Care and How-To - Trees and Shrubs

Managing Suckers on Fruit, Ornamental, and Shade Trees

Suckers are vigorous upright growing stems that form at the base of a tree or from the root system causing stems to appear inches or feet from the base of the trunk.  They are problematic because they can reduce flowering and fruiting, alter the form of the tree, harbor pests and diseases, and look unsightly. 

Learn about what causes suckers to form and how they can be managed in the home landscape.

How To Change Your Soil's pH

Iowa soils are very diverse and so are the chemical characteristics that make up these soils.  Soil pH is one property that can vary widely across the state both naturally and due to how we manage the field or garden.  It is also one of the most cost effective and easy to manage soil properties that can be modified to improve plant health and crop production.

Learn about how to decrease and increase your soil pH below.

Propagating Shrubs and Trees from Softwood Cuttings

How to propagate deciduous shrubs and trees using softwood cuttings. Discover timing, techniques, and care tips for successful rooting.

Pruning Large, Overgrown Shrubs

Shrubs enhance landscapes with beauty and function. Proper pruning is essential but is sometimes overlooked.  Learn how to overgrown shrubs to get them back to their former glory.

Managing the Garden in Extreme Heat

When a summer heat wave arrives, it can be stressful for the plants and gardeners alike.  The plants of your landscape will require a little more TLC to make it through periods of extreme heat.  Below are a few tips to protect your lawn, garden, and landscape when temperatures soar.

Gardening on Slopes and Hillsides

Gardening on slopes tackles erosion and water issues but requires careful planting and irrigation strategies for success.  Learn more about gardening on slopes.

Causes of Branch Dieback on Trees

Several factors cause branch dieback on trees. Correctly diagnosing the problem(s) is the first step in managing an unhealthy tree. Below are some common causes of branch dieback on trees in the landscape.  Use this guide to evaluate your tree and determine the likely cause of the branch dieback.

Shedding, Peeling, and Splitting Bark on Shade Trees

Shedding, peeling, or splitting bark on trees in the landscape can be a concerning sight. 

Understanding what is causing the bark loss is an important first step to preventing further damage.

How to Transplant Small Trees

Occasionally the need arises to move trees within the home landscape. Follow these tips to move small, young trees successfully.

All About Hedge Apples

Hedge apples, from the Osage-orange tree, are yellow-green fruits popular for decoration. They are often touted as being an effective pest deterrent but in reality this myth doesn't hold up well.

How to Protect Plants from Frost and Freeze

Learn how to protect plants from frost and freeze damage in fall and spring. Get tips on covering plants, using cold frames, and when to bring plants indoors for the season.

Shade Trees for Iowa

This page highlights shade tree options well-suited for the Iowa landscape.  While it doesn't include every possibility, this list provides descriptions of many wonderful species and cultivars proven to be good options for many Iowa homeowners.

Trees and Shrubs for Wet Soils

Many trees and shrubs thrive in Iowa's fertile, well-drained soils. Most trees and shrubs, however, don't like wet soils. Fortunately, some plants tolerate wet soils better than others.

When selecting trees and shrubs for the home landscape, gardeners should select plants suitable for the site. Wet sites can be a challenge. However, the trees and shrubs listed below will perform well in wet soils.

Proper Time to Prune Trees and Shrubs

The best time to rejuvenate large, overgrown shrubs is late winter or early spring (March or early April)

All About Witch Hazels

A shrub that flowers in winter?  That sounds unlikely but witch hazels do just that - even in Iowa!  Witch hazels (Hamamelis) are a group of shrubs that typically have the first (or last depending on what you are growing) blooms of the season in the garden. 

Care of Newly-Planted Trees

Newly-planted trees need active and frequent care during the entire establishment period. In USDA hardiness zones 4 and 5, the establishment period lasts about 12 months per inch of trunk diameter. For a two-inch caliper tree, this translates into a 24-month establishment period. Good cultural practices during this period help reduce transplant stress and create a favorable environment for tree growth. 

Consistent and proper care during the establishment period is the most important thing you can do to succeed with your new tree.

Propagation of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines from Hardwood Cuttings

Hardwood cuttings is a propagation method done while the plant is dormant from the shoots that developed during the previous growing season.  Learn more about this type of vegetative propagation if you want to propagate any trees, shrubs, or vines in the home landscape.

Growing Lilacs in the Home Garden

Lilacs are one of the most cherished and adored of all flowering shrubs. They are noted for their beautiful blossoms and fragrance. Lilacs are available in a wide range of colors. Though they offer mainly one season of interest, their spring flower displays are greatly appreciated after a long, hard winter. 

Learn about the selection and care of lilacs in Iowa.

Using Mulch in the Garden

Organic mulches serve several important functions in gardens and landscape plantings.

These many benefits make the use of mulch very beneficial in a wide range of garden settings. When choosing which organic mulch to use, consider availability, cost, appearance, function, and durability.

Serviceberries