Forestry Division Accepting Entries for Annual Fall Tree Photo Contest

Des Moines, Iowa - Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Des Moines residents and visitors with an eye for fall foliage can now show off their photography skills in the Public Works Forestry Division's annual Fall Tree Photo Contest, which runs through November 15.

Participants are encouraged to get out and explore the city in search of vibrant fall foliage, and all are welcome to participate. Whether photos are taken with professional cameras, drones or mobile phones, all submissions will be accepted as long as they depict a tree displaying fall colors within Des Moines city limits.

After submissions close on November 15, a committee comprised of the City's arborists and forestry staff will select at least four finalists, followed by a public voting period to select the final winner of the 2026 Fall Tree Photo contest. The winner will have the opportunity to select the species (from the City's Recommended Species list) and location for a City street or park tree. They will also have the option to plant the tree on their own private property in Des Moines, a new incentive not offered in previous years of the contest.

Photos can be submitted by clicking the button below. For more information, including contest rules, visit DSM.city/FallTreePhotoContest.

Contact
Youssef Ghazali
Communications Specialist, City Manager's Office
(515) 979-9276
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines

The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.

Visit DSM.city, Facebook and Twitter for more information.