DES MOINES, Iowa (March 25, 2025) – Cities across Iowa may soon find out that money really can grow on trees, with MidAmerican’s “Trees Please!” program grants to help them save on future energy bills by planting the right kinds of trees in the right places.

 

MidAmerican is awarding $134,600 in “Trees Please!” grant funding to 59 Iowa cities.

 

Cities receiving 2025 grants include several affected by natural disasters over the past several years, including Minden, which was struck by a tornado last April, Sioux City, which was impacted last year by flooding, and Marion, which sustained heavy tree losses from the 2020 derecho.

 

The company’s “Trees Please!” program promotes strategic tree planting projects on public property to encourage reduced energy usage in public spaces.

 

Landscaping to help conserve energy
Beyond the environmental benefits and added beauty that trees provide, certain varieties of well-placed trees can reduce energy consumption needed for heating or air conditioning.

 

For example, in the summer, leafy deciduous shade trees, such as maple trees, can help keep a building cooler if planted near a south wall.

 

In winter months, evergreen trees and shrubs, such as pine trees that keep their needles year-round, can provide wind protection if planted in the direction of prevailing winds, thus reducing heating usage.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy that a typical household uses.

 

“Strategically planting the right kinds of trees can provide long-term returns for a city, business or homeowner,” Erin Rasmussen, MidAmerican director of energy efficiency, said. “MidAmerican’s ‘Trees Please!’ program provides value to our partner cities in several ways, including helping to lessen the amount of energy needed in a public building.”

 

Since 1998, MidAmerican has awarded more than $4.6 million in funding that communities used to plant more than 95,000 trees.

 

2025 “Trees Please!” grants
City of Allison: $1,000
City of Altoona: $1,000
City of Ayrshire; $1,000
City of Barnum: $1,000
City of Bettendorf: $2,000
City of Blencoe: $1,000
City of Blue Grass: $1,000
City of Bondurant: $1,500
City of Bronson: $1,000
City of Cedar Rapids: $5,000
City of Clarinda: $1,000
City of Clarksville: $2,000
City of Coralville: $3,000
City of Correctionville: $1,000
City of Council Bluffs: $5,000
City of Dallas Center: $1,000
City of Davenport: $5,000
City of Des Moines: $5,000
City of Fairfax: $3,500
City of Geneva: $1,000
City of Glenwood: $1,500
City of Granville: $2,000
City of Grimes: $1,000
City of Hampton: $1,000
City of Hansell: $1,000
City of Hospers: $1,000
City of Humboldt: $1,000
City of Ida Grove: $2,000
City of Independence: $2,500
City of Iowa City: $5,000
City of Ireton: $500
City of Johnston: $5,000
City of Kingsley: $1,500
City of Lohrville: $1,000
City of Marcus: $1,000
City of Marion: $5,000
City of Merrill: $1,000
City of Minden: $10,000
City of Missouri Valley: $3,600
City of Monroe: $1,000
City of New Hartford: $6,000
City of North Liberty: $1,000
City of Oskaloosa: $1,000
City of Pierson: $1,000
City of Pleasant Hill: $1,000
City of Pomeroy: $1,000
City of Red Oak: $1,000
City of Rutland: $1,000
City of Sergeant Bluff: $1,000
City of Shelby: $2,000
City of Sioux City: $10,000
City of Urbandale: $3,000
City of University Heights: $1,000
City of Van Meter: $1,000
City of Varina: $1,000
City of Waterloo: $5,000
City of Waukee: $1,000
City of West Des Moines: $5,000
City of Windsor Heights: $1,000

 

How to apply for “Trees Please!” grants
In the fall, cities and community organizations can submit grant applications to MidAmerican to be considered for grants of $1,000 or more. The company selects grant recipients based on a project’s merits, benefits to the community and the ability to obtain matching funds.

 

For more information, go to MidAmerican’s “Trees Please!” page, email planttrees@midamerican.com or call 800-434-4017.

 

About MidAmerican Energy
MidAmerican Energy, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serves 829,000 electric customers in Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota, and 803,000 natural gas customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available at midamericanenergy.com and company social media channels.