Handling of Cut Brush

Table of Contents

Burning

Under Iowa Administrative Code 567—23.2(455B), open burning is generally prohibited. However, the following exceptions pertaining to the disposal of woody vegetation that has been removed from roadsides may allow for the burning of cut brush.

At a municipal burn site, trees and tree trimming not originating on the premises may be burned provided that:

  • the site is operated by a local government entity
  • the site is fenced and access is controlled
  • burning is supervised and conducted regularly
  • burning is conducted when conditions are favorable to the surrounding property
  • unless a written waiver is obtained, the burn site is limited to areas at least 1/4 mile from any inhabited buildings

Before burning for the first time, check with the relevant city or county department since local rules may be more prohibitive than state ordinances. Some counties require obtaining a permit before burning. When burn bans are in place, most open burning is not allowed.

Chipping

Brush that is chipped into mulch may be collected and trucked to county locations, such as a secondary road department shop yard.

Leaving Alone

Two red foxes close to each other in a thicket of brush.
Animals like red fox cubs benefit from brush in the roadside left alone as wildlife habitat.

Some brush may be left to provide wildlife habitat on site as it naturally deteriorates. Small mammals such as squirrels, foxes, and chipmunks may use brush piles as shelter. Songbirds may use brush piles for shelter and as a source of nesting material.