Cedar Rapids, IA · Linn County
Tree removal in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids lost at least half its tree canopy in the August 10, 2020 derecho, when winds equal to a Category 2 hurricane tore through the city. Today, most tree work here is dealing with damaged survivors, removing dead ash and replanting. A tree that made it through 2020 with cracks, twists or lifted roots can still fail years later.
The August 2020 derecho brought winds up to 140 mph in parts of eastern Iowa. Cedar Rapids estimated it lost at least half its canopy, with some estimates near 70 percent, and recovering that canopy could take more than 60 years. Whole neighborhoods lost their street trees and backyard shade in an afternoon.
The trees left standing carry the storm's damage. Twisted trunks, cracked branch unions and partly lifted root plates don't always show from the ground, and those trees can decline or fail in later storms. Alongside them, untreated ash killed by emerald ash borer are brittle and dangerous.
Reviewed and updated
Derecho survivors, ash and storms
Derecho survivors
Trees cracked, twisted or partly uprooted in 2020 may fail years later.
Emerald ash borer
Untreated ash are dead or declining and brittle.
Summer storms
Severe thunderstorms and wind across open eastern Iowa.
Replanting
Young trees planted since 2020 need structural pruning to grow strong.
What the derecho did to Cedar Rapids
Winds equal to a Category 2 hurricane crossed the city on August 10, 2020. Tens of thousands of trees came down on houses, cars and streets, and the city estimated at least half its canopy was gone. Cleanup took months; replanting will take decades.
Older neighborhoods and new subdivisions
Older neighborhoods near downtown and along the Cedar River have smaller lots with mature trees close to houses and overhead lines; newer subdivisions have younger trees, many replanted after 2020.
Silver maples, ash, oaks and young trees
- Silver maple
- Large, brittle; heavily damaged in 2020
- Ash
- Emerald ash borer; treat or remove
- Bur and swamp white oak
- Wind-firm natives; good replacements
- Hackberry and honeylocust
- Common street trees
- Young replacement trees
- Need early structural pruning
Assessing a derecho survivor
Crack at a major fork
- What it means
- Structural failure starting
Twisted or spiraled bark split
- What it means
- Internal trunk damage
Soil lifted on one side
- What it means
- Root anchorage compromised
Large dead limbs years after the storm
- What it means
- Decline from storm wounds
Fungi at old wound sites
- What it means
- Decay spreading
Iowa rules and recovery programs
- Iowa has no statewide permit for private yard trees; Cedar Rapids manages public street trees.
- The Iowa DNR surveyed derecho tree losses statewide 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.
Cedar Rapids services
For cracked or twisted derecho survivors.
For ash killed by emerald ash borer.
After summer storms.
Structural pruning for replacement trees.
Before replanting.
Cedar Rapids tree questions
How much of Cedar Rapids' canopy was lost in the 2020 derecho?
The city estimated at least half, with some estimates near 70 percent, and recovery could take more than 60 years.
My tree survived the derecho. Is it safe now?
Not necessarily. Cracked unions, twisted trunks and partly lifted roots can lead to failure years later. Have survivors near the house assessed.
Should I prune the young trees I planted after the derecho?
Yes. Early structural pruning gives them a single strong leader and well-spaced limbs, so they hold up better in the next storm.
What should I plant to replace lost trees in Cedar Rapids?
A diverse mix, avoiding ash, with wind-firm natives like bur and swamp white oak where there's room.
Who handles a tree on power lines in Cedar Rapids?
Alliant Energy, and 911 for sparks or fire.
Is a dead ash in my yard dangerous?
Yes. Dead ash become brittle and drop limbs or fail without warning.
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Need tree help in Cedar Rapids?
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.