Fargo Forestry Division regulates removal of trees on public boulevards and city right-of-way under Chapter 8 §8.10. Boulevard trees cannot be cut without Forestry approval, but trees on private property usually can.
Chapter 8 §8.10 of the Fargo Municipal Code grants the Forestry Division authority over trees in parks, streets, and other public right-of-way. Property owners may not prune, top, or remove a boulevard tree fronting their lot without permission, even though abutting owners are responsible for some maintenance. Trees diagnosed with Dutch elm disease or emerald ash borer are scheduled by Forestry for removal and replacement. Trees entirely on private property are generally not regulated by the city, although they remain subject to nuisance, property maintenance, and view-line rules. Damaging a public tree can trigger valuation-based restitution charges.
Unauthorized removal, topping, or wounding of a boulevard tree can result in restitution based on appraised tree value plus replacement and labor costs.
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