Winterset Tree Commission Recommended Trees
The following trees have been recommended and approved as tree species suitable for planting in the city right of way:
Common Name (left), Latin Name (right)
| American Hophornbeam | Ostrya Virginiana |
| American Hornbeam | Carpinus Caroliniana |
| Bald Cypress | Taxodium distichum |
| Bitternut Hickory | Cary cordiformis |
| Burr Oak | Quercus macrocarpa |
| Chinkapin Oak | Quercus muehlenbergii |
| Crabapples (Columnar) | Malus |
| Freeman Maple | Acer Freemanii |
| Ginko (Male Only) | Ginko Biloba |
| Hackberry | Celtis occidentalis |
| Kentucky Coffee tree | Gymnocladus dioicus |
| Little Leaf Linden | Tilia cordata |
| Norway maple | Acer plantanoides |
| Red Oak | Quercus Rubrum |
| Redbud | Cercis |
| Silver Linden | Tilia tomentosa |
| Sugar Maple | Acer Saccharum |
| Swamp White Oak | Quercus bicolor |
| Thornless Honey Locust | Gleditsia Tricanthos |
| White Oak | Quercus Alba |
Not recommended or approved for use in right-of-way areas in the City of Winterset:
Ash, All varieties
Black Locust
Box Elder
Buckthorn
Cottonwood
Ginko (Female)
Honey Locust
Russian Olive
Silver Maple
Tree of Heaven
Willow, All varieties
Note: Maple trees are not being recommended for street planting at this time in an effort to diversify the current tree canopy in Winterset.
Question: “Are there established rules to follow if I want to plant a tree in the parking area? (This would be commonly known as the right-of-way)”
Answer: “A city ordinance dictates the conditions under which a tree may be planted in the city right-of-way areas. The guidelines are listed below.”
City Ordinance to follow when planting a tree in the parking area or right-of way:
Winterset Ordinance No. 611
Chapter 3 Street Trees
STREET TREE PLANTING STANDARDS. The following standards shall govern the planting of street trees:
- No tree may be planted which would cause a public danger or nuisance.
- No tree may be planted within three feet of a sidewalk or other impervious surface such as the curb and gutter or the street surface.
- No tree or shrub that will grow above 30 inches in height shall be planted on a corner lot where two street intersect for a distance of 35 feet in any direction from the point of intersection at the curb line.
- No tree shall be planted within 15 lateral feet of an overhead utility line, within 3 feet of any buried utility line, within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, within 5 feet of a driveway and 25 feet of a traffic control sign.
- No tree shall be planted if the tree species is not included on the list of permitted tree species developed by the Winterset Tree Commission.
- No tree shall be planted without first calling Iowa One Call and complying with the procedures for locating underground utilities.
In cases of damage to utility lines, any street tree planted in the right-of-way may be trimmed or removed in order to repair the utility line.
Community Preparedness: Ash Trees and Emerald Ash Borer Tree Infestations, Questions and Answers
**New: Winterset Tree Commision Disease and Dead Tree Readiness Plan
1. How do I identify an Ash Tree?
a. We suggest using the ISU Forestry web site. It has a variety of resources that are free and downloadable that can assist you. ISU Forestry Extension Website
b. Another resource is the Madison County ISU Extension office, asking for a Master Gardener for assistance.
2. How do I identify an infected tree with Emerald Ash Borer?
We recommend using such tools located on websites ISU Forestry; ISU Master Gardener; and DNR (See links below).
a. Contact a profession Arborist and ISU Forestry Department professional. The local extension office or the ISU Extension website has contacts listed.
b. See link: Planning for Emerald Ash Borer
3. How do I dispose of infected wood in Madison County?
Currently the option is to dispose of the wood at the county landfill. The Tree Commission is working on additional options, so watch for updates to this document. In addition connect to the DNR link. There are instructions listed on reporting.
a. See links: Iowa DNR, Emerald Ash Borer and Iowa DNR, Why Plant Iowa Native Grown Trees?
4. What are treatment options for Emerald Ash Borer infected trees?
There a couple of options and facts to consider before decided what to do with the infected tree or preventing the infestation. We recommend you check out the following web sites to assist you in making a good decision for your situations:
a. ISU Forestry Extension: Planning for Emerald Ash Borer
b. Iowa Dept. of Agriculture: Certified Pesticide Applicator Database Searches
5. Is there a city ordinance for Dead Trees in Winterset?
At this time Winterset does not have a city ordinance to guide the city’s dead tree removal. However, the Tree Commission is working to recommend an ordinance presently. So be sure to check for updates to the Q&A document. ISU Forestry Department and the Arbor Foundation have a sample ordinance to guide the commission.
6. What would be a good replacement tree?
We suggest you check out the following websites:
a. The ISU Extension Forestry website has numerous resources that can guide your selection for replacement trees
b. Department of Natural Resources Iowa
7. Who do I contact for more information related to Tree Commission Community Preparedness activities?
We suggest you contact John Pletchette at City Hall or attend monthly Tree Commission Meeting.
8. What resources are available to have an infected or dead tree remove in Winterset?
a. There are currently no city funds set aside specifically for tree removal at the current time to assist homeowners. City departments work together to trim and remove trees in the right ways as time allows. (Pending question to city council.)
b. See Iowa DNR: Emerald Ash Borer
If you have additional questions, click here to email Pam Deichmann.