Tree Adoption
There will be limited numbers of each tree available on a first come, first serve basis. All trees will be seedlings.
The trees will be FREE but you are responsible for planting, watering, protection and other maintenance. To help you, information will be provided at the event when you get your tree, along with protection and mulch!
More information available below.
The trees will be FREE but you are responsible for planting, watering, protection and other maintenance. To help you, information will be provided at the event when you get your tree, along with protection and mulch!
More information available below.
Tree species available for adoption:
Large Shade Trees
Large Shade Trees
Fruit & Ornamental Trees
- Aroniaberry
Conifer Trees
Interested in the Scenic Shade for the Scenic City: Street Tree
Planting Initiative?
Planting Initiative?
Trees are a big part of what helps make our town scenic. As you likely know, the emerald ash borer and the Dutch elm disease has killed (or is killing) a large number of trees in our community and left a lot less trees along our streets.
We are a group of local people called Iowa Falls Tree Forever / Tree Keepers (Tree Keepers for short). One of our goals is to help replace the trees that have been lost over the years.
We hope to plant these trees in the parking (the area between the street and the sidewalk). We have the funds and we will have the trees, so now we need places to plant them!
If you say yes, the Tree Keepers will:
● plant the tree
● provide and put in place mulch, fence, and a tree protector
● provide information and possible assistance on proper upkeep of your tree: that’s trimming, watering, and other maintenance info
You will:
● submit the form on the backside of this sheet.
● submit a permit application to the tree board for planting your street tree
● coordinate planting time with us and then call (or click) Iowa One Call / 811:
the call must be at least 48 hours before the planting and it expires in 20 days
● water the tree weekly, if needed, for at least two growing seasons
Click on this link for more information and how you can get a free tree planted in your parking!
We are a group of local people called Iowa Falls Tree Forever / Tree Keepers (Tree Keepers for short). One of our goals is to help replace the trees that have been lost over the years.
We hope to plant these trees in the parking (the area between the street and the sidewalk). We have the funds and we will have the trees, so now we need places to plant them!
If you say yes, the Tree Keepers will:
● plant the tree
● provide and put in place mulch, fence, and a tree protector
● provide information and possible assistance on proper upkeep of your tree: that’s trimming, watering, and other maintenance info
You will:
● submit the form on the backside of this sheet.
● submit a permit application to the tree board for planting your street tree
● coordinate planting time with us and then call (or click) Iowa One Call / 811:
the call must be at least 48 hours before the planting and it expires in 20 days
● water the tree weekly, if needed, for at least two growing seasons
Click on this link for more information and how you can get a free tree planted in your parking!
Tree Planting and Care Resources
Selecting the right tree for your yard will allow your tree to succeed!
Trees have specific requirements for sunlight, soil and water. Check out the resources below to help you choose a tree that will thrive in the location you've selected!
Trees have specific requirements for sunlight, soil and water. Check out the resources below to help you choose a tree that will thrive in the location you've selected!
Resources:
City of Iowa Falls Street Tree Options- If you are planting on the right-of-way in Iowa Falls, you must select a tree from this list and obtain a permit to plant.
Guidelines for Selecting Trees- Basic information from ISU Extension Office
Iowa DNR State Forestry Tips- Information on what to plan for and how to prepare the site for your tree.
Shade Trees for Iowa- This publication from ISU Extension lists several shade tree selections for the Iowa landscape. It lists trees that might serve as replacements for the ash tree, which is susceptible to the emerald ash borer.
Small-Stature Trees for Iowa- This publication from ISU Extension lists several small-stature tree selections suitable for the Iowa landscape.
Tree Finder Wizard- Simply answer a few questions and the website will recommend the best tree based upon your answers.
City of Iowa Falls Street Tree Options- If you are planting on the right-of-way in Iowa Falls, you must select a tree from this list and obtain a permit to plant.
Guidelines for Selecting Trees- Basic information from ISU Extension Office
Iowa DNR State Forestry Tips- Information on what to plan for and how to prepare the site for your tree.
Shade Trees for Iowa- This publication from ISU Extension lists several shade tree selections for the Iowa landscape. It lists trees that might serve as replacements for the ash tree, which is susceptible to the emerald ash borer.
