Special care should be given to selecting trees because, hopefully, they will be part of the landscape for many years. It is important to consider your site and the desired function of a tree before making a selection. For example, certain trees make better street trees than others. Some trees are chosen primarily for their ornamental value, others for the welcome shade they provide in summer.

• Tree Zones - Find out which trees grow best in your planting zone. Tree Link
• Name That Tree - An alphabetical listing of trees with a photo and description of growth. Use in conjunction with Tree Zones. Tree Link - Name that Tree
• What Tree is This? Tree Link - Tree Identification
• Trees - USDA Backyard Conservation

Tree Selection and Care

Read one or more of the following Extension publications for information on selecting, planting and the care of landscape trees.

• The Environmental Effects of Woody Vegetation (.pdf) - Iowa State University Extension - Forestry
• Trees in Iowa - Iowa State University Extension
• Community Tree Planting Guide (.pdf 32-pages) by ISU Extension
• Tree Planting: Planning (.pdf) - Iowa State University Extension
• Guidelines for Selecting Trees (.pdf) - Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University
• Tree Planting: Establishment and Care (.pdf) - Iowa State University Extension
• Low Growing Trees for Urban and Rural Iowa (.pdf) - Iowa State University Extension
• Resistance of Trees and Shrubs to Deer Damage - Iowa State University Extension
• Transplanting Trees and Shrubs (.pdf) - Iowa State University Extension - Forestry
• Pruning Young Landscape Trees - Iowa State University Forestry Extension

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