Tree service in the Cathedral District, where Sioux Falls planted its first trees
The district's first residents were among the first to bring trees to the South Dakota prairie. A lot of those streets still have big, old trees over big, old houses, and very little room to work.
The Cathedral Historic District was the first district in South Dakota listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in 1974. The American Planning Association describes roughly 78 acres, 16 full and six half city blocks, from West 4th and 6th Streets south to West 10th, and from North Spring Avenue west to North Summit and Prairie Avenues. It holds about 220 structures, nearly half built before 1900, mostly Queen Anne houses from 1880 to 1900, around the twin 185-foot spires of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph and the 1889 Pettigrew House. The APA notes that residents here were among the first to bring trees to the prairie, and that mature street trees now line the sidewalks. It also notes the pink Sioux quartzite used in house walls, hitching posts, retaining walls, curbs and streets.
That shapes the tree work. Lots are narrow, houses are tall and close together, and the trees are some of the biggest in the city: old elms, maples and ash, many of them street trees the abutting owner is responsible for. Most removals here come down in short sections on ropes, and some need a crane. We protect the quartzite curbs, walls and walks under the drop zone with mats and plywood. Boulevard trees need the City's free removal permit, with the stump ground 6 to 8 inches below grade, and clearance of 10 feet over the sidewalk and 12 over the street. Ash comes down between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Downtown, along Falls Park and the river, the same rules apply to whatever trees front your property.
What we do in Cathedral District
Section-by-section removals
Big old trees taken down in short roped sections between houses that sit close together.
Quartzite protected
Curbs, retaining walls and walks under the work area covered with mats and plywood.
Boulevard permits
The City's free street-tree removal permit, and stumps ground 6 to 8 inches below grade.
Clearance pruning
10 feet over sidewalks and 12 over streets, without topping the old trees.
Ash on the clock
Declining ash assessed for treatment or removal, cut between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Crane when needed
For trees with no room to lower anything, lifted over the house to the street.
Streets and areas we cover
- West 4th to West 10th Streets
- North Spring Avenue
- North Summit Avenue
- North Prairie Avenue
- Cathedral of Saint Joseph area
- Pettigrew Home area
- Falls Park
- Phillips Avenue and downtown
- Fawick Park and the river
- Washington Pavilion area
- Whittier
- Big Sioux River Greenway
Tree services in Cathedral District
- Ash tree removal, emerald ash borer treatment, tree removal, crane removal
- Trimming and pruning, boulevard trees, spruce care, elm and oak care
- 24/7 emergency service, storm cleanup, stump grinding, replacement planting
Questions from Cathedral District homeowners
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Cathedral District?
A tree on your own lot doesn't need a City tree permit. A boulevard tree in the parking strip does; it's free. Historic-district rules generally cover buildings, but if your project involves the house or the streetscape, check with the City before you start.
Can you protect the quartzite curb and walls?
Yes. We lay mats and plywood over curbs, walks and retaining walls in the work area and lower pieces rather than dropping them.
Our old elm is still alive. Can it be protected?
Yes, if it's still healthy. Preventive Dutch elm disease injections every three years protect valuable elms. See elm and oak care.
How much does a big removal cost downtown?
Tight lots and big trees push prices up. Most large removals here run $1,800 to $4,500, and crane jobs $2,500 to $7,500. We give a written price after we see the tree.
Nearby: McKennan Park · North Sioux Falls · South Sioux Falls · Brandon · full service area