(Des Moines, IA) -- If you're tempted to plant a tree right now, Iowa DNR Urban Forester Emma Hanigan says now is a great time to start thinking and planning for your September and October tree planting.
She says "To think about where you want it, where would be the best shade, that's a great thing to think about in the summer, where you want that shade to be. So you can start planning now."
Hanigan says to wait until the fall to plant.
The main thing they're looking at right now is the leaves for indications of stress.
Hanigan says usually first indication is changing of leaf color as well as dieback.
She also reminds homeowners to water young trees, and even mature trees, during the dryer summer months.