HomeMy WebLinkAboutRight tree. Right location 2022-2023Tree vouchers are valid for 50% off the retail purchase price of one tree, up to a total cost savings of $125 (a $250 tree). The purchaser will be responsible
for any cost that exceeds this amount. Vouchers for an additional discount are available to income-eligible households.
Delivery and installation costs may not be included in the 50% calculation of the purchase price.
Trees obtained through this voucher program must be planted on the purchaser's private property. For residents wishing to plant their tree in the Right-of-
Way, a no-fee permit will require City approval before purchasing the tree.
Maple and pear tree varieties are not eligible for this program.
Vouchers are valid for Iowa City residents, only redeemable for one tree purchase, and limited to one tree per residential property.
Vouchers are valid from September 15, 2022, to May 15, 2023, while supplies last.
Contact Iowa One Call at 811 at least 72 hours prior to digging so that any utilities can be properly located.
Voucher Redemption
Vouchers may be redeemed at the following locations:
Earl May Garden Center
1901 Lower Muscatine Rd.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Iowa City Landscaping and Garden Center
520 Highway 1 W
Iowa City, IA 52246
Root for trees.
Visit icgov.org/root4trees for more information.
Trees are an intrinsic part of the quality of life in Iowa City. Trees can improve a neighborhood’s appearance and provide health benefits for residents. They can
offer shade and provide a wind break, which reduces energy bills. They also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, decrease runoff, and provide habitat
for birds and other urban wildlife. Because they have such a variety of benefits which improve our environment, they are an important part of the City’s Climate
Action Plan.
The City is working to grow and expand our tree canopy coverage and tree diversity. You can help by participating in the Root for Trees program. Fill out an
application to receive a tree voucher and save on the purchase of a tree at participating Iowa City locations. Trees obtained through the Root for Trees voucher
program must be planted on the purchaser's private property. For residents wishing to plant their tree in the Right-of-Way, a no-fee permit will require City
approval before purchasing the tree.
Tree voucher details.
Right tree. Right location.
Visit icgov.org/root4trees for more information.
Utilities (above and
below ground) Tree
size at maturity
Neighbors
Other structures
(garage, shed etc.)
Shade or sun growing
conditions
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Suggested tree types.Where to plant.
Draw a basic map of
your yard. Using your
map, have a look up,
down and all around.
Consider:
Large shade trees:
Larger sized with large
canopy of leaves.
Coniferous trees:
Cone bearing deciduous
trees or evergreens.
Ornamental or small
shade:
Smaller sized or for
decorative purposes.
Columnar trees:
Narrow, trees that take
up less space.
Groundwork.
Steps for success:
Complete application
Receive voucher via mail
Redeem your tree voucher
Plant your new tree Protect,
care, grow and enjoy!
American Hornbeam
Amur Maackia Black
Tupelo Hophornbeam
Ohio Buckeye
Serviceberry
Yellowwood
American Beech
European Beech
European
Hornbeam
Hackberry Kentucky
Coffeetree London
Plane Tree Northern
Catalpa
Columnar European
Beech
Columnar European
Hornbeam Columnar
Oak
Bald-Cypress
Concolor Fir
White Pine
Visit icgov.org/root4trees for more information.
BEFORE YOU DIG:
Contact Iowa One Call to locate any public underground lines at, 811 or iowaonecall.com
Right of way.
Trees obtained through the Root for Trees voucher program must be planted on the purchaser's private property. For residents wishing
to plant their tree in the Right-of-Way, a no-fee permit will require City approval before purchasing the tree.
Planting in the Right-Of-Way
“Street trees," typically grown in the City Right-Of-Way (ROW) improve a neighborhood’s curbside appearance and help provide a healthy local environment by producing
oxygen, removing carbon dioxide and air contaminants, and providing habitat for birds and other wildlife. Tree shade can substantially help to cool homes in the summer, and as
a windbreak which can conserve energy used for heating.
What is the City Right-Of-Way (ROW)?
The City Right-Of-Way (ROW), is intended for the movement of the public, including public utilities as defined by City Code 161A. The City ROW typically includes the sidewalk
and grassy area between the street and sidewalk, and is owned by the City, but maintained by the abutting property owners, with the exception of tree maintenance (City Code:
16-1A).
