Dead Tree Removal in Iowa

Iowa has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots; cities manage street trees between the sidewalk and curb. After the 2020 derecho, the Iowa DNR surveyed urban tree losses and supports community replanting through its urban forestry program.

Ash: emerald ash borer; mostly dead unless treated Silver maple: large, brittle; frequent storm breakage Bur and white oak: native, wind-firm, long-lived

Spring–summer: Severe storms and derechos Winter: Ice and snow; planned removals on frozen ground

Untreated ash in yards and along streets are dead or declining.

The August 2020 derecho destroyed an estimated 7.2 million trees statewide.

Freezing rain and wet snow break silver maples and ash.