The Best Time to Plant Trees in Iowa (and Why it Could Increase Your Home's Value)

Want to Increase Your Home's Value? Plant a Tree This Fall.

The best home improvements don't always involve a contractor, a renovation, or a big budget. Sometimes, all you need is a shovel, a little planning, and a tree.

When most people think about increasing their home's value, they picture updated kitchens, remodeled bathrooms, or new flooring. But there's another investment that can make a surprisingly big difference in how your home looks, feels, and appeals to future buyers: mature landscaping.

And if you live in Iowa, fall is one of the best times to get started.

Why Fall Is One of the Best Times to Plant Trees in Iowa

Spring might be the season everyone associates with planting, but fall has some real advantages, especially here in Central Iowa.

According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, August through early November is an excellent time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs. The cooler temperatures reduce heat stress, and the soil often remains warm enough for roots to continue establishing themselves before winter.

Here's why that matters:

• Less stress on new trees. Cooler temperatures mean trees lose less moisture than during Iowa's hot summer months.
• More energy for root development. As trees enter dormancy, they can focus on establishing roots rather than supporting new leaves and branches.
• A head start on spring. Trees planted successfully in the fall can enter the next growing season with a more established root system.
• Less competition from summer heat. Fall's milder weather makes it easier to maintain the moisture new trees need.

Timing tip: For deciduous trees such as oaks and maples, fall planting can continue into early November when conditions allow. Evergreens are different. Iowa State recommends planting pines, spruces, and other evergreens earlier, generally by the end of September, so they have time to establish before winter.

Source: Iowa State University Extension – Planting in Late Summer and Early Fall

The Surprising Connection Between Trees and Home Value

Here's something homeowners often overlook: Landscaping is one of the few home improvements that can actually become more valuable as it ages.

A freshly planted tree might not look like much today. But give it 10 or 15 years, and it could become one of the most appealing features of your property.

Think about the difference between two otherwise similar homes. One sits on a bare lot with little shade or landscaping. The other has mature trees, established planting beds, and a backyard shaded by a beautiful canopy.

Which one feels more inviting?

Which backyard would you rather spend a summer afternoon in?

And which home might leave a stronger impression on a potential buyer?

That appeal can translate into real dollars.

Studies have shown that homes on tree-lined streets sold for $7,000 more than comparable homes without them.  Those findings don't mean planting a tree today automatically adds thousands to your home's appraisal, but healthy, established landscaping can make a property more desirable.

If you want to see some amazing local examples - take a drive down Polk Boulevard in Des Moines near Roosevelt high school or on Thompson Ave on the east side just off 14th St. The massive Sycamore trees that line these streets are absolutely stunning. The blog photo is from Thompson Ave.

Curb Appeal Is More Than Just a Pretty Yard

First impressions matter in real estate, and landscaping plays a major role in creating them.

When buyers pull up to a home, they're forming opinions before they ever step through the front door.

Mature trees can soften a home's appearance, frame the architecture, and give an established feel to the entire property. Thoughtful landscaping can also create privacy, define outdoor living spaces, and make a yard feel like a place where people actually want to spend time.

In newer Des Moines metro neighborhoods, where trees may still be relatively small, established landscaping can be especially appealing.

And there's a practical side to the investment, too.

Well-positioned shade trees can help reduce summer cooling demands, provide protection from wind, and make patios and outdoor gathering spaces more comfortable.

The key is thoughtful placement. A healthy shade tree in the right location can be an asset. A tree planted too close to a foundation, driveway, or overhead utility line can become an expensive problem.

The goal isn't necessarily to plant more trees. It's to plant the right trees in the right places.

Thinking About Selling in Five or Ten Years? Start Now.

This might be the most important takeaway for homeowners.

If you plan to sell your house someday, don't wait until you're ready to list it to start thinking about landscaping.

Unlike painting a room or replacing light fixtures, mature landscaping isn't something you can create over a weekend.

Trees need years to develop the size, character, and shade that make them desirable.

Planting a tree this fall gives it time to grow into an asset you can enjoy while you live in your home and potentially benefit from when it's time to sell.

Even if moving isn't on your radar, it's an improvement that can make your home more enjoyable in the meantime.

A Few Tips Before You Start Digging

If you're thinking about planting a tree this fall, a little preparation can make a big difference.

• Choose a tree suited to Iowa's climate. Native or well-adapted species such as bur oak, swamp white oak, and Kentucky coffeetree can be excellent choices when matched to the right growing conditions.
• Think about the mature size. That little tree at the nursery may eventually spread 40 feet or more. Consider its future canopy, roots, nearby structures, and utility lines.
• Don't plant too deep. The root flare, where the trunk widens into the roots, should remain visible near the soil surface.
• Mulch properly. Iowa State recommends 2–4 inches of mulch around newly planted trees, but keep it away from the trunk. Avoid piling mulch into a "volcano."
• Keep watering until the ground freezes. New trees need consistent moisture even after their leaves fall. Don't assume cooler weather means they no longer need water.

And before digging, contact Iowa One Call by dialing 811 to have underground utilities located.

For more guidance, visit Iowa State University's Care of Newly-Planted Trees.

A Small Investment Today, a Bigger Impact Tomorrow

Not every improvement needs to deliver an immediate return.

Some of the best investments in a home are the ones that quietly become more valuable over time.

A tree planted this fall could eventually provide shade for family gatherings, privacy for your backyard, beautiful fall color, and the kind of established curb appeal that helps a home stand out.

So while you're cleaning up leaves and getting your yard ready for another Iowa winter, consider adding one more thing to your fall to-do list.

Plant a tree. Your future self, and maybe even your future buyer, will thank you.

Thinking about which home improvements will make the biggest difference in your property's value? At Boutique Real Estate, we help homeowners throughout Johnston, Urbandale, Ankeny, Waukee, and the greater Des Moines metro understand what buyers value and where improvements are worth the investment. We'd be happy to help you look at your home's potential.