West Des Moines, IA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

City Code section 7-10-7(G) ties parkway and right-of-way tree species to two Iowa State University extension bulletins, Pm-1429e 'Street Trees' and Pm-1429d 'Low-Growing Trees for Urban and Rural Iowa,' copies of which are available at City offices and the Polk County Extension Office; any tree not on those lists, but not otherwise prohibited, still needs the City Forester's discretionary review and approval. Planting also requires the section 7-10-6 permit process: the City Forester issues a planting permit only when the new planting is desirable, the workmanship will be satisfactory and it conforms to the City Forestry Standards of Practice and Specifications, and denies a permit likely to create a future nuisance or danger.

Any tree planted in the right-of-way or on public property under this chapter becomes city property. Section 7-10-7(D) layers on a 'vision triangle' limit at corner lots and lots next to an alley: within 25 feet of the right-of-way intersection, plantings cannot exceed 2 feet in height, and the lowest branches of trees planted outside that triangle must still clear 10 feet where they extend into it, measured from curb elevation, with the city having sole discretion to find a vision obstruction. Section 7-10-7(F) also lets the City Forester maintain an official list of trees prohibited from public property, available at City offices and online.

Improperly planted trees, meaning those planted without authorization or against the standards, are subject to removal by the City Forester after notice under section 7-10-6(D).