Fall is the ideal time to plant trees in Omaha, and our teams top picks for this season include red oak, Fall Fiesta sugar maple, Kentucky coffee tree and ginkgo — all proven to thrive in Zone 5b conditions. Below, we break down mature size, sun needs and why each is suited to fall planting, so you can choose the right tree before the ground freezes.
Why Fall Is the Right Time to Plant a Tree
Warm soil and cooling air push trees to focus on root growth rather than leaf and branch growth — the opposite of what happens in spring. That means a tree planted this fall gets a full season of root establishment before it has to support new growth next year, giving it a real head start. For more information on why fall is the best time to plant check out our guide.
Red Oak
Red oak is a fast-growing shade tree, typically reaching 60 to 75 feet tall with a broad, rounded canopy. It adapts well to a range of soil types, can tolerate urban conditions and delivers reliable red to reddish-brown fall color. Its strong branch structure and relatively quick growth rate make it one of the most dependable large shade trees for Omaha yards.
Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple
Fall Fiesta is a sugar maple cultivar bred for consistent, vibrant fall color — a mix of orange, red and yellow — and stronger heat tolerance than standard sugar maple varieties. It can grow 40 to 50 feet tall with a rounded canopy and is more resistant to leaf scorch, making it a better fit for Omaha’s hot, dry summer stretches than other sugar maple varieties.
Kentucky Coffee Tree
A Nebraska-tough native, the Kentucky coffee tree grows around 60 to 75 feet tall with an open, airy canopy and coarse, dark bark that adds interest to it’s look. It tolerates drought, wind and many soil conditions once established — making it a strong fit for exposed or difficult sites around Omaha.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba is prized for its fan-shaped leaves and brilliant, uniform yellow fall color — color that often arriving all at once rather than gradually. It grows 25 to 50 feet tall depending on the variety, tolerates urban conditions well and is highly resistant to pests and disease.
Come explore our Nursery Yard and Omaha’s largest selection of trees. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect tree for your yard — and get it planted with our professional tree planting service!
