Branching Out: Tree Giveaway

The City of Ames is giving away free native tree seedlings to residents every year in April. Pre-ordering is required, and supplies are limited. Residents can order up to five trees per household.

Help grow the urban tree canopy in Ames and experience the many benefits that trees provide. Trees can help lower heating and cooling costs, increase stormwater retention, prevent runoff, beautify the community, and increase property values. 

Species Available

Buttonbush (Cephalantus occidentalis)

Mature size: 5-8 feet tall and wide

Growth rate: Moderate

Mature shape: Arching and irregular

Unique characteristics: Native species. Tolerant of wet locations. Fragrant white flower in mid-summer. Attracts more than 24 different species of birds and many different species of butterflies.

More species information: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/buttonbush/

William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org

American Plum (Prunus americana)

Mature size: 15-25 feet tall and wide

Growth rate: Moderate

Mature shape: Thicket-forming if not controlled

Unique characteristics: Native species. Produces clusters of small white flowers before leaf emergence, resulting in edible, small plums, about 1 inch in diameter, in the summertime. Attracts birds, pollinators, and mammals.

More species information: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/wild-plum/

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Mature size: 40-60 feet tall and wide

Growth rate: Fast to moderate

Mature shape: Oval, round, or vase-shaped

Unique characteristics: Native species. Very tolerant to many site conditions. Unique bark texture and leaf shape. Attracts cavity-nesting, migrant, and song birds along with small mammals.

More species information: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/hackberry/

Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Mature size: 60-75 feet tall and 60-75 feet wide

Growth rate: Moderate

Mature shape: Pyramidal to round

Unique characteristics: Native species. Adaptable to many site conditions. Leaves emerge pinkish-red, mature to a dark green in the growing season, and turn a red color in the fall. Produces acorn fruit, ¾ to 1 inch long, which attract many types of wildlife.

More species information: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/northern-red-oak/

Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Mature size: 50-80 feet tall and 20-40 feet wide

Growth rate: Fast to moderate

Mature shape: Pyramidal to broad

Unique characteristics: Native species. Feathery needles

More species information: https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/eastern-white-pine/

Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

Planting Steps

You must call 811 or submit a ticket online to Iowa One Call before you dig. Link to Iowa One Call for online submissions: https://iowaonecall.com

1. Dig a hole deep enough to contain all the roots so they are not bent or twisted. As soil is removed, break up any large chunks. Gently tease any twisted or crossing roots apart.
2. Proper depth is the most important part of tree planting. Set the sapling in the hole so that the root flare is even with the soil grade. The root flare can be identified as the transition point between the trunk and the roots, usually there is an angular change in growth from upright to angled or more horizontal. Planting a tree too deep or too high can impact survival or shorten the lifespan of the tree.
3. Backfill the hole using the same soil removed. Backfill about 2/3 of the way and gently compact the soil in the hole. This can be accomplished by gently pressing down on the soil with your hands or adding some water to settle the soil. Backfill the rest of the hole, using any excess soil to create a circular berm around the tree to help capture water.
4. Apply organic wood mulch, about 2 inches thick, around the new tree. Be sure that no mulch or soil is mounded around the trunk of the tree. Water the tree well after planting. 

Care Recommendations

Watering

Newly planted saplings need approximately one quart (32 ounces) of water per week. This should be split into multiple waterings, two sessions of about one pint of water each is best. Increase or decrease watering based on soil and weather conditions. Pour the water onto the tree slowly to help the water penetrate further into the soil. Consistent watering is crucial to survival of young saplings.

Mulch

Refresh the layer of organic mulch annually, with a goal of 2-3 inches of depth around the tree. Organic mulch, wood shreds or chips, has many benefits for trees including moisture retention and temperature regulation in the root zone, adding nutrients as it breaks down, and exclusion of weeds.

Protection

It may help to add a small cage around the new sapling. A wire cage protects the tree from browsing animals, like rabbits, especially through the winter months. Mulch and a cage also help protect the tree from unnecessary and harmful string trimmer or mower damage. Since the tree is small, pruning will likely not be necessary for the next 5 years.