The City is in the process of replanting trees. Click on the link below to learn more about the ReLeaf Cedar Rapids program and the City's replanting efforts. Citizens may also plant in the public right-of-way as long as they follow the guidelines and submit the appropriate permit.
Permit Application for Tree Planting in the Public Right-of-Way
ReLeaf Cedar Rapids
Right-of-Way Planting Requirements
Tree Species Recommendations
Tree Planting Tips Flyer
Tree Watering Tips
Replanting Private Trees
Trees in your yard, other than the street tree, may be planted this spring or next fall. The main planting cycles are April 1 to June 1 and September through Thanksgiving. A permit is not required. However, you should call Iowa One Call at 1-800-292-8989 before digging.
Review the tree planting lists to find trees that grow in our climate. Native trees are adapted to local growing conditions and ecosystems and often perform best over the long run. Most trees native to the Midwest should also perform well in Iowa. The lists also include many non-native tree species that are adapted well to this area and the stresses of urban environments. The best approach for selecting a tree to plant is to evaluate sunlight, soil volume and quality, water sources, and other physical conditions of the site.
We strongly encourage residents to choose native species that benefit pollinators or provide diversity in our tree canopy. Watch videos on how to plant a tree for the best success.
ReLeaf Tree List (Recommended)
List of Trees that Thrive in Cedar Rapids
Planting Videos
Watch these videos about choosing and planting a tree produced by Purdue University Extension.
Tree Planting Part 1: Choosing a Tree
Tree Planting Part 2: Planting Your Tree
Restricted Planting Lists
Prohibited trees
These trees are prohibited due to diseases, insects, structural concerns, and/or other concerns. Typically, there are other tree options that replicate these trees without the associated issues. With the exception of Red Maple, it is recommended that any specific Genus/species listed below not be planted on private property.
Common | Scientific |
Amur Corktree | Phellodendron amurense |
Ash (All species and cultivars) | Fraxinus sp. |
Austree | Salix alba x matsudana |
Birch, White/Paper | Betula papyrifera |
Boxelder | Acer negundo |
Conifers (evergreen species) | |
Cottonwood | Populus deltoides |
Elm, Siberian | Ulmus pumila |
Empress Tree/Princess Tree | Paulownia tomentosa |
Fruit and Nut trees over 1" | (walnut, apple, etc.) |
Maple, Red (All hybrids and cultivars) | Acer rubrum |
Maple, Silver (All hybrids and cultivars) | Acer saccharinum |
Mountainash | Sorbus Americana |
Mulberry (All species and cultivars) | Morus sp. |
Multi-Stem/Clump Form Trees | |
Pear (All species and cultivars) | Pyrus sp. |
Poplar (All species and cultivars) | Populus sp. |
Russian Olive | Elaeagnus angustifolia |
Tree of Heaven | Ailanthus altissima |
Trees with thorns on the main stem or lower canopy | |
Willow (All species and cultivars) | Salix sp. |
Woody, bushy shrubs |
Tree Species for Private Yards that Thrive in Cedar Rapids
The best approach for selecting a tree to plant is to evaluate sunlight, soil volume and quality, water sources, and other physical conditions of the site. Planting success may vary with specific circumstances. The following lists are recommendations for planting trees in private yards in Cedar Rapids to have the most success. The lists are not meant to be all-inclusive.
Overstory trees: Greater than 1,600 square feet of canopy at maturity
Mid-story/Mid-canopy trees: Approximately 900 square feet of canopy at maturity
Understory and Ornamental trees: Approximately 400 square feet of canopy at maturity
Planting recommendations for specific locations
Evergreen screening trees
Columnar trees for narrow spaces
Trees suitable for flood plains and wet sites
Trees moderate or greater tolerance of aerosol and soil salts
Trees that tolerate partial shade
Trees that tolerate dry conditions
Trees resistant to deer damage
Prohibited trees
Overstory trees
Overstory trees, greater than 1,600 square feet of canopy at maturity, typically reach a diameter-at-breast- height in excess of 25 inches and a height in excess of 60 feet at maturity. The spacing requirement for planting is 40 feet on center between both existing and replacement trees. New trees are to be 1 inch diameter at breast height or 4.5 ft. above grade. Please note: some species may not be permitted on the right-of-way but make fine private trees.
