Des Moines Tree β€” Iowa's Tree Resource
Large green ash tree in a sunlit landscape
⚠️ Iowa Alert: EAB Season

Does Your Ash Tree Have
Emerald Ash Borer?

The 7 Best Shade Trees for Des Moines Yards

Species that survive Iowa winters, tolerate clay soil, and actually grow well in the metro.

Read Guide β†’
β˜€οΈ Right Now in Iowa β€” Spring/Summer
  • Avoid pruning oaks (wilt risk)
  • Watch for EAB exit holes on ash bark
  • Water newly planted trees deeply
  • Mulch to retain moisture in heat
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Emerald Ash Borer Alert: Active across Polk County. If you have ash trees, inspect now for D-shaped exit holes and canopy dieback from the top.
Full EAB Guide β†’
Latest Articles
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Pests & Insects

Emerald Ash Borer: The Complete Iowa Homeowner's Guide

Iowa has lost millions of ash trees. Here's how to identify EAB early, understand your treatment options, and decide whether to save or remove your tree before it's a hazard.

Planting

When to Plant Trees in Iowa: A Month-by-Month Calendar

Spring and fall both work β€” but timing, species, and soil prep make the difference between a tree that thrives and one that struggles.

Trimming & Pruning

Why You Should Never Prune Oak Trees in Summer

Oak wilt spreads fast in Iowa. The April–October pruning window puts your tree at serious risk β€” here's what to do instead.

Iowa Native Trees

7 Iowa Native Trees That Actually Belong in Your Yard

Bur oak, hackberry, redbud β€” native trees are lower-maintenance and more pest-resistant. Here's how to pick the right one for your space.

Tree Health

How to Move a Mature Tree Without Killing It

Transplanting works β€” if you do the root preparation, timing, and aftercare right. Most failures are preventable.

Pests & Insects

Dutch Elm Disease: Symptoms, Spread, and What You Can Do

Iowa's elms are still vulnerable. Catch the signs early and you may save the tree. Wait too long and the decision gets made for you.

Trimming & Pruning

How to Prune a Young Tree the Right Way

The first five years of pruning shape a tree's structure for life. Most homeowners skip this β€” here's why it matters.

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Planting Guides

Species selection, timing, soil prep, and first-year care

14 articles
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Trimming & Pruning

When to cut, how much to cut, and what never to do

11 articles
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Pests & Insects

EAB, scale, borers, and how to stop them early

9 articles
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Moving Trees

Transplanting mature trees without losing them

5 articles
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Tree Protection

Storm prep, cabling, winter wrapping, and root zones

8 articles