Planting within the City ROW
Trees: Planting a tree within the ROW requires a permit, which can be obtained by contacting the Forestry Division at www.icgov.org/tree-planting or at
319-356-5100.
Flowers and shrubs: Flowers and shrubs may be planted in the ROW provided they do not grow taller than 4 feet above the curb height and are contained 1 foot inside the
sidewalk edge and 1 foot inside the street curb edge. For example, if you have a six-foot-wide grass ROW, one foot in on any edge will allow you a four-foot-wide planting area in
the center (City Code: 14-5F).
Planting near a vision triangle: At the intersection of two roads, planted vegetation must be kept under 2-feet high in the vision triangle, which is 30-feet back from the point
where the street curb intersects. Outside of the vision triangle, vegetation must be kept under 4-feet tall (City Code: 14-5D), to avoid the obstruction of vision for travelers.
If you have questions about planting trees or other vegetation in the City ROW, please visit www.icgov.org/tree-planting, or contact Iowa City Housing & Inspections staff at
319-356-5135, or Forestry staff at the Iowa City Parks & Recreation Dept. at 319-356-5100.
Visit icgov.org/root4trees for more information.
BEFORE YOU DIG:
Contact Iowa One Call to locate any public underground lines at, 811 or iowaonecall.com
e)Fill the rest of the hole and water (slow
trickle) at the drip line for approximately 20
minutes or until soil is moist. Water your new
tree weekly for 30 minutes on a trickle at the
drip line.
f)Mulch away from the trunk around the tree in
a donut shape. No more than three inches deep,
and spread away from the tree as wide as three
to four feet.
Planting your new tree.
a)Dig a hole that is the depth of the
root ball and 3x the width.
b)Massage the root ball to loosen the
roots. This helps prevent roots from
strangling the tree.
c)Place tree in hole. The root collar/flare
should be above the ground by one to three
inches.
d)Backfill the hole half-way and straighten
tree. Do not add anything to the hole "for
drainage" such as rocks.
3X
Drip line
Your tree, year round.
Visit icgov.org/root4trees for more information.
Safety.Pruning.Mulch.Watering.
Safety first.
Always wear personal
protective equipment
that's right for the job:
gloves, eye protection
and proper footwear.
When in doubt, call a
professional. A certified
arborist knows best tree
care practices.
Avoid pruning when you
plant a new tree unless
you're removing dead
branches.
Dead or diseased
branches can be pruned
at any time of the year.
Less is more. In Iowa
City's climate trees need
pruning from time to
time.
New trees less than 3
years old
Water your tree when the
ground is not frozen.
(spring, summer and fall)
Put your hose at the drip
line, water weekly for 30
minutes on a trickle.
Mature trees more than 3
years old
Water your tree in
drought conditions when
the ground is not frozen.
(spring, summer and fall)
Put your hose at the drip
line, water biweekly for
30 minutes on a trickle.
Mulch helps retain water
and insulate roots.
Mulch should be 3 inches
deep, kept away from the
trunk, and spread out as
wide as three to four feet
in a doughnut shape.
It can be replenished every
two to three years.
Look at each of your trees.
Check to see if there is a disturbance in the soil, cracks in the trunk
and/or main branches.
Be cautious.
When assessing damaged trees be on the lookout for hazardous
trees with broken limbs that could cause damage.
Call a professional.
Call a certified arborist to help clear debris, assess and properly
prune your damaged trees.
Chewing insects.
Eat plant tissue like leaves, flowers, buds, roots and twigs.
Sucking insects.
Insert their mouths into the tissue of the tree and feed on the
juices.
Boring insects.
Spend time feeding beneath the bark of the tree as a young
insect.
Tree health: storms, diseases and pests.
Visit icgov.org/root4trees for more information.
Storm damage.Diseases.
Iowa City has year-round weather ranging from snowstorms, powerful
winds, and severe thunderstorms with lighting strikes and hail. Take the
steps after a storm to check your trees and help them recover.
Pests.
Trees under stress can become prone to pests.
Tree stressors include drought, broken branches, cracks in the trunk, and
roots sitting in too much water.
REMEMBER: The easiest way to help prevent and manage pests and disease is to keep your trees healthy by watering,
mulching, and pruning when needed. When in doubt, call a professional.