Common | Scientific | Variety |
Baldcypress | Taxodium distichum | ‘Shawnee Brave’ |
Catalpa, Northern | Catalpa speciosa | |
Dawn Redwood | Metasequoia glyptostroboides | ‘Gold Rush’ |
Elm, American/ Hybrid | Ulmus Americana/Ulmus x | ‘New Horizon’, ‘Accolade’ |
Ginkgo (male only) | Ginkgo biloba | ‘Samurai’, ‘Saratoga’, ’Shangri-la’ |
Hackberry, Common | Celtis occidentalis | ‘Prairie Pride’, ‘Chicagoland’ |
Hickory, Bitternut | Carya cordiformis | |
Hickory, Mockernut | Carya tomentosa | |
Hickory, Shagbark | Carya ovata | |
Honeylocust | Gleditsia triacanthos inermis | ‘Northern Acclaim’, ’Trueshade’ |
Horsechestnut | Aesculus hippocasteana | ‘Baumanii’ (seedless) |
Kentucky Coffeetree | Gymnocladus dioicus | PrairieTitan’,‘Espresso’(seedless) |
Linden, Silver | Tilia tomentosa | ‘Sterling’(Japanese beetle resistant) |
Locust, Black | Robinia psuedoacacia | ‘Chicago Blues’ |
Maple, Sugar | Acer saccharum | ‘Crescendo’, ‘Flax Mill Majesty’ |
Oak, Black | Quercus velutina | |
Oak, Bur | Quercus macrocarpa | |
Oak, MacDaniel’s | Quercus x macdanielli | ‘Heritage’ |
Oak, Northern Red | Quercus rubra | |
Oak, Pin | Quercus palustris | |
Oak, Swamp White | Quercus bicolor | |
Oak, White | Quercus alba | |
Sweetgum | Liquidambar styraciflua | ‘Rotundaloba’ (seedless) |
Sycamore | Platanus occidentalis | |
Tulip Tree | Liriodendron tulipifera | ‘Emerald City’ |
Walnut, Black | Juglans nigra | |
Zelkova, Japanese | Zelkova serrata | ‘Green Vase’, ‘Village Green’, |
Mid-canopy trees
Mid-canopy trees, approximately 900 square feet of canopy at maturity, typically reach a diameter-at-breast-height of 10-25 inches and a height of 30-60 feet at maturity. The spacing requirement for planting is 40 feet on center between both existing and replacement trees. New trees are to be 1 inch diameter at breast height or 4.5 ft. above grade. Please note: Some species may not be permitted on the right-of-way but make fine private trees.
Common | Scientific | Variety |
Alder, Black | Alnus glutinosa | ‘Pyramidalis’, ’Fastigiata’ |
Alder, Manchurian | Alnus hirsute | ‘Prairie Horizon’ |
Beech, European | Fagus sylvatica | ‘Cuprea’, ’Asplenifolia’, ‘Riversii’ |
Birch, River | Betula nigra | ‘Heritage’, ‘Dura-Heat’ |
Birch, Yellow | Betula alleghaniensis | |
Black Gum/Tupelo | Nyssa sylvatica | ‘Snow Flurries’, ‘Wildfire’ |
Buckeye | Aesculus sylvatica | ‘Autumn Splendor’ |
Buckeye, Red | Aesculus pavia | |
Buckeye, Ohio | Aesculus glabra | ‘Sunset’ |
Butternut | Juglans cinerea | |
Catalpa, Purple | Catalpa x erubescens | ‘Purpurea’ |
Elm, Lace Bark | Ulmus parvifolia | ‘Bosque’ |
Hardy Rubbertree | Eucommia ulmoides | |
Hophornbeam, American/Ironwood | Ostrya virginiana | |
Hornbeam, European | Carpinus betulus | ‘Fastigiata’, ’Frans Fontaine’ |
Horsechestnut, Red | Aesculus x carnea | ‘Ft. McNair’, ’Autumn Splendor’ |
Japanese Pagodatree | Sophora japonica | ‘Regent’, ‘Halka’ |
Katsura tree | Cercidiphyllum japonicum | ‘Red Fox’ |
Linden, American (+) | Tilia americana | |
Linden, Crimean (+) | Tilia x euchlora | |
Linden, Littleleaf (+) | Tilia cordata | ‘Shamrock’, ’Chancole’ |
London Planetree | Platanus x acerifolia | ‘Exclamation’, ‘Ovation’ |
Magnolia, Cucumbertree | Magnolia acuminata | |
Maple, Black | Acer nigrum | |
Maple, Miyabe | Acer miyabe | ‘State Street’ |
Oak, Bebb | Quercus x bebbiana | |
Oak, Chinkapin | Quercus muehlenbergii | |
Oak, English | Quercus robur | ‘Regal Prince’, ’Skymaster’ |
Oak, Hills/Northern Pin | Quercus ellipsoidalis | ‘Majestic Skies’ |
Oak, Sawtooth | Quercus acutissima | |
Oak, Scarlet | Quercus coccinea | |
Oak, Shingle | Quercus imbricaria | |
Oak, Ware’s | Quercus x warei | ’Chimney Fire’, ‘Nadler’ |
Turkish Filbert | Corylus colurna | |
Yellowwood, American | Cladrastis kentukea | ‘Perkins Pink’ |
(+)-Due to excessive defoliation by Japanese beetle, there is a temporary restriction on Linden plantings. Silver Lindens are allowed with permission of the City Arborist only, due to the resistance of the ‘Sterling’ cultivar.
