Tree Removal and Planting

The Parks, Recreation, and Public Property oversees trees on the public right of way.

Tree Questions

To report a tree problem, please call the Parks,Recreation and Public Property office at (712) 328-4650. An inspection will be made to determine what needs to be done with the tree. You will receive a notice in the mail of the work to be completed. Call the same number for information on planting trees on a right of way.

2010 "Plant Some Shade" is finally here!

Plant some shade is a partnership initiative to aid long-term energy and natural resource conservation. The propgram is funded by MidAmerica Energy and administered by the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board, City of Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation, Council Bluffs Trees Forever and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Bureau of Forestry.

2010 Plant Some Shade Tree Descriptions

Council Bluffs Master Street Tree Plan

The following form is a list of approved trees that can be planted as street trees, along with minimum spacing requirements.

Click here to download Master Street Tree Plan

Why Trees? 15 reasons why trees make a difference.

• Trees Clean the Air: According to U.S. Forestry research, the average tree in a residential yard will annually clean about 330 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis.

• Trees Provide Wildlife Homes: Trees provide habitats for birds, mammals and insects. They also provide shade for cold-water streams where trout live.

• Trees Prevent Soil Erosion: Tree roots help reduce erosion by holding the soil in place so it isn't easily washed or blown away.

• Trees Help Build Soil: Decaying leaves and roots return nutrients to the soil and help build a healthier structure that is more effective at absorbing rainwater.

• Trees Decrease Flooding: Trees reduce flooding by helping to reduce runoff. Studies have shown that a typical forest of 10,000 trees will retain approximately 10 million gallons of rainwater per year.

• Trees Produce Oxygen: An average tree can provide enough oxygen for a family of four each day, through photosynthesis.

• Trees Increase Property Value: Trees add appeal to homes and residential areas.

• Trees Save Energy: Trees help protect us from wind and sun, helping us to reduce our need for indoor heat and air-conditioning.

• Trees Provide Food: Trees provide us with food, such as fruits and nuts, give us wood to build shelters, and provide pulp for paper products.

• Trees Cool Hot Summer Days: Trees help cool the air though evapotranspiration - the release of moisture through the leaves.

• Trees Reduce Stress: Trees planted along highways and city streets have been shown to reduce driver's stress and reduce speeds.

• Trees Appeal to Shoppers: Mature trees in business districts have been shown to positively affect shoppers' perceptions and behaviors.

• Trees Make Us Feel Better: Researchers have found that having physical or visual access to a treed landscape has been shown to help workers deal with fatigue. A view of trees has also been shown to help hospital patients recover faster.

• Trees Reduce Crime: Neighborhoods with more trees have been shown to have lower crime rates.

• Trees Help Kids Learn: Studies have shown that students' attention spans are increased when they have a view that includes trees and other vegetation.