Fargo, ND Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Private-side duty
- Owners must prune overhanging vegetation
- Enforcing office
- City Forester, Dept. of Forestry
- Public tree work
- Written permit required (§ 19-0203)
- Max fine
- $1,000 per infraction
- Unpaid abatement cost
- Becomes a lien on property
Summary
Fargo Municipal Code § 19-0202 requires owners of property adjoining public rights-of-way to keep trees, shrubs, and vegetation pruned so they don't interfere with travel on streets, avenues, alleys, and sidewalks.
It shall be the duty of all property owners to keep trees, shrubs and other vegetation which are located on private property and adjoin public property or public rights-of-way pruned so as to avoid interference with travel on streets, avenues, alleys, and sidewalks.
Full Breakdown
Under § 19-0202, it is every property owner's duty to prune trees, shrubs, and other vegetation on private land that adjoins public rights-of-way so nothing blocks street or sidewalk travel. Overhanging growth the city forester finds unsafe can be declared a public nuisance under § 19-0201(A)(3), with written notice requiring removal or treatment within 7 days before the city does it and bills the owner. Separately, pruning any tree standing within a street, alley, or boulevard right-of-way (a public tree) requires a written permit from the city forester under § 19-0203.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 19 is an infraction (§ 19-0304), punishable by a fine up to $1,000 under § 1-0301(B). If an owner ignores a nuisance notice, the city forester can remove or treat the vegetation and assess the cost as a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim my own tree in Fargo?
What happens if I ignore overhanging branches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
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