Understory trees
Understory trees, approximately 400 square feet of canopy at maturity, typically reach a diameter-at-breast-height of less than 15 inches and a height of less than or equal to 30 feet at maturity. The spacing requirement is a minimum of 40 feet on center, between both existing and replacement trees. These trees are permitted only where site conditions do not allow the planting of overstory or mid-canopy trees. New trees are to be 1 inch diameter at breast height or 4.5 ft. above grade. These species will also be considered if the width of the parkway is 4 feet wide or less, pending review by the City Arborist. Please note: Some species may not be permitted on the right-of-way but make fine private trees.
Common | Scientific | Variety |
American Smoketree | Cotinus obovatus | |
Amur Maackia | Maackia amurensis | ‘Summertime’ |
Bald Cypress | Taxodium distichum | ’Skyward’ |
Crabapple (misc. cultivars) | Malus sp. | ½ inch or smaller, non-pendulous |
Dogwood, Flowering | Cornus florida | |
Dogwood, Corneliancherry | Cornus mas | ‘Golden Glory’ |
Dogwood, Kousa | Cornus kousa | |
Dogwood, Pagoda | Cornus alternifolia | |
Ginkgo | Ginkgo biloba (male only) | ‘Chi Chi’ |
Goldenraintree | Koelreuteria paniculata | ‘Fastigiata’, September’ |
Hawthorn, Thornless Cockspur | Crataegus crus-galli inermis | |
Hawthorn, Washington | Crataegus phaenopyrum | |
Hawthorn, Winter King Green | Crataegus viridis | ‘Winter King’ |
Hoptree/Waferash | Ptelea trifoliata | |
Hornbeam, American. (Musclewood) | Carpinus caroliniana | ‘J.N. Upright’, ‘Palisade’ |
Lilac, Japanese Tree | Syringa reticulata ssp. reticulata | ‘Ivory Silk’, ‘Summer Snow’ |
Lilac, Peking (China Snow) | Syringa pekinensis | |
Linden, Mongolian (+) | Tilia mongolica | ‘Harvest Gold’ |
Magnolia, Edith Brogue | Magnolia grandiflora | ‘Edith Brogue’ |
Magnolia, Sweetbay | Magnolia virginiana | |
Maple, Amur | Acer ginnala | ‘Flame’, ‘Ruby Slippers’ |
Maple, Hedge | Acer campestre | ‘Panacek’, ’Evelyn’ |
Maple, Korean | Acer pseudosieboldianum | |
Maple, Shantung | Acer truncatum | ‘Norwegian Sunset’ |
Maple, Sugar | Acer saccharum | ‘Sugar Cone’ |
Maple Tartarian | Acer tartaricum | ‘Summer Splendor’ |
Maple, Trident | Acer buergeranum | ‘Aeryn’ |
Redbud, Eastern | Cercis canadensis | ’Rising Sun’ |
Serviceberry | Amelanchier sp. | ‘Cumulus’,’Snowcloud’ |
Seven Son Flower | Heptacodium miconoides | |
White Fringetree | Chionanthus virginicus | |
Zelkova, Japanese | Zelkova serrata | ‘Wireless’ |
(+)-Due to excessive defoliation by Japanese beetles, there is a temporary restriction on Linden plantings.
