Tree and Shrub Care

Maybe you’ve never given them much thought, but trees are everywhere.  They’re in our yards, parks, cemeteries, natural areas, along our streets…yes, everywhere!  And even if you don’t always notice them, we need them.  We need them to clean our air, provide shelter from summer heat and winter winds, and bring beauty to our world. 

We also employ them as guideposts and to mark time.  “Meet me under the oak near the library”, or, “let’s plant a tree to announce the arrival of our new baby girl/boy.”  And have you ever stood next to a really old tree?  Touched it and wondered how it got there?  Who planted it?  Marveled at all of the history seen by its massive trunk and branches? 

I’ll bet there are trees in your town that witnessed early settlers and pioneers heading westward, or remember the day Iowa became the 29^th state.  An oft- quoted adage goes something like, “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago…and the next best time is today.”  It’s also been said people who plant trees are optimists and confident about the future.  So, to honor trees and those who did and will plant them, do what you can to keep the cycle going. 

Tree Selection

• Shade Trees for Iowa (pub)
• Small-Statured Trees for Iowa (pub)
• Spring Blooming Trees
• Spring Blooming Shrubs
• Summer Blooming Trees
• Trees and Shrubs with Great Fall Color
• Trees and Shrubs with Colorful Fruit in Winter
• Trees and Shrubs that Provide Food for Birds in Winter
• Deciduous Shrubs (pub)
• Small Deciduous Shrubs
• Medium-Size Deciduous Shrubs
• Large Shrubs
• Native Shrubs for Moist to Wet Locations
• Shrubs for Wet Soils
• Shrubs for Dry Locations
• Shrubs for Difficult Sites
• Trees for Shade
• Shrubs for Shade
• Guidelines for Selecting Trees (pub)
• Factors to Consider When Selection Treees and Shrubs
• Plant Shopping Tips

Planting Trees

• Planting Trees in the Landscape
• Tree Planting Basics
• Tree Planting Basics (pdf)
• Tree Planting and Care Guide (pub)
• How to Plant a Container-Grown Tree (video)
• Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees
• Planting Bare Root Trees
• Can I plant a new tree in the same location as an old tree that was removed?

Care of Trees

• Care of Newly Planted Trees
• Fertilizing Trees
• Mulching Trees
• Pruning Resources from Iowa State
• Preparing Trees for Winter
• Overwintering unplanted trees, shrubs and perennials
• Propagation of Deciduous Shrubs from Softwood Cuttings

Hiring Professional Help

• Choosing an Arborist (pub)
• Consulting Arborists That Provide Service in Iowa (pub)

Dealing with Problems in Trees

• Identifying Tree Problems (pub)
• Understanding Decline in Trees (pub)
• Why is my newly planted tree dying?
• Identifying and Handling Tree Root Issues
• Freeze Damage to Trees and Shrubs
• Preventing Ice and Snow Damage on Trees and Shrubs
• Managing Suckers on Fruit, Ornamental, and Shade Trees
• Preventing Grade Change Damage to Trees
• Rhizosphaera Needle Cast                 
• Stigmina Needle Cast
• Common Problems of Ash Trees
• Oak Wilt - Identification and Management
• Iron Chlorosis in Pin Oak and River Birch
• Peeling and Splitting Bark on Shade Trees
• Bacterial Spot on Stonefruit Trees
• Bur Oak Blight
• Dutch Elm Disease
• Verticillium Wilt
• Insect Galls on Trees and Shrubs

TREE PEST AND DISEASES VIDEO PLAYLIST