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Tree Protection in Des Moines, IA (2026)

1 verified tree protection rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Parkway Planting

Des Moines requires a forestry division permit before anyone plants a tree in the parkway between the sidewalk and street, and can deny it if the planting would create a hazard or harm existing trees.

Des Moines Street Tree Planting Permit

Significant Restrictions

Des Moines Municipal Code § 122-15

No person shall plant or set out any tree in or on any public highway, street or boulevard or other city property without first obtaining a permit from the forestry division, which shall designate where such plantings may be done. The permit shall be denied if such planting is likely to create a public danger or nuisance or would be harmful to existing trees, shrubs, flowers, plants or facilities.

Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.

Tree Protection in Polk County