City Inquiring About Trees That Can be Repurposed for Holiday Use

The City’s Forestry division is seeking fir, pine, or spruce trees that owners intend to remove due to the tree growing too large for the space where it was planted, or not being in good enough health to survive. For the past twenty-five years, trees in this condition have been donated to the City as a Christmas tree for Greene Square. Following the derecho, the list of possible trees has been depleted. The City is inquiring if any trees are available for the lighting this year and over the next few years. Eligible trees must be planned for removal due to circumstances that cannot be remedied, be more than 25 feet in height, and located in a spot that is not difficult to access.

The City values every tree in Cedar Rapids, and now - more than ever – is sensitive to the loss of any tree. Trees decorated for the holidays are only used if they would be removed anyway and can be repurposed. Healthy trees will not be considered for removal for decorative purposes. If you have a tree that meets the conditions described, email forestry@cedar-rapids.org with the owner’s name, address, and information about the tree.