Midwest region
Tree removal and tree care in Iowa
Iowa's defining tree event is the August 10, 2020 derecho, which brought winds up to 140 mph and destroyed an estimated 7.2 million trees, including about 4.5 million in cities, according to the Iowa DNR. Cedar Rapids lost roughly half its canopy or more. Today, most Iowa tree work is derecho-damaged survivors, dead ash from emerald ash borer, and ice and wind storms.
City guides in Iowa
The 2020 derecho crossed the state in hours. Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Davenport took the largest tree losses, and the Iowa DNR estimated cities lost about 13 percent of their 34 million urban trees. Survivors were often twisted, cracked or stripped, and many have declined since, so trees that made it through 2020 still deserve a careful look.
Iowa's urban forests were heavy on ash before emerald ash borer, which is now widespread, and on silver maples that break in storms. Replanting with a more diverse mix of species is the long-term goal the DNR and cities have pursued since the derecho.
Reviewed and updated
What the 2020 derecho did to Iowa
On August 10, 2020, a derecho with winds up to 140 mph crossed Iowa in hours. Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Davenport took the largest losses. The Iowa DNR estimated 7.2 million trees destroyed statewide and about 32,773 acres of urban canopy damaged. Cedar Rapids estimates it lost at least half its canopy, and recovering it could take more than 60 years.
For homeowners, the derecho's legacy is in the survivors: trees with cracked unions, twisted trunks or partly lifted roots that look fine but are weaker than before.
Derechos, ash, ice and damaged survivors
Derechos
The August 2020 derecho destroyed an estimated 7.2 million trees statewide.
Emerald ash borer
Untreated ash in yards and along streets are dead or declining.
Ice storms and heavy snow
Freezing rain and wet snow break silver maples and ash.
Damaged survivors
Trees cracked or twisted in 2020 can fail years later.
Iowa city guidance
Cedar Rapids lost more canopy than any other Iowa city in 2020, and its guide covers recovery, replanting, structural pruning for young trees, and how to judge derecho-damaged survivors that are still standing near houses.
The 2020 derecho, canopy loss and replanting.
Iowa's maples, ash, oaks and cottonwoods
- Silver maple
- Large, brittle; frequent storm breakage
- Ash
- Emerald ash borer; mostly dead unless treated
- Bur and white oak
- Native, wind-firm, long-lived
- Hackberry and honeylocust
- Common street trees
- Cottonwood
- Huge along rivers; heavy limb drop
Iowa services by risk
After derechos and ice storms.
For ash killed by emerald ash borer.
For cracked derecho survivors.
To check trees that made it through 2020.
Iowa's storm calendar
Iowa's tree emergencies cluster in late spring and summer, when derechos and severe thunderstorms cross the state, and in winter, when ice and wet snow load limbs. Fall is the best planting window for replacement trees.
- Spring–summer
- Severe storms and derechos
- Winter
- Ice and snow; planned removals on frozen ground
- Fall
- Good time to plant replacement trees
Iowa tree rules
- 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.
Sources (checked 2026-10-03)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Iowa tree questions
How many trees did Iowa lose in the 2020 derecho?
The Iowa DNR estimated about 7.2 million, including roughly 4.5 million urban trees, about 13% of the state's urban trees.
Should I remove a tree that survived the 2020 derecho?
Not automatically, but twisted, cracked or partly uprooted survivors can decline and fail years later. Have ones near the house assessed.
Is emerald ash borer in Iowa?
Yes, it's widespread. Untreated ash are dead or declining and become brittle.
What should Iowans plant after losing trees?
A diverse mix of species, avoiding ash and favoring long-lived natives like bur and white oak where there's room.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Iowa?
Not statewide for private yard trees. Street trees between the sidewalk and curb are usually city-managed.
When is the best time to remove trees in Iowa?
Winter, on frozen ground, for planned work; dead trees near houses should come down sooner.
Need tree help in Iowa?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.