City of Davenport offers Derecho private tree replacement program

It's hard to believe that we are only a few short months away from it being a year since the devastating Derecho that moved across Iowa and into western Illinois. Even though it's been just over 9 months since that crazy August 10th day, the City of Davenport is still helping residents get their homes and neighborhoods looking back to normal. Residents can now submit a request to have their lost trees replaced.

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On Thursday, City of Davenport officials announced that they are going to help residents who lost trees during the 2020 Derecho get them replaced. In the press release, officials say that Greenway Habitat, in cooperation with the City of Davenport, has offered to purchase $8,000 in 1 ½” caliper trees for planting on private properties.

Davenport Arborist John Vance said in the announcement,

“The City is grateful for our partnership with Greenway Habitat. Their enthusiasm is amazing, and I am excited to have their support in the sustainable reforestation of Davenport.”

Dr. Giudici, the founder of the civic tree-planting organization, added in the press release,

“We look forward to working with the city and its forestry staff to reforest and beautify Davenport.”

The City of Davenport will take requests for a tree and communicate with property owners about tree types and suitable planting locations. Property owners wanting a tree replaced can request a new tree for their property by submitting a request here. A tree will then be selected for that particular property. Greenway Habitat volunteers will pay for, pick up, and plant the tree. After the tree is planted, property owners will only need to maintain the tree.

Officials say that property owners impacted by the Derecho who miss out on this opportunity due to available funding are also encouraged to consider Davenport’s Street Tree program as another option for introducing a tree into their neighborhood. This program lets the City of Davenport plant public trees in eligible (space) boulevards adjacent to a property.

To request a street tree, residents can submit a request here.

City officials say this program is available to all on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted.

Residents participating in the program will need to agree to give access to city staff and Greenway Habitat volunteers to inspect the site, if needed, and to plant the tree.

Greenway Habitat has helped plant thousands of trees in the community over time and played an integral role in Davenport’s 41 year legacy as a Tree City USA, according to the announcement.