How ReLeaf Cedar Rapids is Restoring Our Urban Forest

The Emerald City, once known for its mature, historic, green canopy covering the majority of our parks and streets, is not nearly as green and majestic as it was just a few years ago. The devastating inland hurricane destroyed 65% of the city’s trees in less than an hour.

Unfortunately, true recovery will take decades. Efforts around the city are well underway to replant our city and invest in a greener future. But the work is far from over. Keep reading to learn more about ReLeaf Cedar Rapids, and how any homeowner, business owner, or Cedar Rapids resident can support their street, neighborhood, and city by getting involved.

Key Takeaways:

• ReLeaf Cedar Rapids aims to plant 42,000 trees by 2030, with over 11,000 already planted as part of the city’s recovery from the devastating 2020 derecho.
• The plan emphasizes planting diverse native species in strategic locations to maximize benefits like reducing energy costs and creating more inviting neighborhoods.
• Community involvement is essential to the plan’s success, with multiple programs available for residents to participate in planting and caring for trees.
• While new plantings are important, protecting and preserving surviving mature trees is just as important, since they provide immediate benefits that young trees won’t match for decades.

The Cedar Rapids Derecho and Its Impact on Our Trees

When the derecho slammed into Cedar Rapids on August 10, 2020, it brought winds equivalent to an F3 tornado, with sustained speeds of 100 to 130 mph. The damage was swift and devastating:

• Nearly 670,000 trees destroyed, representing 65% of the city’s tree canopy
• More than 4,600 utility poles required replacement
• Over 1,000 homes left uninhabitable, with 250 destroyed completely
• Power outages affecting 98% of Cedar Rapids residents
• A debris pile 50% larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza
• Cleanup efforts lasting many months
• More than $7.5 billion in damages across the Midwest

But the most visible and lasting impact remains the dramatic change to Cedar Rapids’ skyline. Streets that were once shaded by cathedral arches of mature oaks and maples now lie exposed to sun and wind. Backyards once filled with birds and butterflies are often void of wildlife.

Thousands of homeowners who used to look out their window and see nothing but green, now have a view of their neighbors’ homes, busy roads, or shopping centers. Parks that provided cool refuge on hot summer days lost many of their oldest and most majestic trees.

The impacts aren’t just visual. The lack of a tree canopy means less shade, higher cooling costs in the summer, and a more dramatic heat island effect. Without many mature trees, birds and wildlife have nowhere to go. And property values experience sharp declines.

The need to restore the urban canopy, from street trees to backyard shade trees, is so great. And that’s where ReLeaf Cedar Rapids comes into the picture.

“It is possible that no other weather event in modern history has killed so many city trees.” -Authors of ReLeaf Cedar Rapids

How ReLeaf Cedar Rapids Came to Be

ReLeaf Cedar Rapids is a 10-year plan that will guide the city, commercial property owners, homeowners, and non-profit organizations to work together to restore the urban canopy. While many wanted to start replanting immediately after the storm, city leaders and forestry experts knew that careful planning would lead to better outcomes for everyone, and a more resilient canopy in the future.

The entire first year after the storm was spent meticulously crafting what would become ReLeaf Cedar Rapids. The City of Cedar Rapids partnered with Trees Forever, Jeff Speck & Associates, and Confluence Inc. to create more than just a replanting plan.

According to the plan’s authors, “Cedar Rapids has a real opportunity here, not just to restore its canopy, but to do so in a way that maximizes so many of the things that residents care about: neighborhood beauty, comfort, and resilience; supporting wildlife and limiting global warming; empowering young people and improving equity; and even helping to create community.”

The Plan to Bring Trees Back

The ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan aims to plant more than 42,000 trees in parks and along the streets of Cedar Rapids by 2030. But it’s not just about planting any tree. It’s about planting the right trees, in the right location, and caring for them properly, to create a thriving, beneficial canopy that will be around for generations to come.

And it’s not just about a select group of people doing all the work. It’s a collaborative effort, involving the entire city. Only when everyone is on board can the plan be truly successful.

And here’s the good news – progress is already visible across Cedar Rapids. As of January 2025, more than 11,000 ReLeaf trees have already been planted since the program began, with thousands more scheduled for the coming planting seasons. Each new tree brings the city closer to its vision of a greener, more resilient future.

The Importance of Tree Species Diversity for a Stronger Future

One of the most important lessons learned from the derecho was the danger of planting too many of the same type of tree. Before the storm, many Cedar Rapids streets were lined with similar species, making entire neighborhoods vulnerable when diseases or storms struck. The new plan takes a smarter approach.

The ReLeaf plan emphasizes planting a diverse mix of trees, with special focus on native species that are naturally adapted to Iowa’s climate. Native trees also provide essential food and shelter for local wildlife, from songbirds to beneficial insects. The plan includes large shade trees like oaks and hickories, along with smaller flowering trees for areas near power lines.

Property owners are encouraged to plant trees on their property, and along the street, but should choose trees from the ReLeaf Master Tree List. Shade trees are preferred, except for areas near powerlines, where smaller ornamental trees would be better.

How You Can Get Involved

It takes a village to not just plant 42,000 trees in 10 years, but to nurture those trees and ensure they are healthy and successful. ReLeaf Cedar Rapids relies on community participation to bring this lofty dream to reality. Here’s how anyone can get involved to restore our city.