Small-Stature Trees for Iowa- This publication from ISU Extension lists several small-stature tree selections suitable for the Iowa landscape.
Tree Finder Wizard- Simply answer a few questions and the website will recommend the best tree based upon your answers.
The best times to plant are the spring and fall!
- Select the right location to plant your tree.
- "Call before you dig": dial 811 to have underground utility lines marked for free!
- Plant your tree properly (yes, there are many wrong ways to plant a tree.)
- If you are adopting a tree from our April 25th event, please watch the video titled 'Planting Bare Root Seedlings' from the ISU Extension Office.
- If you are planting a tree that has come in a container, please watch the video titled 'How to Plant a Container-Grown Tree' and download this step by step guide from Trees Forever.
- Keep your tree growing and thriving with good pruning practices. Click on the tab above 'Caring for Your Tree' for more information.
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It take 1-2 years for planted trees to be established, in Iowa. Check out the resources below to establish proper mulching, pruning and watering practices!
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.
Proper Mulching Techniques- Mulches, such as wood chips and shredded bark, help to conserve soil moisture and control weeds.
Pruning Your Trees- Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Unlike forest trees, landscape trees need a higher level of care to maintain structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology because improper pruning can create lasting damage or shorten the tree’s life.
Tree Care Tips & Techniques- This website gives a lot of great information on what you can do for your tree in its first few years of life to help its shape, strength, and even its lifespan. Following these steps will make sure your tree gets a good start for a healthy life!
Watering Tips- On average, trees need watering every 7-14 days if less than 1 inch of rain is received during the same time period. Use enough water to soak the entire root system to a depth of 20 inches or more.
Proper Mulching Techniques- Mulches, such as wood chips and shredded bark, help to conserve soil moisture and control weeds.
Pruning Your Trees- Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Unlike forest trees, landscape trees need a higher level of care to maintain structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must be done with an understanding of tree biology because improper pruning can create lasting damage or shorten the tree’s life.
Tree Care Tips & Techniques- This website gives a lot of great information on what you can do for your tree in its first few years of life to help its shape, strength, and even its lifespan. Following these steps will make sure your tree gets a good start for a healthy life!
Watering Tips- On average, trees need watering every 7-14 days if less than 1 inch of rain is received during the same time period. Use enough water to soak the entire root system to a depth of 20 inches or more.
Scenic Shade for the Scenic City: Street Planting Initiative- The Iowa Falls Trees Forever/Tree Keepers will assist in providing/planting a tree in your parking area and provide mulch, fencing and tree protection! Click here for more information.
For permission to plant or remove trees in the public right-of-way along our city streets, you must fill out a tree permit and return to City Hall. Permits are available at City Hall or you can download the form here. There is no fee to for permission of this permit.
For more information on planting a tree in Iowa Falls download the Spring Information Sheet from the Iowa Falls Tree Board.
For more information on planting a tree in Iowa Falls download the Spring Information Sheet from the Iowa Falls Tree Board.
Places within a 20 mile radius to Iowa Falls:
Over 20 miles away:
Mail Order:
- Hardin County NRCS Plant Sale of Seedlings
- Iowa Falls Trees Forever/Tree Keepers- Adoption event on April 25th
- Alliant Energy Tree Program- Click the link
- Homestead Evergreens- Norm Houston in Eldora (641-858-2308)
- Norby's- Eldora (641-7849-8163)
- Theisen's- Iowa Falls (641-648-9490)
- Iowa River Valley Landscaping- Iowa Falls (641-648-3130)
- North Country Landscaping- Hampton (641-456-5224)
- Carlson Tree Farm- Hampton (641-866-6946)
Over 20 miles away:
- Country Landscapes, Earl May, Menards, Lowes, and Home Depot in Mason City, Ames and Waterloo
- Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs- Zach Burhhenn (515-664-8633)
- Kelly Tree Farms- Clarence (563-452-4300)
Mail Order:
- National Arbor Day Foundation- (888-448-7337)
- Great Plains Nursery- (402-540-4801)
- State Forest Nursery- (515-223-1161)
- Jung Seed and Nursery- (800-247-5864)
- Guerneys Seed and Nursery- (513-354-1491)
- Stark Bro's Nursery and Orchard- (800-325-4180)