Planting recommendations for specific location
Many trees below also are listed above; some are added because of their suitability for challenging locations. These lists include both ornamental and overstory/mid-story species.
Evergreen screening trees
This list is for use in buffer strips and on private property only. As a rule, evergreens require full sun and do not perform well in shade or partial shade.
Common | Scientific | Variety |
Arborvitae (White Cedar) | Thuja occidentalis | ‘Nigra’, ‘Techny’ |
Fir, Balsam | Abies balsamea | |
Fir, Concolor/White | Abies concolor | |
Fir, Douglas | Pseudotsuga menziesii | |
Fir, Fraser | Abies fraseri | |
Hemlock, Eastern | Tsuga canadensis | |
Pine, Limber | Pinus flexilis | ‘Vanderwolf’s Pyramid’ |
Pine, White | Pinus strobus | |
Red cedar, Eastern | Juniperus virginiana | ‘Canaertii’ |
Spruce, Norway | Picea abies | |
Spruce, Serbian | Picea omorika | |
Spruce, White | Picea glauca | ‘Densata’ |
Columnar trees for narrow spaces
Canopy heights with columnar form can vary, but canopy width is typically 15-25 feet. Some of these cultivars may not be as hardy as the standard species.
Common | Scientific | Variety |
Bald Cypress | Taxodium distichum | ‘Shawnee Brave’, ‘Skyward’ |
Beech, European | Fagus sylvatica | ‘Red Obelisk’ |
Dawn Redwood | Metasequoia glyptostroboides | |
Crabapple | Malus sp. | ‘Red Baron’,’Marilee’,‘Pink spires’ |
Crabapple, Siberian Columnar | Malus baccata | ‘Columnari’ |
Crabapple, Tschonoski | Malus tschonoskii | |
Ginkgo (male only) | ‘Princeton Sentry’ | |
Goldenraintree | Koelreuteria paniculata | ‘Fastigiata’ |
Hackberry, Common | Celtis occidentalis | ‘Prairie Sentinel’ |
Honeylocust | Gleditsia triacanthos inermis | ‘Street Keeper’ |
Hornbeam, European | Carpinus betulus | ‘Fastigiata’ |
Linden, Littleleaf | Tilia cordata | ‘Corinthian’ |
Maple, Black | Acer nigrum | ‘Green Column’ |
Maple, Sugar | Acer saccharum | ‘Endowment’ |
Oak, Bur | Quercus macrocarpa | ‘Urban Pinnacle’ |
Oak, English | Quercus robur | ‘Rose Hill’, Regal Prince’, |
Oak, English/White | Quercus bimundorum | ‘Crimson Spire’ |
Oak, Pin | Quercus palustris | ‘Green Pillar’ |
Oak, Ware’s | Quercus x warei | ‘Regal Prince’, ’Chimney Fire’ |
Sweetgum | Liquidambar styraciflua | ‘Emerald Sentinel’, ’Happidaze’ |
Tulip Tree | Liriodendron tulipifera | ‘Fastigiatum’ |
Zelkova, Japanese | Zelkova serrata | ‘Musashino’ |
Trees suitable for flood plains and wet sites
These species have variable degrees of tolerance to wet soils, from occasional pooling of water to regular flooding for a few days. See categories above for size of tree.
Common | Scientific |
Alder, Red | Alnus rubra |
Bald Cypress | Taxodium distichum |
Birch, River | Betula nigra |
Blackgum, Tupelo | Nyssa sylvatica, Nyssa aquatica |
Buckeye, Ohio | Aesculus glabra |
Dawn Redwood | Metasequoia glyptostroboides |
Dogwood, Pagoda | Cornus alternifolia |
Elm, Hybrid American | Ulmus americana |
Hackberry, Common | Celtis occidentalis |
Hornbeam, American. (Musclewood) | Carpinus caroliniana |
Kentucky Coffeetree | Gymnocladus dioicus |
Linden, American | Tilia americana |
Maple, Amur | Acer ginnala |
Oak, Bur | Quercus macrocarpa |
Oak, Swamp White | Quercus bicolor |
Redbud, Eastern | Cercis canadensis |
Serviceberry | Amelanchier sp. |
Sweetbay Magnolia | Magnolia virginiana |
Sweetgum | Liquidambar styraciflua |
Sycamore | Platanus occidentalis |
Trees moderate or greater tolerance of aerosol and soil salts
See categories above for size of tree. Cultivars noted are tolerant. Otherwise, the species is tolerant.
