The City of Urbandale is pleased to offer residents an exclusive opportunity to enhance their property and contribute to a healthier, greener community through our Starter Tree Program. For $25 per tree, Urbandale residents can purchase up to two Iowa-native starter trees. This special initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and creating vibrant, green spaces throughout our city.
RESIDENTIAL
Starter Tree Program
Grow a greener Urbandale.
Program Contact
25.00
$25 per tree, up to 2 per household
25.00
per tree, up to 2 per Urbandale household
Grow a Greener Urbandale
The City of Urbandale is pleased to offer residents an exclusive opportunity to enhance their property and contribute to a healthier, greener community through our Starter Tree Program. For $25 per tree, Urbandale residents can purchase up to two Iowa-native starter trees. This special initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and creating vibrant, green spaces throughout our city.
Each residential, single-family dwelling in Urbandale is eligible to purchase up to two starter trees. Due to limited inventory—only 25-45 trees per variety are available—registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss your chance to participate! Questions? Call our office at 515-278-3963.
Tree Pick-Up Information
Trees must be picked up during these scheduled times. No early or late pick-ups are permitted. Trees not collected during these times will be graciously accepted as donations to Urbandale’s city-wide tree-planting efforts and will be planted in one of our beautiful parks. To streamline your experience, City staff will load trees directly into your vehicle, ensuring quick and easy pick-up without even leaving your car. Please have your receipt and photo ID ready when arriving for pick-up.
While we’re thrilled to offer these affordable trees, please keep in mind that their survival and growth depend significantly on proper planting, care, and environmental conditions. The City cannot guarantee tree health or survival. Participants will be promptly informed if there are any inventory or delivery issues. Questions? Call our office at 515-278-3963.
Location:
Urbandale Parks & Public Works Facility
9401 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa
(Directional signs will be posted)
Dates & Times:
- Saturday, April 25: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Monday, April 27: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
FAST GROWTH RATE
Red Twig Dogwood
Red Twig Dogwood is known for its striking bright red stems that stand out in winter. It thrives in wet soils and spreads to form dense thickets, making it great for erosion control and wildlife habitat. Its white berries attract birds, and it provides year-round visual interest.
MODERATE GROWTH RATE
Redbud
Redbud is a small ornamental tree known for its vibrant pink blooms that appear on bare branches in early spring. Its heart-shaped leaves and rounded shape add seasonal interest, while its flowers provide an important early food source for pollinators.
FAST GROWTH RATE
Hackberry
Hackberry tolerates strong winds, pollution, heat, drought and salt very well. The fruit of the hackberry is popular with winter birds, especially the cedar waxwing, mockingbird, and robin. The tree also attracts many butterfly species and grows in a rounded, vase-like shape. Hackberry trees have a growth pattern that resembles the elm — without the susceptibility to disease.
MODERATE GROWTH RATE
Red Oak
Red Oak is a large, long-lived shade tree valued for its strong structure and adaptability. It produces acorns that support wildlife and develops a broad canopy with vibrant red fall color. Best suited for well-drained soils, it makes an excellent street or yard tree.
MODERATE GROWTH RATE
Swamp White Oak
Swamp White Oak is a hardy native tree that thrives in both wet and well-drained soils. It provides excellent wildlife habitat and produces acorns that serve as a food source for birds and mammals. Its rounded canopy and tolerance of tough conditions make it a reliable landscape tree.
FAST GROWTH RATE
Sycamore
Sycamore is a fast-growing, large shade tree known for its distinctive peeling bark and massive canopy. It thrives in moist soils and along waterways, providing excellent wildlife cover and cooling shade in large spaces.
FAST GROWTH RATE
Black Cherry
Black Cherry is a fast-growing native tree valued for its fragrant spring flowers and dark fruit that attracts birds and wildlife. It develops a tall, straight form and provides seasonal interest with its foliage and bark.
FAST GROWTH RATE
Basswood
Basswood is a fast-growing shade tree with a dense, rounded canopy and large heart-shaped leaves. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators—especially bees—making it an excellent tree for supporting local ecosystems while providing ample shade.