There are many things to consider when choosing to plant a
tree.
The site selection and species are important to the success
of the tree planting project. The growing conditions including soil drainage,
sunlight, space available, existing trees and plants and utilities are just a
few conditions to consider.
There are proper ways to plant a tree. You don’t just dig a
hole and put it in the ground. There are a few techniques to follow to ensure
the longest possible life for your new investment. The benefits to having a
healthy shade tree are numerous when planted properly.
Proper care and maintenance throughout the life of a tree
helps maintain its health. Such activities include mulching, watering,
monitoring, and pruning.
For more information, contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or download the Tree Owner's Manual.
Tree Planting on
Public Property in the City
No person shall plant, move, trim or remove any tree in any
street parking, boulevard, park or public place in the City without first obtaining a written permit from the City Forester.
The application for a permit shall be accompanied by a plan
or drawing which should include to be of definite scale:
*the property of the applicant and property where the tree
is desired to be planted;
*the species and location of each tree proposed to be
planted and the species and location of those trees already existing in the
parking;
*the location of any fire hydrant, utility poles, street
light pole and/or mailbox or other obstructions located upon the street parking
The City Forester must approve the application for permit prior to the homeowner planting the tree(s). The permit issued shall be to
plant trees in strict compliance with the terms and provisions of the City
Code. The City Forester has the authorization to revoke the permit at any time
and all trees planted pursuant to the permit may be removed by the City without
liability to any person for the removal.
Prohibited species of trees and shrubs (this list may be
updated anytime):
The following
varieties are prohibited for use on city streets in Mason City:
American Elm-Elm species that are certified to be disease
resistant may be planted.
Birch – River Birch, White or Paper Birch, etc.
Black Locust
Box Elder
Catalpa
Chinese or Siberian Elm – Elm species that are certified to
be disease resistant may be planted.
Cottonwood
Ginkgo (female only)
Hawthorn – except thorn less variety
Mulberry, Common
Poplars
Russian Olive
Silver Maple
Sumac
Willow
Common Fruit Trees
Ash
Trees bearing large nuts, i.e. walnut, hickory, butternut
Conifers (evergreens)
All species of shrubbery, except as provided in Section
5-3-10B of the City Code
Permitted species of trees and shrubs (this list may be
updated anytime):
Oak
Linden
Locust – excluding Black Locust
Hackberry
*Hard Maple
Gingko – (male)
Kentucky Coffeetree
Elm – Elm species that are certified to be disease resistant
may be planted
Hawthorn – (only thornless varieties allowed) to be used
when overhead utility wires are present and the parking is more than ten feet
Japanese Lilac – to be used when overhead utility wires are
present and the parking is more than ten feet
Tatarian Maple - to be used when overhead utility wires are
present and the parking is more than ten feet
*Hard Maple – allowed but not recommended due to over population of
maples at this time and the susceptibility to the Asian Longhorn beetle that
feeds on and kills maples
You still need approval from the City Forester to plant the
trees even if they are on the list of permitted species of trees.
Property owners that intend to hire a professional tree
contractor shall ensure the contractor has a license to perform this service in
the community. The license is issued by the City Clerk’s office. Contact the
Clerk at (641) 421-3600 for a list of licensed tree contractors.
REMEMBER TO CALL IOWA ONE CALL AT 1 (800) 292-8989 TO LOCATE
ALL BURIED UTILITIES BEFORE PLANTING A TREE.
Questions? Contact the City’s Street Division Supervisor at
(641) 421-3675.