
It’s almost spring, and you know what that means!? It’s time to think about planting trees! But if you don’t know what to buy or where to buy them, you’re in luck here in Central Iowa! Many local tree-buying options have healthy trees and knowledgeable staff. So, if you’re ready to find some trees, read on! Our list will help you find a tree nursery in Des Moines!
Map of tree nurseries
Find a Tree Nursery in Des Moines
This list includes tree nurseries within 30 miles of Des Moines. We recommend checking their websites. And you might call them to find out if they have the trees you’re looking for! Plus, many of them have extensive knowledge of what trees to plant – and where to plant them!
Iowa Outdoor Products
This local nursery is on five acres in Urbandale. They have shade trees, ornamental trees, and shrubs, along with a wide variety of plants. And if it’s landscape design you’re after, they can help with that too. See their website for more details.
Location: 3200 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
Earl May Nursery and Garden Centers
Earl May is a local nursery with several Central Iowa locations (listed below). And that means there’s probably one close to you. They sell a wide range of trees, shrubs, plants, and decor. Their experts can help you decide what to choose. Plus, they have planting and landscaping services. See their website for details.
Locations:
1845 22nd St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
1530 SE Blackthorne Dr, Waukee, IA 50263
7701 Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320
1509 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
751 NE Gateway Dr, Grimes, IA 50111
Miller Nursery
Miller Nursery is a locally-owned nursery that sells trees, shrubs, and perennials. Most of their trees are grown and nurtured on-site. They also provide landscaping and garden design services. For details, see their website.
Location: 5155 NW 57th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131
Dolmage Tree Farm
Dolmage Tree Farm is a local, family-owned tree nursery in Waukee. They specialize in deciduous trees, like oaks and maples. And they’re committed to raising and selling trees that thrive in Iowa. Most trees get sold when they’re about ten years old and will get planted with their tree spade. Check out their website for more information.
Location: 3273 Ashworth Rd, Waukee, IA 50263
TNT Landscaping and Nursery
TNT is a local nursery and garden center in Ankeny. It has been part of the community for over two decades. They have over four acres of trees and shrubs, with staff to help you with your tree buying decisions. And if you’re looking for landscaping design, they do that too. See their website for details.
Location: 1313 SW Ordnance Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023
Bentley Ridge Tree Farm & Nursery
Bentley Ridge has more than just trees! They also sell shrubs, grasses, perennials, garden supplies, and decor. They’ll even deliver and plant trees for you. Check out their website for details.
Location: 4400 W 1st St, Grimes, IA 50111
If you want to plant lots of small saplings, consider buying from the
Iowa State Forest Nursery
Bedwell Gardens & Greenhouses
Bedwell is a local, family-owned business just south of Des Moines. They offer a large variety of trees and plants, complete with personalized knowledge and service! Walk through their trees and get your questions answered while you’re there. See their website for details.
Location: 8044 G14 Hwy, Norwalk, IA 50211
Ted Lare Design Build & Garden Center
Ted Lare specializes in garden and landscape design. But they also sell a healthy selection of plants, shrubs, trees, and more. It’s an excellent place to get ideas – they even offer classes! See their website for more info.
Location: 2701 Cumming Ave, Cumming, IA 50061
Howell Tree Farm
Howell Tree Farm specializes in Christmas trees but has a nursery with other trees for sale. They recommend calling ahead to see what trees are available. See their website for more.
Location: 3129 Howell Ct, Cumming, IA 50061
Hoy’s Tree Farm
Hoy’s Tree Farm has three decades of experience in the nursery business. They offer a wide range of evergreen, shade, and ornamental trees, with personalized service and expertise. See their website for more information, and contact them with your questions.
Location: 31722 240th St, Dallas Center, IA 50063
TimberPine Nursery & Greenhouse
TimberPine is a few miles west of Des Moines, in Earlham. We include them here because of their large selection and stock of trees (and plants). And their trees are locally grown, so you can be sure they’ll hold up to the Iowa climate. TimberPine also offers landscaping and irrigation services. See their website for more information.
Location: 18863 Jewell Dr, Earlham, IA 50072
Want more tree-buying options? If you didn’t find a tree nursery in Des Moines that had what you were looking for, consider checking the big box stores. Home improvement stores, like Home Depot, Menards, and Lowes carry trees seasonally. Also, Canoyer has two locations in the Des Moines area – they specialize in plants, but they offer some shrubs and small trees for sale.
Planting tutorial
Here’s an excellent video tutorial from the Iowa DNR on planting a tree from a container:
photo credit: pixabay