Forestry

The mission of the Forestry Department is to promote and maintain a safe and healthy urban forest that enhances the visual appeal and environmental quality of the City of West Fargo. The Forestry Department accomplishes this mission through public education to make the citizens aware of the great importance of tree planting and maintenance.

2022 Forestry in Review

Agendas & Minutes


View the agendas, minutes and agenda packet for the next Forestry Committee meeting. View past agendas. 

  1. Maple Trees removed from the approved tree list.
  2. Firewood Restrictions in Place to stop spread of Emerald Ash Borer
  3. Report Suspected Emerald Ash Borer and Diseased Trees
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Tree City USA® 

The City of West Fargo is proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community since 1984 through the Arbor Day Foundation. 

To receive Tree City recognition communities must meet these four standards:

  1. Maintain a Forestry Board or Department
  2. Have a City Tree Ordinance - Read West Fargo's Here
  3. Spend at least $2 per capita on Urban Forestry
  4. Celebrate Arbor Day
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

A thriving urban forest offers many advantages to communities. Here are just a few:

  • Trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40%.
  • Neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without.
  • Trees reduce energy costs up to 25% by shading buildings and protecting them from winter winds.
  • Homes with trees have higher property values.
  • Green space plays a major role in improving mental and physical health.
  • Planting and maintaining trees absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change.

Tree Pruning & Maintenance

It is the duty of all persons, whether owners or tenants, to keep the shade trees along the public streets and avenues adjoining their property trimmed in such a manner that the trees shall not interfere with travel on streets, avenues and sidewalks. Tree limbs and branches must be pruned eight feet above sidewalks and fourteen feet above streets and alleys.

Boulevard Tree Removal Permit

Street trees are important assets of neighborhoods and commercial districts. Any tree that is located within the right-of-way is owned by the City of West Fargo. Adjacent property owners are responsible for the maintenance of those trees and the removal of those trees must be approved by the city. Please fill out the form below for approval of removing a right-of-way or boulevard tree.

The permit must be approved before any work can be done. City staff will inspect the tree prior to permit approval.

Boulevard Tree Planting

Boulevard trees can planted by the property owners by following the steps:

  1. Obtain and submit a tree planting permit.
  2. The City will stake allowable locations for trees.
  3. Plant the trees according to City specifications (see tree planting brochure).
  4. Notify the Forestry Department when the trees have been planted.

The following regulations must be followed when planting a boulevard tree.

  • Placement of trees in the boulevard area must accommodate proper spacing's. They must be twelve feet from driveways and alleys. 
  • At intersections the trees must be placed forty feet from the point of intersection of curbs.
  • A representative from the City of West Fargo must stake for this placement.
  • Trees must be at least 1 to 1 1/4 inches in diameter. The lowest branch on the tree cannot be over 9 to 9 1/2 feet above the ground.
  • Only tree species on the planting permit may be planted. Other species will be in violation of city ordinances.

North Dakota One Call Locators should be contacted to locate all underground utilities before you plant. They can be contacted at 1 (800) 795-0555.

Curbside Brush Pickup

The City has a grapple truck for the purpose of curbside brush pickup. Below are the guidelines property owner's must follow to ensure all brush gets collected by the Sanitation Department: 


  • The curbside brush pickup program runs from May 1 to Oct. 31.
  • All brush must be out by 7 a.m. on your garbage day.
  • All brush must be in one pile.
  • All piles must be at least 10 feet away from any tree, hydrant, streetlight, mailbox, utility box or anything in the boulevard that would impede the grapple from collecting the brush.
  • Roots and stumps cannot be collected by the grapple truck. Bring these items to the Transfer Station at no cost at 1620 Main Ave W, West Fargo between 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.


This program is not intended to subsidize commercial tree services. City crews will not pick up any brush generated by commercial tree services. It is the responsibility of the property owner or the commercial tree service provider to haul the brush to the West Fargo Transfer station for disposal.
 


Diagnosis of Tree Diseases or Other Tree-Related Issues


If you are experiencing any tree problems or you have a question regarding your trees, please contact the Forestry Department.

If you believe you have an Emerald Ash Borer Infestation complete the Tree Diagnosis Form and a member of the Forestry Department will contact you to come inspect your tree. Visit the Emerald Ash Borer tab to learn more. 

Additional Documents: