Cedar Rapids

City of Cedar Rapids & Monarch Research

City of Cedar Rapids Right-of-Way Tree Restoration Program Pilot

Spring 2024 Ordering Is NOW OPEN

Monarch Research (MR), in partnership with the City of Cedar Rapids, is excited to announce the Cedar Rapids Right-of-Way (ROW) Tree Restoration Program for area residents. The primary goal of the city-wide initiative is to provide residents and landowners subject to ROW easements, with native Iowa trees to replace trees lost during the 2020 derecho, and to establish new growth in areas that were previously vacant.

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WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The program is open to Cedar Rapids residents and landowners who have suitable space for tree plantings in the Right-of-Way (ROW) easement adjacent to their property.

What is the Right-of-Way? The public right-of-way (ROW) is land that is owned by the City. The width of the right-of-way is not standard and is often different from street to street. In Iowa, the right-of-way is maintained by the property owner adjacent to the right-of-way, with the exception of right-of-way trees, which are the responsibility of the municipality to maintain.

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • The program is limited to Cedar Rapids residents and landowners who register online.
  • For this pilot project, a total of 50 trees will be available and all trees will be oaks. Trees will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, on per address.
  • Only residents with property on streets with speed limits 25 MPH or less and rights -of-way 8 feet or greater are eligible for trees through this pilot project.
  • City staff will conduct site visits to mark all available planting sites at a residence and participants will be asked to plant the tree in one of those locations.
  • Residents will pick up trees at the City Services Center (500 15th Ave SW) at a pre-arranged distribution date/time.
  • Residents will be responsible for securing the right-of-way permit and utility locates. Both are free. Information about how to secure a right-of-way permit can be found here. Utility locates can be requested through Iowa OneCall by dialing 811. Note: you do not need to request the permit before ordering a tree.

NOTE: Recipients are responsible for the planting, watering and care of trees.

Download Planting and Care Tips.

BEFORE REGISTERING

  • The right-of-way planting strip must be no less than 8 feet from the curb to the sidewalk. If no sidewalk exists and you are not sure of the depth of the right-of-way at your home, you may call the City of Cedar Rapids (319-286-5712) to verify right-of-way depth.
  • The right-of-way must not have any overhead powerlines.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

  • Residents and landowners will complete an online form.
  • ALL registration orders will be received during the online ordering window (March 7 – March 27, 2024(

 Check out the 2024 Tree Species Selections:

Cedar Rapids ROW Pilot Tree Selections

 

TREE DISTRIBUTION & PLANTING

  • Trees will be distributed in mid-April.
  • Once orders are complete and the registration surveys have been conducted, specific details will be communicated to each order recipient including final species approved and dates and times for pickup.
  • Fencing and tree protection supplies are also available free of charge and will be distributed when trees are picked up. These supplies include the following items:
    • a 5′ tall pre-cut galvanized steel fence roll
    • a steel stake for fence support with zip ties
    • a plastic trunk protector.
  • It is encouraged that participants arrive at distribution in a vehicle capable of hauling all trees and supplies included as part of their registration.

Planting and Care Instructions are available online. Click here to view and download.

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