Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

large deciduous trees

Large deciduous trees are a timeless feature in New Zealand gardens, offering spectacular seasonal changes, impressive shade, and habitat for local wildlife. If you’re looking to create a classic avenue, establish a cooling canopy, or introduce vibrant autumn colour to your landscape, large deciduous trees provide both beauty and long-term value. Their ability to drop leaves in winter allows precious sun to reach your garden and home, while their lush foliage keeps things cool in summer. Discover how these magnificent trees can transform your outdoor space and explore top varieties suited to New Zealand’s unique climate.

An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.

Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves emerge light green in spring, quickly age to dark green, then develop spectacular yellow, orange and red tones in autumn before falling. It typically grows to 25 m tall and 15 m wide.

From $249.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 15.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Japanese
An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).

Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The foliage is lush, dark green, and develops a yellow-brown colour before falling in autumn.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 20.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine
A Quercus robur (English Oak) specimen tree.
Quercus robur

Quercus robur, commonly known as the English Oak tree or Pedunculate Oak, is a large and stately, deciduous tree. This Oak tree typically grows to 25...

From$270.40
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) specimen tree with emerging green foliage.
Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large, deciduous tree that grows with a broad, spreading crown. The...

From$192.51
acer-platanoides-4
Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
Platanus 'Autumn Glory' trees in bags at a plant nursery.
Platanus 'Autumn Glory'

Platanus 'Autumn Glory' is a large, deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its striking foliage and impressive stature. This cultivar of the Oriental...

From$387.55
Pecan 'Lucas' brown nuts.
Pecan carya 'Lucas'

Pecan 'Lucas' is a high quality nut producing tree valued for its consistent yields and excellent flavoured pecans. This proven variety performs well...

From$383.29
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

From$515.35
zelkova-serrata-
Zelkova serrata

Zelkova serrata is an impressive deciduous tree valued for its graceful branching, attractive green foliage, and colourful autumn display. The finely...

From$323.65
acer-nigrum-
Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly...

From$299.95
magnolia-denudata-gere-4
Magnolia denudata 'Gere'

Magnolia denudata 'Gere' is a magnificent deciduous tree celebrated for its large, fragrant white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring...

From$387.55
fagus-sylvatica-purpurea-1
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech Tree, grows as a stately, deciduous tree with a broad and spreading crown of...

From$387.55
fraxinus-green-glow-
Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

From$511.09
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
Alnus rubra (Red Alder) specimen tree.
Alnus rubra

Alnus rubra (Red Alder) is a strong growing deciduous tree valued for its upright form and ability to thrive in a wide range of New Zealand...

From$259.75
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata (Small Leaved Lime) is a majestic deciduous tree admired for its symmetrical form, heart shaped green leaves, and highly fragrant pale...

From$515.35
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.
Liriodendron tulipifera

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its stately form and striking flowers. It...

From$387.55
carpinus-betulus-4
Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its dense leafy canopy, attractive fluted grey trunk, and brilliant golden autumn...

From$192.51
prunus-tai-haku-2
Prunus 'Tai Haku'

Prunus 'Tai Haku' is a spectacular deciduous flowering tree valued for its exceptionally large white spring blossoms and elegant spreading form. The...

From$387.55
magnolia-campbellii-charles-raffill-2
Magnolia 'Charles Raffill'

Magnolia 'Charles Raffill' is an impressive deciduous tree prized for its spectacular spring flowers and handsome garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
Luisa' plum tree covered in yellow fruit.
Plum 'Luisa'

The 'Luisa' Plum is a popular variety that produces good yields of large, yellow-skinned fruit, blushed with red. The flesh is firm, yellow, sweet...

From$404.59
nyssa-sinensis-6
Nyssa sinensis

Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its graceful form, glossy green foliage, and spectacular autumn colour. As...

From$404.59
prunus-ichiyo-
Prunus 'Ichiyo'

Prunus 'Ichiyo' is an elegant deciduous flowering tree prized for its spectacular spring blossom and graceful spreading form. Large clusters of soft...

From$515.35
magnolia-deryk-2
Magnolia 'Deryk'

Magnolia 'Deryk' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'

Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
magnolia-margaret-helen-
Magnolia 'Margaret Helen'

Magnolia 'Margaret Helen' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its impressive spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
magnolia-vulcan-
Magnolia 'Vulcan'

Magnolia 'Vulcan' is an iconic deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and celebrated for its spectacular large deep crimson red flowers that appear...

From$270.40
prunus-pink-cloud-
Prunus 'Pink Cloud'

Prunus 'Pink Cloud' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its beautiful pink spring blossom and elegant garden form. The branches...

From$425.89
magnolia-soulangeana-heaven-scent-2
Magnolia 'Heaven Scent'

Magnolia 'Heaven Scent' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its fragrant spring flowers and attractive upright form. The large blooms appear on...

From$387.55
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Fagus, and Pecan, or related Categories - Pecan Nuts, Deciduous Trees, and Maple Tree.

Search large deciduous trees

Why Choose Large Deciduous Trees?

Selecting large deciduous trees brings numerous benefits beyond their stately presence. Their root systems help prevent soil erosion, while many varieties are bustling with birdlife in spring and summer. When planning your garden, consider the mature height and spread of these trees—many grow upwards of 15 metres, making them ideal for open lawns, rural plantings, parks, or large sections. Not only do they provide privacy and shelter, but they create a sense of permanence and legacy in the garden.

Popular Varieties of Large Deciduous Trees

Several varieties thrive throughout New Zealand, each with its own distinct character and seasonal highlights:

Planting and Caring for Large Deciduous Trees

When planting large deciduous trees, choose a position with ample space to accommodate their mature size. Most prefer deep, well-drained soils and full sun for best growth. In the early years, provide regular watering and mulch to establish a strong root system and suppress weeds. Prune in winter to develop a balanced framework and remove any damaged or crossing branches.

As these trees mature, little maintenance is required beyond annual mulching and checking for any signs of stress. Deciduous varieties are generally resilient against New Zealand’s climate fluctuations, and their winter leaf drop means less raking than you might expect, as falling leaves nourish your soil naturally.

Beyond Shade: Fruiting and Ornamental Choices

Looking for something a bit different? Some large deciduous trees also offer edible rewards. Try the Fig Mrs Williams, a robust fruiting tree that not only provides lush summer foliage but also bears delicious figs for the table.

Create a Lasting Legacy with Large Deciduous Trees

From spectacular autumn displays to sturdy shade and valuable wildlife habitat, large deciduous trees are an investment for generations. Explore our range of proven varieties suitable for New Zealand gardens and create a landscape to cherish for years to come.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
While Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra' and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) are household names, Carex virgata, Westringia 'Aussie Box', and Olearia traversii are rising stars in the plant world.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

463 Google reviews