City of Cedar Rapids

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 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.

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.

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.

(+)-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.

(+)-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.

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.

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.

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.

Trees that tolerate partial shade
Listed by genus unless noted. See categories above for size of tree.

Trees that tolerate dry conditions
Listed by genus unless noted. See categories above for size of tree.

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.