The City of Marion plants an average of 200 trees per season, focusing on installation in the spring and fall during the dormant stages of tree growth to ensure the best establishment in a new location. Many of these plantings are identified for replacements or new tree locations in the right-of-way, but a smaller percentage of plantings will be installed in parks, green spaces and even in the cemetery or along the trail system.

During the first five years of establishment, City staff visit a new planting many times to encourage health, good structure and keep protection devices in place to shield the vulnerable young tree from different factors that can slow development or even kill it. The most important task related to new plantings is watering during the first couple growing seasons. In the fifth season, staff remove all the items used to help the tree’s initial growth and it is placed on the regular maintenance trimming schedule.

If you are planting on your private property there are a few important things to consider. The success of any tree planting project starts by selecting species that are adaptable to the growing conditions of a particular site.  Examples of conditions to consider include soil drainage, available sunlight, aspect (direction the site faces), available space, existing trees and plants, and above and underground utilities. Currently Maples make up more than one third of all trees in Iowa communities, creating great risk of tree loss from insects and disease. View the two PDF guides below to help match species needs with site characteristics, to create a healthy and resilient community forest with a diverse mix of trees in your next planting project!

Rethinking Maple

Right Tree, Right Place

TREE PERMITS

Any Marion property owner that would like to plant a tree in the right-of-way adjacent to their property is encouraged to! Simply inquire with the Parks & Recreation Department and complete a FREE permit to do so.  This process allows staff to accurately track public trees that the City is responsible for and ensure proper spacing, placement and species selection. A site inspection will be performed by the city arborist prior to permit approval. 

Once planting installation are complete a final inspection will be scheduled to confirm completion and compliance. It is responsibility of the property owner to contact Iowa One Call to locate underground utilities 48 hours before digging and to install the tree. An informational packet and permit form may be obtained at either the Thomas Park Administrative & Operations Building or the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center during normal office hours from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Property owners may also obtain a free permit for tree trimming and/or removal of trees in the right of way.  A site inspection will be performed by the city arborist prior to permit approval. All trimming or removal activity that is approved is the responsibility of the property owner who completes the permit request, including work scheduling, clean up and financial payment to the contractor. There is no fee for the Right of Way permit for planting, removal and trimming City trees. Please view the listing of approved tree species to be planted in the City right-of-way.

MEMORIAL TREES

The Marion Parks and Recreation Department offers a Memorial Tree program to the public. Urban Forestry Staff will plant a tree with placement of an optional 3” x 5” engraved plaque mounted on a natural stone in honor of the desired memorial.

Current plantings are being placed at Lowe Park to encourage future canopy development in an already amazing natural park setting. The common tree size is a 2” trunk caliper and species may be selected by the donor. If a donor wishes to be involved with the planting process, special arrangements may be considered by the City Arborist.  

For tree selection details please see the Approved Species List

For more information or to submit a request, contact the Marion Parks and Recreation Administration building at Thomas Park, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 319-447-3580. You may also complete the Request Form and submit it to the Marion Parks and Recreation Administration building.