Des Moines Tree Pruning Ordinance & Memorial Contacts

Parks and Public Spaces Iowa 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, tree pruning and memorial tree requests on city property are managed by Parks and Recreation and related city departments. This guide summarizes who to contact, how the city handles pruning and memorial planting requests, and where to find official rules and forms. It is intended for residents, neighborhood associations, and contractors who need to report hazardous trees, request pruning in the public right-of-way, or inquire about memorial tree donations on parkland. For official program details and the city contact, see the Parks and Recreation page for tree programs[1].

Overview

The City of Des Moines maintains urban trees on parkland and in many public rights-of-way; private property owners are generally responsible for trees on their property. Requests for city pruning, removals, or memorial plantings begin with Parks and Recreation or the Forestry unit. Emergency removal of hazardous trees is prioritized. For the controlling ordinance text and municipal provisions on trees, consult the Des Moines Code of Ordinances[2].

Contact Parks and Recreation first for memorial tree inquiries.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of tree-related rules involves municipal staff and may include orders to remediate hazards, fines, or court action. Specific monetary fines and statutory section references are not detailed on the cited city pages; see the municipal code for formal ordinance language and penalties[2].

  • Enforcer: Parks and Recreation Forestry staff and Code Enforcement inspect and enforce tree regulations.
  • Fines: precise fine amounts are not specified on the cited page; consult the code for dollar amounts and schedules.[2]
  • Escalation: the code or administrative rules describe first, repeat, or continuing offences; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, removal directives, lien procedures, and court referrals may be used where authorized by ordinance.
  • Complaint & inspection pathway: report hazardous or ordinance-violating trees to Parks and Recreation or Code Enforcement (see Help and Support / Resources below).
  • Appeals: appeal or administrative review routes are governed by municipal procedure; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed in the ordinance text.[2]
If exact penalty amounts are needed, consult the municipal code directly.

Applications & Forms

The Parks and Recreation site lists memorial tree services and contact points, but a formal published application or fee schedule is not specified on the cited page; contact the parks office for the current memorial tree request form or donation procedures[1].

How to request pruning or a memorial tree

  • Identify whether the tree is on public property or private property before contacting the city.
  • Contact Parks and Recreation or Forestry with the tree location, photos, and description of the issue.
  • Follow any instructions from city staff, which may include inspection scheduling, application for a memorial, or contract bidding for removal.
  • Pay any required fees or donation amounts as directed by the parks office; fee details should be confirmed with staff.

FAQ

Who is responsible for pruning trees in the public right-of-way?
The city manages trees on parkland and certain rights-of-way; private owners are responsible for trees on their property. Contact Parks and Recreation to confirm jurisdiction.[1]
Can I plant a memorial tree in a Des Moines park?
Memorial trees are typically handled through Parks and Recreation; contact the parks office for program details and any application or donation requirements.[1]

How-To

  1. Locate the tree and note whether it is on parkland or private property.
  2. Contact Parks and Recreation with address, photo, and description of the request.
  3. Submit any requested form or documentation supplied by city staff for memorial tree or pruning requests.
  4. Complete payment or donation procedures if required and confirm planting/pruning schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Parks and Recreation first for public-tree pruning and memorial tree requests.
  • Municipal code contains the formal ordinance language and penalty details; check the code for specifics.
  • Keep photos and precise locations to speed inspections and requests.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Des Moines Parks & Recreation - programs and contacts
  2. [2] Des Moines Code of Ordinances - municipal code

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