Des Moines, IA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Forestry division permit before planting
- Covers
- Streets, boulevards, highways, city property
- Denial grounds
- Danger, nuisance, or harm to plants
- Cost
- Assessable against abutting property owner
- Citation
- Municipal Code § 122-15
Summary
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.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Municipal Code § 122-15, no one may plant or set out a tree in a public street, boulevard, highway right-of-way, or other city property in Des Moines without a permit from the forestry division, which designates where planting is allowed. The division denies permits likely to create a public danger or nuisance, or that would harm existing trees, shrubs, flowers, plants, or facilities. A permit holder is exempt from the separate right-of-way permit requirement in section 102-660. The city assesses planting, pruning, or removal costs against the abutting property under section 122-16.
Violations & Fines
Planting a tree in the street right-of-way without a forestry division permit is a code violation; the city can order removal and assess the removal cost against the abutting property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the parkway strip in Des Moines?
Can the city deny my tree-planting permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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