Around 520 ash trees slated for removal this winter

Following DNR recommendations, Cedar Rapids City Arborist and Public Works staff have recently completed the second review of ash trees populations in the city.

Iowa DNR recommends communities conduct reviews to determine the health and potential hazards of their ash trees. If an ash tree is declining, dying or in poor condition, removal and replacement with other species to improve the diversity of the area is desired.

If an ash tree is declining, dying or in poor condition, removal and replacement with other species to improve the diversity of the area is desired.  Based on City of Cedar Rapids street surveys, there are roughly 9,000 to 12,000 ash trees in Cedar Rapids in right-of-ways plus additional trees in public parks.

Findings show that there are approximately 520 trees in 440 locations throughout the city recommended for removal.   170 of the 520 total are high priority removals due to hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions.

In August, Public Works staff will send letters of explanation to impacted property owners. Removal is scheduled to begin winter 2010. Citizens with questions regarding the health or a potential hazard condition of any public tree can call Public Works at 286-5802 or email

street@cedar-rapids.org to have it inspected.