Back to Garden Variety
Garden Variety

Stumped on which tree to pick?

Mar 13, 2026 · 13 min

When you plant a tree, the hope is that it will remain healthy and strong for decades but the recommendations for what to plant often change faster than the trees themselves, sometimes creating frustration and even controversy. On this Horticulture Day, we talk with Jeff Iles, professor of horticulture at Iowa State University, about how recommended plant and tree lists are created and why they sometimes spark debate.

More from Garden Variety

Getting bark to basics
13 min · Jun 19, 2026
Grape vines think alike
13 min · Jun 12, 2026
Closer I am to vine
13 min · Jun 5, 2026
Grow with the flow
13 min · May 29, 2026
Diversi-tree is key
13 min · May 22, 2026