Tree Planting Permits & Removal

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Planting in the Right-of-Way

The area between the sidewalk and the street is called the City right-of-way and is public property. It may also be referred to as the parking or the tree lawn. While the area serves many purposes, it is principally used as a space for underground or overhead utilities. Trees may be planted there, but care must be taken to understand and follow sound planting practices. Inappropriate plant species or an improper planting location can create slight obstructions for pedestrians and motorists, or interfere with overhead or underground utilities.

For these reasons and others, persons wishing to plant in the right-of-way should contact the City Forester at the Parks and Recreation office for a tree planting permit at 319-356-5100 before they purchase or plant.

Street Tree Planting Program

The Forestry Division has planted hundreds of trees in the right-of-way over the years. If you would like to have Forestry look into planting a tree in front of your residence, they would be glad to do so. There is no charge for the service, but you may have to be patient, as the budget is limited and many residents contact us every year for this service. You will be placed on the planting list and Forestry staff will contact you about your request. Always remember that not every location is appropriate for a tree, and every aspect of promoting the health of a tree at any given location will be considered before planting.

It is sometimes the case that a tree is planted too close to underground utilities. If so, the tree may have to be removed in order to repair or replace a utility service. This action is only taken as a last resort, but it is a possibility.

Hazardous and Diseased Trees

The City Code of Iowa City considers trees fitting the description below to be a public nuisance:

Section 6-1-2. Public Nuisances

B. Diseased Or Damaged Trees Or Plant Materials: Any dead, diseased or damaged trees or plant materials which may harbor serious insect or disease pests or disease injurious to other trees or plant materials, or any healthy tree in such a state of deterioration that any part of such tree is likely to fall and damage property or cause injury to persons.

Any trees fitting the above description, whether on public or private property, should be reported to Forestry at 319-356-5100 ext. 2067

For trees located on private property, contact Neighborhood and Development Services at 319-356-5132.

Tree Removal

The Forestry Division, acting in the best interest of the trees and the public, determines whether a tree on City-owned property must be removed.

Reasons for tree removal from City-owned property may include:

Disease
Dead and/or declining
Structurally hazardous
Undesirable species
Threat to the health and well being of the public and or urban forest
Improper placement

Notice of Tree Removal From City-Owned Property

The immediately adjacent property owner(s) will be notified by written or personal contact.

The Forestry Division will explain the rationale behind the decision to remove a tree. The final decision as to whether a tree is removed rests with the Forestry Division.