Knowledgebase

Tree replacement #772560

Asked September 21, 2021, 2:45 PM EDT

Hi, I have a property on the Iowa River just below the Coralville Dam. I lost 2 very large old river maples...over 60 years old in the derecho last year. I want to plant something that can handle the wet springs that occur with the river fluctuations, are native and somewhat deer resistant. Any ideas?

Johnson County Iowa

Expert Response

The links below list several options that may work for your situation.  Of the trees listed in those links, the species that are tolerant of wet soils, native, and somewhat deer resistant include, hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), and baldcypress (Taxodium distichum).  Although others on the list could be good choices as well.

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/1998/8-7-1998/wetshrubs.html

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/which-trees-grow-well-wet-soils

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2018/04/native-shrubs-moist-wet-locations

Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource can be very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get the contact information for the Johnson county Extension office. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/ 

Happy gardening!

--Aaron

Aaron Steil Replied September 21, 2021, 5:27 PM EDT

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