We're officially into winter now, but if you've looked around lately, you'll notice many deciduous trees are only just hitting their stride. The mild autumn and warmer nights have delayed the colour change in many parts of Australia, which means we're still enjoying some spectacular displays of gold, scarlet and crimson well into the cooler months.

And that's actually good news if you've been thinking about adding a deciduous tree to your garden.

One of the best things about shopping for trees at this time of year is that what you see is what you get. You can walk through a nursery and see exactly how different varieties colour up, compare them to the plants already in your garden and decide whether you're drawn to fiery reds, rich oranges or buttery yellows.

I've always loved deciduous trees because they do so much more than provide seasonal colour. They mark the passing of the seasons in a way evergreen plants simply can't. In summer they cast cooling shade over entertaining areas, windows and lawns. Then, once the leaves have dropped, they allow precious winter sunshine to filter through and warm the garden again.

For smaller urban gardens, my number one recommendation remains the crepe myrtle. It's one of those trees that punches well above its weight. Even with our warmer city conditions, it produces outstanding autumn colour, often holding onto its leaves long after other deciduous trees have finished their show.

What makes it so useful is its versatility. It stays relatively compact, responds beautifully to pruning and develops a lovely sculptural form over time. Even in winter, when the leaves have fallen, the smooth mottled bark becomes a feature in its own right. Add the spectacular summer flowers in shades of white, pink, purple and red, and you've got a tree that earns its place every month of the year.

Another standout is the Chinese Pistachio (Pistacia chinensis). If you've ever seen one glowing in winter sunlight, you'll know why it's a favourite. The rounded canopy turns brilliant shades of crimson and scarlet, creating one of the most reliable colour displays you'll find. It's also remarkably tough, handling drought, heat and difficult growing conditions with very little fuss.

If you're heading to the nursery, take your time selecting your tree. This isn't just a purchase for today—it's an investment in how your garden will look and feel for decades to come.

Look for a tree that appears vigorous and healthy. The trunk should be straight and taper naturally towards the top, with a strong central leader. Branches should be evenly spaced around the canopy, giving the tree a balanced framework as it grows.

Pay attention to the pot too. A healthy tree should look in proportion to the container it's growing in. If the plant is too large for the pot, it may be root-bound. If it's tiny in an oversized container, it may have only recently been potted up. Neither is ideal.

And don't be afraid to check the roots. If roots are circling heavily around the outside of the pot or protruding from every drainage hole, the tree may have outgrown its container. A little investigation now can save years of disappointment later.

When you get your new tree home, I always lightly score the outer edge of the root ball before planting. It encourages fresh roots to grow out into the surrounding soil and helps the tree establish more quickly.

So while autumn may technically be behind us, the colour certainly isn't. In fact, this delayed display makes now one of the best times to choose a deciduous tree and bring a little seasonal theatre into your own garden. 🍂🌳