South Dakota
Tree Removal and Tree Service in South Dakota
South Dakota is two tree states. East of the Missouri River it is planted ash, elm and maple in towns and shelterbelts. In the Black Hills it is ponderosa pine forest, where beetles and wildfire set the agenda.
East River and West River tree work
| East River | Black Hills and West River | |
|---|---|---|
| Main trees | Green ash, elm, silver maple, hackberry, cottonwood | Ponderosa pine, spruce, bur oak, aspen |
| Main pest | Emerald ash borer | Mountain pine beetle and pine engraver |
| Main weather | Derechos, ice, tornadoes | Heavy wet snow, hail, wildfire wind |
| Typical job | Removing dead or infested ash near houses | Thinning and removing pines for beetle control and defensible space |
An ice storm, two derechos and a blizzard
In April 2013 freezing rain and snow over three days broke limbs from most of the mature trees in Sioux Falls. The city collected enough debris to fill its drop sites many times over.
On May 12, 2022 a derecho crossed the eastern counties behind a wall of dust with gusts over 100 mph in places. A second derecho followed on July 5. Sioux Falls had also been hit by three tornadoes in one night in September 2019.
West River's benchmark is the October 2013 blizzard known as Atlas, which dropped several feet of wet snow on the Black Hills while leaves were still on. Trees came down across Rapid City, and the damage to cottonwood and ash along creeks was severe.
Sioux Falls arborist licensing and ash rules
Sioux Falls requires a city arborist license for tree trimming and removal businesses and publishes its list of licensed arborists. The license involves proof of insurance and demonstrated knowledge, and it is the first thing to check when hiring inside the city.
Emerald ash borer was confirmed in Sioux Falls in 2018. A state quarantine restricts moving ash material and hardwood firewood out of the affected counties, and guidance from the city and state asks that ash not be pruned or moved during the summer flight season, roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
South Dakota has no state arborist license. In the Black Hills, counties and the state promote wildfire defensible space, and some subdivisions require owners to thin pines around structures.
Beetles in the Black Hills
- Mountain pine beetle
- An epidemic from the late 1990s to about 2016 killed pines across several hundred thousand acres. Populations are low now but cycle back.
- Pine engraver
- Breeds in fresh slash and storm-broken tops, then attacks standing trees. Cleanup timing matters.
- Thinning as prevention
- Dense, even-aged pine is the most vulnerable. Spacing trees reduces both beetle and fire risk.
- Infested trees
- Are cut and the wood chipped, peeled or hauled away before the beetles emerge in summer.
Is that ash infested?
Thin foliage at the top of the crown
The first symptom most people notice.
Light patches where woodpeckers flaked the bark
Called blonding. A reliable sign of larvae beneath.
D-shaped exit holes about an eighth of an inch wide
Made by emerging adult beetles.
Shoots sprouting from the trunk and base
The tree is losing its upper canopy.
Choosing a course for a South Dakota tree
- Plan it
An ash in the quarantine area is in good condition and well placed
Start treatment and keep it up, or remove on your own timetable.
- This week
An ash has lost a third or more of its crown
Schedule removal outside the summer flight season if it can wait safely.
- This week
Pines touch or overhang a Black Hills cabin
Thin and limb up for defensible space before fire season.
- Act now
Storm-broken limbs hang in the tree
Have hangers removed promptly. See hazardous tree removal.
South Dakota tree service questions
Can I have my ash trimmed in summer in Sioux Falls?
It is discouraged. City and state guidance asks that ash not be pruned or moved between about Memorial Day and Labor Day, when adult borers are flying. Hazards can still be dealt with.
How do I find a licensed arborist in Sioux Falls?
The city's forestry division publishes a current list. Tree businesses working in the city need the license.
Do I need a permit to cut pines on my Black Hills lot?
Generally not on private land, and thinning is encouraged. Check subdivision covenants and any county fire mitigation requirements, and follow state advice on handling beetle-infested wood.
What happens to ash wood removed from my yard?
Inside the quarantine it must go to an approved site or be processed so it cannot carry beetles. It may not be taken out of the regulated area as firewood.
Tree service in South Dakota, by phone
Call to be connected with an independent tree company serving your part of South Dakota, or leave your number for a callback.
(888) 555-0142Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call or request goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own prices and schedule. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
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