Volunteer at Community Plantings

Trees Forever regularly organizes tree planting events throughout Cedar Rapids. These events not only help rebuild the urban forest but also provide opportunities to meet neighbors and learn proper tree planting techniques from experts. No experience is needed – just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help.

And it’s not just planting – volunteers are needed to help water the thousands of newly planted trees, to make sure the efforts of planting don’t go to waste.

Plant Trees on Your Property

One of the best ways to get involved is to start at home. Residential trees were the most affected by the 2020 derecho. So, restoring our urban canopy means planting trees on private property.

While you’re welcome to purchase trees from nearby nurseries, there are options of getting free or reduced cost trees:

• Community Tree Distributions happen twice a year, and homeowners can pick up trees for free.
• Request a tree voucher – Trees Forever has partnered with 6 local nurseries to provide tree vouchers for species on the Master Tree List.

Along with trees in your backyard, side yard, or front yard, the City of Cedar Rapids encourages residents to plant street trees. Although ReLeaf plans to officially plant trees along all affected streets by 2030, property owners are encouraged to expedite this process and plant their own, so long as they follow guidelines for doing so.

This helps to beautify our streets, make neighborhoods more attractive, lower the heat island effect by shading the road, encourage residents to walk and bike, and so much more. A permit is required to plant in the right of way, but the fees are waived.

Become a TreeKeeper

Join Trees Forever’s TreeKeeper program to become a neighborhood tree expert. This program provides online and hands-on training in tree care and maintenance, enabling aspiring volunteers to help maintain local trees and educate others. TreeKeepers serve as community leaders in the ReLeaf effort and often coordinate neighborhood planting projects.

Support the ReLeaf Fund

If you don’t have the time to dig in the dirt and plant some trees, consider donating to Trees Forever to help support tree planting and care across Cedar Rapids. Donations of any size make a difference and help purchase trees, tools, and educational materials. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available for larger projects.

Join the Tree Bud Program

Through the Tree Bud program, residents can “adopt” newly planted street trees in their neighborhood. Tree Buds commit to watering and monitoring young trees during their first two growing seasons, which is the most important time for tree survival.

This program helps ensure the long-term success of ReLeaf plantings. It’s hard for staff and volunteers to handle the watering of thousands of new trees across the city. So, this is an easy way to get involved with only a few minutes of effort each week.

How Arbor Masters Is Helping Our Community Recover

While planting new trees across Cedar Rapids is essential, we can’t neglect the mature trees that survived the derecho. These established trees need proper care to ensure they can thrive for many more years to come.

Here at Arbor Masters, saving and preserving trees is our specialty. While our team actively supports local tree planting efforts, we’re also here for property owners who still have large trees in their yard.

If you haven’t already, it’s important to have your trees inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist. Many trees that were damaged by the 2020 derecho appear fine but could have hidden issues. Through our professional tree preservation services, we help protect and strengthen trees that weathered the storm with:

• Structural support through cabling and bracing
• Plant health care treatments to boost tree vitality
• Root zone enhancement and soil improvement
• Careful pruning to remove storm damage and promote healthy growth

Don’t wait for another storm before having your trees checked. Be proactive and invest in preserving your valuable mature trees today. This is how we can all do our part to ensure a green, beautiful city in the coming decades.

FAQs About Replanting in Cedar Rapids

When will trees be planted in my neighborhood?

ReLeaf Cedar Rapids follows a strategic planting schedule prioritizing areas based on storm damage, social vulnerability, and other factors. You can check the planting timeline for your neighborhood on the City of Cedar Rapids website. Alternatively, you can plant trees on your own property, and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Or offer to plant on their behalf, with free or discounted trees from Trees Forever.

What types of trees are being planted?

ReLeaf prioritizes native species that are well-suited to our local climate. The plan includes a diverse mix of large shade trees and smaller flowering trees, chosen specifically for each planting location. But many natives and ornamental trees are included on the Master Tree List as well.

How long will it take to restore our tree canopy?

While ReLeaf aims to plant 42,000 trees by 2030, it will take several decades for these trees to mature. That’s why it’s equally important to protect and preserve the mature trees that survived the derecho.

What care is required for newly planted ReLeaf trees?

New trees need regular watering during their first two growing seasons, especially during dry spells. Organic mulch definitely helps, too. ReLeaf provides care instructions to property owners and encourages participation in the Tree Bud program for additional support.

When is professional tree care needed?

Trees showing signs of stress like dead branches, leaf discoloration, or bark damage should be evaluated by an arborist. Mature trees also benefit from regular professional inspections to catch potential issues early, and promote a strong and healthy structure that can better weather storms.

Protect Your Trees with Help from Arbor Masters

The derecho changed our city’s landscape overnight, but together we can rebuild a stronger, more resilient, and more attractive urban forest. Whether you choose to plant new trees, help care for recent plantings, or preserve existing mature trees, every action contributes to Cedar Rapids’ recovery.

If you have large trees still standing, and want to keep them that way, then contact Arbor Masters at 319-359-6135 or request a tree preservation quote through our online form. Our certified arborists are ready to help protect and preserve your valuable mature trees.