Landscaping Rules in Des Moines, IA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Des Moines Tree Trimming Street Clearance Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 122-10(b)
The owner of any tree, shrub or plant protruding into or overhanging a street or sidewalk shall trim the branches thereof to remove any obstruction of the view of any streetlamp, street sign, traffic control device or street intersection. Notwithstanding the requirements of section 114-14 of this Code, a clear space of eight feet above the surface of the sidewalk and a clear space of 12 feet ab...
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.
Des Moines Tree Removal Mitigation Plan
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 42-553(a)
Any person seeking city approval of any of the following development activities is subject to the requirements of this article. No city permits or approvals shall be given for any of the following development activities until the applicant has received approval of a tree removal and mitigation plan as provided in this article for the affected property. (1) A grading permit pursuant to article I...
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.
Des Moines Weed and Grass Height Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 42-568
(1)The property owner of all developed lots within the city shall keep the property free from weeds.(2)Property owners of developed lots may not allow grass on such lot to exceed ten inches in height.(3)Property owners of developed lots may not allow for the uncontrolled growth of vegetation in areas unfit or unreasonable for such growth as determined by the weed official.
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.
Des Moines Native Plant Landscaping Allowance
Few RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 42-569(4)
(4) Native vegetation. Purposefully-planted native vegetation shall be permitted to exceed ten inches in height provided they do not constitute a nuisance under this Code;
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Polk County →