Happening Soon: Trees Forever's First-Ever Tree Distribution in DSM

If you live in Greater Des Moines (DSM), it's time to make your tree reservation for a low-cost tree (or five!) from Trees Forever! The organization is offering up to five trees to DSM residents and will provide planting and maintenance information to those who take advantage of this first-time program. 

This program is part of the One Million Trees Central Iowa initiative that aims to increase tree cover across 10-counties by 2032 through policy, planting and preservation. By supporting the Trees Forever distribution program, you'll join a movement that spans these  Boone, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Story and Warren counties. Currently there are more than 42,716 trees planted or preserved, with more than 4,200 people involved in the effort.

Tree Distribution Details

Date: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025
Time: 8 a.m. - Noon
Location: Bell Avenue Business Center parking lot (1901 Bell Ave. in Des Moines)

Reserve your tree(s) at the Trees Forever online tree shop to ensure you get to plant the tree varieties you love most later this fall. You must reserve trees prior to Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Select your choice(s) from 11 varieties, including:

• American Hornbeam
• American Sweetgum
• Bald Cypress
• Eastern Redbud
• Norway Spruce
• Pecan
• Persimmon
• Scarlet Oak
• Swamp White Oak
• Tuliptree
• Yellowwood

All trees are listed at $10 a piece. Find out size, best light and soil information and growth rate, among other specifications, and check out the step-by-step planting guide for advice on prepping your tree, digging your tree hole, applying mulch and more. You can also find information on pruning and caring for your tree as well as choosing the right location in your yard to plant with these resources.

Before You Dig

Once you've reserved your trees, rely on Iowa One Call to locate your underground utility lines. It's a free service that makes it safe to dig. Simply call at least 48 hours before you plan to dig so your dig site can be marked.

You can reach Iowa One Call through the online ticketing system at iowaonecall.com, by dialing 811 to reach the Iowa One Call Notification Center or by speaking with an Iowa One Call Customer Service Representative at (800) 292-8989.

Get Involved

Trees Forever has many ways to get involved with planting projects across the region. Attend a Trees Forever event to make an even bigger difference past this month's tree distribution event. Volunteer to make a difference in Iowa as an individual or with your organization. If you've volunteered with Trees Forever before, attend the upcoming Des Moines Community Appreciation Cookout on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Des Moines Trees Forever office (1901 Bell Ave., Ste. 23 in Des Moines). 

Questions about Trees Forever programming? Reach out to info@treesforever.org for more info.

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.