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…
The roots of trees continue to grow until the ground freezes. If the weather is dry, continue to water the newly planted trees until the soil freezes in winter.
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 (*).
Only a small number of evergreen trees perform well in Iowa. Some evergreens, such as Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), Austrian pine (Pinus nigra), and Colorado spruce (Picea pungens) have serious disease…
The browning of the inner foliage is probably due to seasonal needle drop. It’s normal for evergreens (pine, spruce, fir, juniper, arborvitae, etc.) to shed their oldest (innermost) needles in fall. The innermost needles gradually turn yellow or…
