Expand your horizons beyond the usual—and diversify your yard with beautiful, hardy alternatives.
We love a good maple tree—but let’s be honest: everyone has one. If you’re looking to add shade, beauty, fall color, or wildlife value to your landscape and want to avoid the overdone or overplanted, this is your sign to branch out!
These 10 trees are Iowa-toughgorgeous in every season, and bring diversity and interest to your home landscape—without a single maple in sight.
Why You Should Branch Out From Maples
Maples are popular for a reason—they grow quickly, provide nice shade, and have great fall color. But relying too heavily on them (especially red and silver maples) can cause long-term problems:
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Too much of one thing: When everyone plants the same species, neighborhoods lose diversity—and become vulnerable to pests and diseases.
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Storm damage risk: Fast-growing maples can be brittle and prone to breakage during high winds and heavy snow or ice.
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Shallow roots: Many maple species have roots that compete with lawns and nearby plants, making it harder to grow healthy turf or garden beds underneath.
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Wildlife support: Some maples offer limited food or habitat for pollinators, birds, or beneficial insects compared to other native trees.
By planting other native or well-adapted trees, you add strength, beauty, and resilience to your landscape—and support more pollinators and wildlife, too.
Top 10 Trees for Iowa that are Not Maples
1. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Height: 15–25 ft
Why we love it: Four seasons of beauty! White spring blooms, edible summer berries, stunning fall color, and sculptural branches in winter.
2. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron we spoke)
Height: 60–80 ft
Why we love it: Fast-growing shade tree with large tulip-shaped yellow blooms in spring and bright yellow fall foliage. A great native alternative to maples.
3. Hackberry (Celtis West)
Height: 40–60 ft
Why we love it: A rugged, drought-tolerant native perfect for urban or rural settings. Supports birds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife.
4. Black Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica)
Height: 30–50 ft
Why we love it: Glossy green leaves turn to fiery reds and oranges in fall—some of the best fall color out there!
5. American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
Height: 20–35 ft
Why we love it: Also called musclewood for its unique bark. This elegant understory tree offers great structure and yellow-orange fall foliage.
6. Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
Height: 50–70 ft
Why we love it: Open branching, drought tolerance, and dramatic winter silhouette. Bonus: it’s virtually pest- and disease-free.
7. Chokecherry (Virus Virginiana)
Height: 20–30 ft
Why we love it: Fragrant white blooms in spring and small fruits that support birds and pollinators. Can be grown as a small tree or large shrub.
8. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Height: 15–25 ft
Why we love it: Nothing says “spring” like those pink-lavender blooms! Compact, beautiful, and pollinator-friendly.
9. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Height: 40–60 ft
Why we love it: This ancient tree has fan-shaped leaves that turn bright golden yellow in fall and drop nearly all at once—a spectacular sight.
10. American Linden (Basswood) (American tilia)
Height: 50–80 ft
Why we love it: Pollinator magnet with fragrant summer flowers, large heart-shaped leaves, and excellent shade. Great for native bees!
Better Trees = Stronger Landscapes
Mixing things up in your yard isn’t just a trend—it’s an investment in your landscape’s health and beauty. Diverse tree canopies are better equipped to handle pests, extreme weather, and changing conditions. Plus, with so many gorgeous options beyond maples, why limit yourself?
For the tip: Want help choosing the right tree for your space? Think about sun exposure, mature size, soil moisture, and what kind of wildlife or seasonal interest you’d like to support.
Visit Ted Lare Garden Center in Cumming, Iowa
We’ve got Iowa’s best selection of high-quality trees—hand-picked for beauty, performance, and hardiness. Our team is here to help you find your perfect non-maple match!
The post 10 Trees to Plant in Iowa Landscapes (That Aren’t Maples!) appeared first on Ted Lare – Design & Build.
