American holly (Ilex opaca) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium) are prized for their glossy, green leaves and brightly colored fruit. Sprigs of both hollies are often used in wreaths, centerpieces, and other Christmas…
Ash trees infected with emerald ash borer (EAB) do not need to be treated or chipped when removed. If you do plan to keep the wood for campfires or fireplaces use it on your property and do not transport the wood to new locations. Any…
Oak wilt is a serious disease that can infect many oak species. It is caused by the fungus B. fagacearum. Red and pin oaks are very susceptible to the oak wilt fungus and can die within 4 to 6 weeks. White and bur oaks…
If a woody tree or shrub cannot be planted in its final spot before winter arrives, you will need to take steps to make sure it survives the winter while still in the container.
The roots of most trees and shrubs are far less cold-hardy…
Deer may feed on trees and shrubs during the winter months and severely damage or destroy plants. Damage is most likely to occur when food is scarce during prolonged periods of snow cover. Deer often feed on the foliage on the lower…
The majority of roots, especially those roots that are responsible for water and nutrient uptake, are in the upper 6 to 18 inches of soil. Structural roots that radiate out from the tree and provide support and anchorage can reach a…
During the winter months when food is scarce, rabbits and other rodents will chew and strip bark from woody plants. Protecting woody trees and shrubs, especially young plants, from browsing is important. Wrap…
Yes. The crabapple (Malus spp.) is an example of a common ornamental that also produces edible fruit. Apples and crabapples are differentiated strictly on the size of their fruit. Crabapples are varieties with fruit 2 inches or less in…
Broken or damaged tops are common on young trees due to wind, ice, wildlife, winter dieback or equipment injury. While this damage can affect tree form, most young trees recover well if corrective pruning is done early. The primary goal is to…
Shade trees endemic to Iowa or similar ecoregions are listed below. These species can be found east of the Rocky Mountains in North America and Canada. Those native to within Iowa's boundaries are noted with an asterisk (*).…
These shrubs are found east of the Rocky Mountains in North America and Canada. They are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 4 or 5. Those native to within Iowa's boundaries are noted with an asterisk (*).
Small ornamental trees endemic to Iowa or similar ecoregions are listed below. These species are less than 30 feet tall and are found east of the Rocky Mountains in North America and Canada. They are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 4 or 5.…
The brown growths in your ash tree are probably ash flower galls. Galls are abnormal plant growths induced to form by small insects, mites, or other organisms. On ash trees, a tiny mite causes the male flowers to develop into roundish…
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic destructive pest that kills all native ash trees (Fraxinus). The loss of ash trees significantly impacts the urban tree canopy. While treatment options are available, some trees cannot be treated…
The proper planting depth should position the tree so that the trunk flare is level with or slightly higher than the surrounding grade. This is not necessarily the container's height.
Modern roses, such as hybrid tea, grandiflora, and floribunda roses, are propagated by budding. A single bud is removed from the desired variety and inserted onto a hardy rootstock. The bud union (the knob-like swelling at the base of…
The length of most hardwood stem cuttings varies from 4 to 12 inches. However, the cuttings of some plants may be up to 30 inches in length. The diameter of hardwood stem cuttings typically ranges from ¼ to 1 inch. Each cutting…
When planting a container-grown tree, dig a hole that is 2 to 3 times wider than the diameter of the container. The depth of the hole should be 2 or 3 inches less than the height of the soil ball. Slope the sides of the hole so the…
When plants produce a chemical that prevents the growth of other plants, it is called allelopathy.
Black walnut is a common woodland and landscape tree in the Midwest that produces an allelopathic compound called juglone which is…
Shade trees that possess excellent fall foliage include Freeman maple (Acer x freemanii), red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white oak (Quercus alba), red oak (Quercus rubra…
