of nutrient-rich soil and slow-release fertiliser to encourage strong root growth.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and hydrate the roots and continue to water regularly through the first growing season, especially in dry spells.
- Top with a layer of bark mulch to conserve moisture, protect roots from temperature swings, and keep pesky weeds at bay.
Your Autumn planting will reward you with a thriving, beautiful garden, bursting with colour, fragrance and the cheerful presence of wildlife for years to come. Visit us in Ballygarvan to speak to our Specimen Tree Specialists for any advice about choosing trees for your outdoor space or book a consultation.