CITY TREES • PERMITS • BISMARCK, ND
Boulevard Tree Permits in Bismarck: Pruning, Removal and Planting
Yes, you need a permit to prune, remove or plant a boulevard tree in Bismarck. The permits come from the City of Bismarck Forestry Division, they have no charge, and you can get one by calling City Forestry or using the city’s online request forms.
Here’s why: the tree between your sidewalk and the curb belongs to the city, even though you water it and rake its leaves.
CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY • SIDEWALK AND CURB
What Is a Boulevard Tree?
A boulevard tree is any tree in the city right-of-way behind the curb, usually in the grass strip between the sidewalk and the street. The City of Bismarck says adjacent property owners tend these trees, but the trees belong to the city.
If you’re not sure where your lot ends and the city’s right-of-way starts, ask Forestry before you cut.
AT A GLANCE • ALL PERMITS WITHOUT CHARGE
Bismarck Boulevard Tree Permits at a Glance
| Work | Permit needed? | Cost | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pruning | Yes, a Pruning Permit | No charge | Keep 10 ft over sidewalks, 13.5 ft over residential streets, 16 ft over main arterials |
| Removal | Yes, a Boulevard Tree Removal Permit | No charge | The stump must come out too |
| Planting | Yes, a Permit to Plant Trees on Public Street Right-of-Way | No charge | Forestry inspects the site and suggests species |
Call the Forestry Division (option 3) for any of these.
PRUNING • CLEARANCE HEIGHTS
Pruning a Boulevard Tree
The city says, “A Pruning Permit is required before pruning boulevard trees.” Forestry prunes boulevard trees on a rotation, but you may need to prune between visits, usually for clearance:
- 10 feet over sidewalks
- 13.5 feet over the curb and street on residential streets
- 16 feet over the curb and street on main arterial streets
Elms have a firm season. NDSU Extension says to prune elms only from November through March, to lower the risk of Dutch elm disease spreading through bark beetles. For most other trees, late winter while they’re dormant is a good time.
CITY FORESTRY • SAFETY • TREE REMOVAL
Removing a Boulevard Tree
The city says, “A Boulevard Tree Removal Permit is required before removing any tree from the street rights of way.” The City Forester decides whether a request is valid before a permit is issued, and the stump has to be removed along with the tree.
When the city removes it at no cost. The Forestry Division removes a boulevard tree at no charge if it is:
- More than 50% dead
- Structurally unsafe from natural causes
- Infected with Dutch elm disease
- Unsafe because of root damage caused by the City of Bismarck
When Forestry finds an unsafe boulevard tree, it notifies the property owner. The owner can save the tree at their own expense with proper tree care, or let Forestry remove it at no charge.
PLANTING PERMIT • TREE SELECTION • REIMBURSEMENT
Planting a Boulevard Tree
You need a Permit to Plant Trees on Public Street Right-of-Way before planting. Forestry staff inspect the site, mark where trees can go and recommend species. You usually don’t need to be home for the inspection.
Forestry looks at the boulevard width and keeps trees away from intersections, fire hydrants, streetlights, overhead wires, driveways, mailboxes and water service lines. Pick from the city’s approved boulevard tree list, which links to the city’s 2023 Street Tree Guide.
Skip the maples. The city says maples are among Forestry’s most frequent removals, because of Bismarck’s alkaline soil and shaky hardiness in parts of town. Since April 1, 2022, red, sugar and Norway maples, plus the red and silver hybrid maples sold under names like Autumn Blaze and Sienna Glen, aren’t eligible for the city’s planting reimbursement on boulevards.
Partners in Planting: Get Half the Tree Cost Back
Bismarck’s Partners in Planting program reimburses homeowners and businesses who plant boulevard trees next to their property. According to the city:
- 50% of the tree cost, up to $100 per tree
- Up to $700 per property per year
- Get the planting permit first, then buy and plant the trees where the permit shows
- Send in your receipt (tree types, cost of each and the seller) with a copy of the permit
- Deadline: no later than December 15 of the year you plant
- First come, first served, with payment by mail in about 4 to 6 weeks after a forester checks the planting
For how to plant so the tree survives, see tree services in Bismarck, and to keep it alive through its first winters, see protecting trees from rabbits and deer in winter.
CITY-OWNED ASH • EMERALD ASH BORER
Boulevard Ash Trees and Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer was found in Bismarck in August 2026. The city plans to treat about 2,600 of its roughly 5,200 boulevard ash over 3 years and remove the other 2,600 over 4 years. Don’t treat, prune or remove a boulevard ash on your own. The city is handling them under its own plan. For ash trees on your own property, see should you treat or remove your ash tree.
LICENSES • PERMITS • HIRING A CREW
Hiring Someone for Boulevard Tree Work
You can prune your own boulevard tree with a permit. If you pay someone to do it, Bismarck requires a city commercial arborist license for paid tree pruning or removal anywhere in the city. Ask whether they’ll pull the permit or whether you should, and get that in writing.
Questions
Boulevard Tree Permit FAQ
Clear answers about city-owned trees, pruning, planting, removals, permits and reimbursements.
Not sure if your boulevard tree needs a permit?
Review the permit overview and confirm your plans with the City Forestry Division.
Do I need a permit to trim the tree by the curb in Bismarck?
Yes. Trees between the sidewalk and the curb are boulevard trees owned by the City of Bismarck, and the city requires a Pruning Permit before pruning one. The permit has no charge. Call the Forestry Division, option 3.
How much does a boulevard tree permit cost?
Nothing. The City of Bismarck charges no fee for boulevard tree pruning, removal or planting permits. A paid tree service still needs a city commercial arborist license to do the work.
Will the city remove a dead boulevard tree?
Yes, at no charge, if the tree is more than 50% dead, structurally unsafe from natural causes, infected with Dutch elm disease, or unsafe because of root damage caused by the city. Call Forestry before paying for a removal yourself.
Can I plant a maple on my boulevard?
It’s not recommended. The City of Bismarck says maples are among its most frequent removals because of alkaline soil and hardiness problems. Since April 2022, red, sugar, Norway and red-silver hybrid maples aren’t eligible for the city’s boulevard planting reimbursement.
Does the city pay for boulevard trees?
Partly. Bismarck’s Partners in Planting program reimburses 50% of the cost of boulevard trees, up to $100 per tree and $700 per property each year. Get a planting permit first and send in your receipt by December 15. Funding is first come, first served.
How do I get a boulevard tree permit?
Call the City of Bismarck Forestry Division at call City Forestry, option 3, or use the online request forms on the city’s website. For planting permits, Forestry inspects the site and marks where trees can go.
Bismarck Landscape
Need Help With a Boulevard Tree?
Want help pruning to clearance, planting a new boulevard tree or sorting out an ash tree out front? Contact Bismarck Landscape.
You can also see our other contact options or our trees and emerald ash borer FAQ.