Alliant Energy's Operation ReLeaf program offers residential utility customers in Iowa the opportunity to purchase landscape trees at discount prices.
This partnership initiative is funded by Alliant Energy and administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry and the conservation boards of host counties.
Since 2001, more than 45,341 new trees have been planted throughout the state of Iowa during 119 Operation ReLeaf events.
How the program works
Approximately 2,800 high-quality three- to eight-foot landscaping trees are offered for only $25 each during the spring and fall planting seasons. The trees, which retail for $65 or more, are sold at on a first-come, first-served basis.
Download the examples of tree types available [PDF] (Not all tree varieties available at all distribution sites.)
Download the Operation ReLeaf Questions and Answers [PDF]
Planting Guide for your Operation ReLeaf tree [PDF]
The Operation ReLeaf program has three basic goals:
- Provide low-cost, high-quality and diverse landscape trees from local nurseries.
- Promote long-term community reforestation and energy conservation through efficient landscaping.
- Be flexible and responsive (on a residential basis) to communities and counties hard hit by storm damage.
Trees for Operation ReLeaf are purchased though a bidding process from local Iowa nurseries.
Eligibility and how to participate
Operation ReLeaf participants must be Alliant Energy customers and willing to pick-up their tree(s) on the day of distribution in their designated region. There is a limit of two trees per household.
Advance application is required. Application fees paid for tree(s) not picked up on the designated distribution day will be considered a donation.
2012 Spring Operation Releaf locations
Linn County (order form)
Squaw Creek Park, Marion
Saturday, April 21
7:30 – 9 a.m.
Clarke County
(order form)
East Lake Park located east of Osceola
Thursday, April 26
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Dubuque County
(order form)
Swiss Valley Park, Peosta
Saturday, April 28
9 – 11 a.m.
The Iowa DNR is offering a free 30-minute tree planting and care workshop during the Dubuque County Releaf event. (workshop registration)
Jefferson County
(order form)
Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Fairfield
Thursday, May 10
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Benton County (order form)
Benton County Fairgrounds, Vinton
Thursday, May 17
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Iowa DNR is also offering two free 30-minute tree planting and care workshops during the Benton County ReLeaf event. (workshop registration)
Allamakee County (order form)
Allamakee County Fairgrounds, Waukon
Thursday, May 3
5 – 7 p.m.
Dickinson County (order form)
Spirit Lake Fire Station, 2001 Peoria Ave., Spirit Lake
Saturday, May 5
8 – 10 a.m.
Greene County
(order form)
Greene County Fairgrounds, Jefferson
Saturday, May 12
9 – 11 a.m.
The Iowa DNR is offering a free 30-minute tree planting and care workshop during the Greene County Releaf event.
(workshop registration)
Contact information
Laura Wagner
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-6749
Email: laura.wagner@dnr.iowa.gov