Fargo, ND Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Written permit from city forester
- Permit fee
- No charge
- Minimum tree height
- 5 feet on public ways
- Applies to
- Street, alley, boulevard, public way
Summary
Planting a tree in the boulevard between the sidewalk and street in Fargo requires a written permit from the city forester before you dig.
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, nor shall any person, firm or corporation install, repair or replace any utility installations of any type on any public right-of-way, or within the CRZ as defined by Section 19-0305, without first having obtained a written permit from the city forester; provided, however, that in the event of emergency repair, the necessity of first obtaining a written permit is hereby waived and such permit may be obtained after the repair work has been accomplished. Application for such permit shall be in writing on forms which shall be provided by the city forester. After the receipt of such application, the city forester shall investigate the location named in such application and shall grant a permit for planting of trees or shrubs only if the location is such as to allow the normal growth and development of such trees or shrubs and shall grant permits for pruning or removing only if such is consistent with the public safety and welfare. The permit shall be in writing and shall specify the location and variety of trees and the year issued, and no charge shall be made for such permit.
Full Breakdown
Fargo Municipal Code § 19-0203 bars planting, removing, or pruning any tree or shrub within a street, alley, boulevard, or other public way without a written permit from the city forester, issued free after the forester confirms the site allows normal growth. Section 19-0204 sets a 5-foot minimum height for any tree planted or located on these public ways, with the city forester able to require larger stock and dictate species and method to preserve intersection sightlines. Boulevard gardens (non-woody plantings) follow a separate rule and do not need this permit.
Violations & Fines
Planting, removing, or pruning a street/boulevard tree without a forester permit is unlawful under § 19-0203; installing a tree under 5 feet tall on a public way also violates § 19-0204.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree on my boulevard in Fargo?
Is there a minimum size for a new street tree in Fargo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.