Who can do the work
Sioux Falls Code § 94.060 says anyone who maintains or removes trees in the city for hire must provide proof of general liability insurance and hold a valid arborist's license issued by the director of Parks and Recreation. Applicants may have to pass an exam with a score of at least 70 percent. The director can waive it for arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. Licenses expire December 31 each year. The City publishes its licensed-arborist list. Its April 2026 list had 67 companies. The City warns residents to ask for proof of licensing and insurance, get a written estimate, and watch for door-to-door solicitors, especially after storms. On its Project TRIM page, the City says licensed arborist services are required for pruning or removing trees over 30 feet high.
The boulevard tree is yours
The code defines the parking strip as the area between the curb and the sidewalk, and a tree in it as a street tree. City ordinance makes the abutting property owner responsible for parking-strip trees from planting through removal. In practice:
- Removing one takes a permit from the director (§ 94.035). The City says it's free; call 605-367-8222. The stump and major flare roots must be ground six to eight inches below grade.
- Planting one takes a Street Tree Planting Permit, required since October 2018. Don't dig until City staff sign and return it. The code requires at least 5 feet between curb and sidewalk, the tree at least 3 feet from the curb, 40 feet between street trees, 10 feet from driveways and hydrants, 15 from streetlights and 30 from the corner on a corner lot, and nothing under power lines without approval.
- Ash is the exception: the City removes parking-strip ash and grinds the stump free under its EAB plan, unless you treat the tree.
- Other plantings in the parking strip must stay within 3 feet of curb height, turf at or below 8 inches, and no shrubs or thorny plants (§ 96.010).
Clearance and pruning
Under § 94.041, owners must keep trees over public places trimmed to 10 feet over sidewalks, 12 feet over streets and 16 feet over arterial and collector streets. The City gives 41st Street and Western Avenue as examples. Trees can't block streetlights or traffic signs. The same rules apply to private trees growing into the right-of-way. Project TRIM surveys one of five districts each year and mails letters. If the work isn't done after a second deadline, City crews do it and bill $150 an hour with a one-hour minimum. Topping a street tree or any tree on public property is prohibited (§ 94.039), and so is using climbing spurs to prune, spray, repair or inspect street trees.
Nuisance trees and removal orders
Dead, diseased or insect-infested trees identified by the director are declared dangerous and a nuisance (§ 94.015). Owners must keep their land free of them by treating or removing them, as the director approves (§ 94.017). The director can issue a written removal order with a deadline based on the hazard, or effective immediately in cases of extreme danger (§§ 94.043–.044). A person served has three days to appeal to the Parks and Recreation Board and must comply within five days of the decision (§ 94.045). If the owner doesn't comply, the City does the work and charges the owner. If that isn't paid within 30 days, it can be levied as a special assessment against the property (§§ 94.046–.047).
Neighbors and storms
No law requires your neighbor to trim branches that hang over your yard. The City says you may trim back to your property line and must dispose of what you cut. When a tree falls from public property, City Forestry removes it and the stump at no cost, even onto private property. Trees that fall from private property onto other private property are the owners' responsibility, and the City recommends a City-licensed arborist.
Common questions
Does my tree company need a license?
Yes, inside Sioux Falls. Anyone paid to maintain or remove trees needs a City arborist's license and general liability insurance under § 94.060. The City publishes the list.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my backyard?
Not a City tree permit for a private tree on your lot. Boulevard trees need the free removal permit.
What if I can't afford a removal order?
Call the Forestry office about your options before the deadline. The code allows an appeal within three days. Unpaid City work can become a special assessment on the property.
Can I top my tree?
Not a street or public tree; the code bans it. On private property it isn't illegal, but it ruins the tree. Crown reduction or removal is the better answer.
Related: Boulevard trees · Tree trimming · EAB guide · Tree planting