Polk City Arbor League

04/27/2026

We appreciate everyone who participated in the planting event at Marina Cove on Saturday. Several new varieties were planted to enhance diversity in our parks, including Larch, shrub-style serviceberries, and many other tree favorites.

04/16/2026

25 years Tree City USA! Let's continue the growing. 🌳🌲🌳🌲

02/19/2026

The Polk City Arbor League is attending the Shade Tree Short Course at Iowa State, where we are expanding our knowledge in arboriculture and community outreach while sharing our insights with the community. The course features educational sessions on topics such as drought-stressed trees and the forthcoming cicada invasion.

02/01/2026

Readying the trees for their Spring debut.

01/21/2026

Due to cold temperatures, we have rescheduled this Sunday's tree pruning for February 1st at 1 o'clock. Please stay warm.

01/11/2026

We look forward to seeing you this month at our pruning demonstrations, which will be held at our local parks. If you are unable to attend, a helpful video on pruning your trees this winter is available at the following link. Remember, winter is the ideal time to prune your shrubs and trees.

This is part three of a three-part dormant pruning series. Watch Ask an Arborist: The Rules of Pruning to catch up on part two.When pruning your trees, there...

11/10/2025

November is the ideal time to prepare your trees for winter.
Here are some simple steps to help your trees stay healthy through the colder months.

🌳 Pre-Winter Checks & Preparation

Inspect for damage: Take a look at your trees for any broken branches, cracks, holes, or signs of decay that could worsen over winter.
Prune for strength: Trim away weak or narrow-angled branches to reduce the risk of breakage from snow and ice. Make sure branches aren’t too thick compared to the trunk.
Clear the area: Rake up fallen leaves and debris around the base of your trees to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.

🌱 Protecting Young & Newly Planted Trees

Wrap the trunk: Use tree wrap on young trees to guard against sunscald and frost cracks.
Add mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base (but keep it off the trunk). Mulch helps insulate the roots, lock in moisture, and prevent frost heaving.
Water well: Give young trees a deep watering every one to two weeks until the ground freezes. Consistent moisture helps roots establish before winter hits.
Cover sensitive trees: Use burlap, sheets, or tarps to protect tender or newly planted trees from harsh winds and frost.

🍂 Other Helpful Tips

Planting: Fall is a great time to plant—trees are dormant and can focus on root growth. If you plan to plant later, pre-dig holes before the ground freezes and store the soil indoors.
Don’t shake snow or ice: Avoid shaking branches to remove snow or ice; it can cause more damage than the weight itself.
Call a pro if needed: If you notice major damage or decay, reach out to a certified arborist for advice and care.

09/12/2025

As garden fatigue sets in, remember to prioritize your newly planted trees this fall. Their roots will continue to grow until the soil freezes, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry weather. The frequency and duration of watering will depend on the tree's size. It has been dry so give those trees a nice drink and stick with it!

09/07/2025

We had a lot of rain this summer, and that means the soil is ideal for tree planting this fall. The ample summer rainfall ensures deep soil moisture, which helps new trees establish strong roots. So, get out there and plant some trees!

07/21/2025

This year's excessive rainfall has been beneficial for alleviating drought conditions and nourishing my garden beds, but is it always good for trees? It made me think about anthracnose, a fungal disease affecting sycamores in the spring. Fortunately, anthracnose is primarily a springtime issue, and I did not see it on our trees in Polk City this year. However, when the next wet spring arrives and you notice a sycamore looking sparse, a possible diagnosis would be anthracnose. The following article provides insight into this fungal disease that frequently impacts our sycamore population.

Sycamore anthracnose on sycamore leaf (Platanus); note that the spots are along the veins and angular in shape rather than round

06/30/2025

We appreciate your presence at the Four Seasons Festival. A special thank you goes to Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs in Madrid for providing the trees and to the community for their generous support. The recipients of the tree giveaways were Vicki Howell, winner of the Black Maple, Al Burrows, winner of the River Birch, and Jessica Faue, winner of the Northern Catalpa.