Des Moines's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Des Moines requires a city-approved tree removal and mitigation plan before any grading permit, site plan, or subdivision plat is granted: cutting mature trees or canopied area on private land outside those approvals triggers no separate city permit.

Key details: Trigger: Grading permit, site plan, or plat. Mature tree: 12+ inches diameter at breast height. Mitigation ratio: 1 tree per 2,000 sq ft canopy removed. Administered by: Community development director. Enforced by: Zoning enforcement officer.

Removing trees beyond what an approved plan allows, or removing them without a required plan, is a municipal infraction carrying a civil penalty under City Code § 1-15, enforced by the zoning enforcement officer; the city may also seek injunctive relief under § 42-557.

Native Plants

Des Moines exempts purposefully-planted native vegetation from the city's 10-inch weed and grass height limit, letting homeowners maintain natural or prairie-style landscaping without violating the general nuisance-vegetation ordinance.

Key details: General height limit: 10 inches for grass/weeds. Native plant exception: Sec. 42-569(4), no height cap. Condition: Must not become a nuisance. Noxious weeds: Still barred under Iowa Code Ch. 317.1A. Enforced by: City weed official.

Unresolved violations get a 10-day abatement notice from the weed official; if not corrected, the city cuts the growth and assesses the cost against the property like a tax.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Des Moines gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

Weed Ordinances

Des Moines caps grass and weeds at ten inches on developed lots citywide, with exceptions for vegetable and flower gardens, native plantings and farmland, enforced by the neighborhood inspections administrator.

Key details: Grass/weed height limit: 10 inches maximum on developed lots. Enforcing office: Neighborhood inspections administrator (weed official). Notice before abatement: 10 days by mail, publication or placard. Nonpayment consequence: Admin fee plus cost assessed as tax lien.

Missed abatement deadlines bring city mowing, an administrative fee, and the full cost assessed against the property as a tax lien; repeat or willful violations can bring misdemeanor or municipal infraction fines under § 1-15.

Tree Trimming

Des Moines requires owners of trees overhanging a street or sidewalk to trim branches so streetlamps, signs, and intersections stay visible, keeping 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 12 feet over streets.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: 8 feet minimum. Street clearance: 12 feet minimum. Who trims: Property owner, not the city. If ignored: City trims, bills via property tax. Penalty: Misdemeanor or municipal infraction.

Failure to comply after notice: forestry division removes the obstructing branches and certifies removal costs to the county auditor, collected like property taxes; violators also risk misdemeanor or municipal infraction penalties under § 122-26.

The Bottom Line

Des Moines's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Des Moines is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Des Moines's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.