Local service guide
Tree Cutting and Arborist Services in Fargo
For Tree Cutting on private property in Fargo, choose a city-licensed tree contractor and request a written scope covering tree work, stump work and debris removal. For a boulevard tree, contact Fargo Forestry before arranging contractor work: contractors need its consent to prune or remove those trees. If you want to preserve an ash tree, request an assessment before committing to removal or treatment. [1] [2]
Verify the contractor before comparing offers
Fargo requires a person or business receiving payment for tree-care services within city limits to obtain a city license. Covered services include pruning, removal, stump removal, planting, cabling, bracing and plant-health treatments. A contractor's advertising in Fargo does not establish that it holds the required license. [1]
The city checks liability insurance, workers compensation insurance and a performance bond before issuing the license. It also requires a North Dakota contractor license and commercial applicator license when applicable. Contractors must renew their city license each year. Request the current license before accepting an offer, including a door-to-door offer. [1]
Find out who will assess the tree and supervise the crew. Fargo describes ISA certification as evidence of an educational background in proper tree care; certified arborists may offer diagnosis, planting recommendations and tree valuations. The city maintains its licensed-contractor list without recommending one contractor over another. Compare credentials, references and proposed scopes when choosing between offers. [1]
Check responsibility for a boulevard tree
Contact Forestry before hiring someone to prune or remove a boulevard tree. The department maintains and removes trees on public property, and contractors cannot prune or remove boulevard trees without its prior consent. If you cannot tell whether a tree falls under city responsibility, have Forestry clarify before requesting a private removal quote. [1]
For boulevard ash, the city's February 19, 2026 announcement encourages residents with ash trees, preferably two or more, to request removal and replacement through Forestry at 701.241.1465. The city says it will complete this service free of charge. Discuss your trees and scheduling with the department before paying for a contractor's proposal. [2]
Choose an assessment, treatment or removal for ash
Fargo confirmed emerald ash borer in January 2026. In its response guidance, the city advises homeowners to consider removing low-value ash and planting other species. It also advises considering treatment for large, healthy, high-value ash, and warns that removal costs increase as trees decline. [2]
Have the assessor identify the tree, explain its condition and discuss whether preservation fits your plans. For a tree you hope to retain, request separate written recommendations for treatment and removal. Before choosing treatment, have the provider describe the proposed application, follow-up schedule and total commitment.
The city says treatment application needs a tree-care professional and may require a certified applicator. Its contractor list identifies businesses offering treatment services. Check that capability alongside the city license, then have the provider explain which applicator credential applies to the proposed work. [1] [2]
Compare the same work in each quote
Give each contractor the same description and identify each tree during the site visit. For pruning, discuss which branches the crew proposes to remove and why. For removal, confirm whether the price includes cutting the trunk, hauling wood, grinding the stump and restoring the disturbed area. Request separate prices for optional work so you can compare matching scopes.
Describe access through gates, areas where equipment can stand, nearby structures and any utility concerns. Have the contractor explain its access plan and how it will protect the surfaces it crosses. Agree on who moves vehicles, furniture and other obstacles, and record any access permission the crew needs.
Fargo publishes municipal forestry fees, which do not establish private tree-work prices. Use written site-specific quotes for your project budget. Have each contractor state the total price, exclusions, payment schedule and circumstances that could trigger an additional charge. [4]
Arrange cleanup for October work
Fargo runs its curbside brush program from May 1 through the last full week of September. October 14, 2026 falls outside that published seasonal window. City crews also exclude brush from commercial tree services regardless of season. Include disposal arrangements in an October tree-work agreement. [3]
City crews do not collect stumps or roots through the curbside program. For eligible resident-generated debris during the collection season, they accept brush and logs up to 10 inches in diameter, but exclude logs longer than 10 feet. Arrange contractor cleanup separately from disposal of your own routine yard-maintenance debris. [3]
The city says Fargo residents can take tree branches to the landfill year-round without a fee by showing a driver's license or utility bill as proof of residency. The landfill is at 4501 7th Avenue North. Confirm arrangements before hauling, and have your contractor specify responsibility for logs, stump debris and chips. [3]
Published monthly Fargo forestry utility charges, 2026
Local details that affect your job
A city license applies to paid tree care
Fargo's requirement covers paid tree-care services within city limits, including pruning and plant-health treatments. Check the city license even for a contractor based outside Fargo. For chemical treatment, confirm the applicable commercial applicator credential. [1]
Boulevard ash has a municipal service route
The city's February 2026 guidance offers free removal and replacement of boulevard ash through Forestry and encourages requests from residents with ash trees, preferably two or more. Contact Forestry at 701.241.1465 to discuss eligibility and scheduling before commissioning private work. [2]
Contractor brush needs its own disposal plan
City crews will not collect commercial tree-service brush. The seasonal resident program also excludes stumps and roots and ends in September. Require your chosen contractor to name who will remove each type of debris. [3]
Choose your next step
| Situation | Next step | Resolve before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Boulevard tree needs pruning or removal | Contact Fargo Forestry | Contractors need prior Forestry consent |
| Boulevard ash needs a replacement plan | Discuss Forestry's free removal and replacement service | Tree eligibility and scheduling |
| Private ash you hope to preserve | Request an assessment and treatment proposal | Tree condition, professional application and applicable applicator credentials |
| Private tree removal | Compare city-licensed contractors using the same scope | Stump work, access, hauling and cleanup |
| Contractor-generated brush | Include disposal in the agreement | City crews will not collect it |
Your hiring checklist
- Identify each tree and have Forestry clarify responsibility if its location is uncertain.
- Check the contractor's current Fargo tree-service license.
- Name the person assessing the tree and confirm relevant credentials.
- Request matching written scopes for pruning, removal, treatment and optional stump work.
- Agree on equipment access, surface protection and obstacle removal.
- Specify who hauls branches, logs, chips and stump debris.
- Record the total price, exclusions, payment terms and cleanup expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tree contractor need a Fargo license?
Yes. Fargo requires a city license for compensated tree-care services within city limits. Contractors renew it annually. Check the current license and the city's licensed-contractor list before booking. [1]
Can I hire someone to remove my boulevard tree?
Contact Forestry first. Contractors need the department's prior consent to prune or remove boulevard trees, and Forestry handles maintenance and removal of public-property trees. [1]
Should I remove a private ash tree after the EAB confirmation?
Request an assessment before choosing. The city advises considering removal for low-value ash and treatment for large, healthy, high-value ash. Have the assessor explain which option fits the tree's condition and your plans. [2]
Will the city pick up branches after paid tree work?
No. The city excludes brush generated by commercial tree services. Require a disposal plan in the quote. Its seasonal curbside program for resident maintenance debris also excludes stumps and roots. [3]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.