Common | Scientific | Variety |
Amur Maackia | Maackia amurensis | |
Bald Cypress | Taxodium distichum | |
Blackgum, Tupelo | Nyssa sylvatica, Nyssa aquatica | |
Catalpa, Northern | Catalpa speciosa | |
Ginkgo | Ginkgo biloba (male only) | |
Goldenraintree | Koelreuteria paniculata | |
Hackberry, Common | Celtis occidentalis | |
Hardy Rubbertree | Eucommia ulmoides | |
Honeylocust | Gleditsia triacanthos inermis | |
Horsechestnut | Aesculus hippocasteana | ‘Baumanii’ (seedless) |
Kentucky Coffeetree | Gymnocladus diocus | |
Lilac, Japanese Tree | Syringa reticulata ssp. reticulata | ‘Ivory Silk’, ‘Summer Snow’ |
Lilac, China Snow Peking | Syringa pekinensis | |
Locust, Black | Robinia psuedoacacia | |
London Planetree | Platanus x acerifolia | |
Maple, Hedge | Acer campestre | |
Maple, Miyabei | Acer miyabei | |
Oak, Bur | Quercus macrocarpa | |
Oak, English | Quercus robur | |
Oak, MacDaniel’s | Quercus x macdanielli | |
Oak, Sawtooth | Quercus acutissima | |
Oak, Swamp White | Quercus bicolor | |
Oak, White | Quercus alba | |
Red cedar, Eastern | Juniperus virginiana | |
Serviceberry | Amelanchier sp. | |
Spruce, Serbian | Picea omorika | |
Spruce, White | Picea glauca | |
Sycamore | Platanus occidentalis | |
Walnut, Black | Juglans nigra | |
Zelkova, Japanese | Zelkova serrata | ‘Village Green’ |
Trees that tolerate partial shade
Listed by genus unless noted. See categories above for size of tree.
Common | Scientific |
Hornbeam, American. (Musclewood) | Carpinus caroliniana |
Hophornbeam, American / Ironwood | Ostrya virginiana |
Amur Maackia | Maackia amurensis |
Birch, River | Betula nigra |
Buckeye | Aesculus sp. |
Dogwood | Cornus sp. |
Hornbeam, American/Musclewood | Carpinus caroliniana |
Maple, Amur | Acer ginnala |
Redbud, Eastern | Cercis canadensis |
Serviceberry | Amelanchier sp. |
Trees that tolerate dry conditions
Listed by genus unless noted. See categories above for size of tree.
Common | Scientific | Variety |
Catalpa, Northern | Catalpa speciosa | |
Elm, American/ Hybrid | Ulmus Americana/Ulmus x | |
Hackberry, Common | Celtis occidentalis | |
Hawthorn | Crataegus sp. | |
Honeylocust | Gleditsia triacanthos inermis | |
Hophornbeam, American / Ironwood | Ostrya virginiana | |
Kentucky Coffeetree | Gymnocladus dioicus | |
Locust, Black | Robinia psuedoacacia | |
Maple, Amur | Acer ginnala | |
Oak, Bur | Quercus macrocarpa | |
Oak, Chinkapin | Quercus muehlenbergii | |
Oak, Hills/Northern Pin | Quercus ellipsoidalis |
Trees resistant to deer damage
It is important to note that “resistant to” does not mean “immune to”. If deer are hungry enough, they will feed on these species. Deer will “rub” any species of tree.
Common | Scientific |
Elm, American/ Hybrid | Ulmus Americana/Ulmus x |
Ginkgo (male only) | Ginkgo biloba |
Hawthorn | Crataegus sp. |
Honeylocust | Gleditsia triacanthos inermis |
Kentucky Coffeetree | Gymnocladus dioicus |
Locust, Black | Robinia psuedoacacia |
Magnolia | Magnolia sp. |
Maple | Acer sp. |
Oak | Quercus sp. |
Tulip Tree | Liriodendron tulipifera |