Fargo, ND Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Fargo, ND, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Planting, removing, pruning public trees
- Issuing authority
- City forester, Forestry Department
- Permit fee
- None: free application
- Max fine
- $1,000 per infraction
- Unauthorized removal liability
- Tree's full appraised value
Summary
Fargo requires a written permit from the city forester before anyone plants, removes, cuts, or prunes any tree or shrub within a street, alley, boulevard, or public right-of-way, with violations treated as infractions.
No person, firm or corporation shall hereafter plant, cause to be planted, remove, destroy, cut, deface, prune, or interfere with any tree or shrub within the limits of any street, alley, boulevard or other public way of the city...without first having obtained a written permit from the city forester.
Full Breakdown
Fargo Municipal Code § 19-0203 bars anyone from planting, removing, destroying, cutting, defacing, pruning, or interfering with a tree or shrub within a street, alley, boulevard, or public way without a written permit from the city forester; emergency utility repairs can proceed first and get the permit after. Unauthorized removal of a public tree makes the responsible party liable for its appraised value under § 19-0306, using the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers' formula, and damaging over 25% of canopy or the critical root zone triggers the same liability under § 19-0208. The rule covers only public right-of-way trees, not private property.
Violations & Fines
Infraction under § 19-0304, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 under § 1-0301(B); the city forester can also remove the tree and assess the cost as a property lien, plus the appraised-value charge for unauthorized removals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property in Fargo?
What happens if I remove a boulevard tree without a permit in Fargo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota landscaping rules overview
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