Forestry

Division Services & Information

The mission of the Bismarck Forestry Division is to manage and improve the health of the urban forest while enhancing the quality of life for our growing community.

Our Division is responsible for:

  • Landscaping information
  • Planting, pruning, and removal of trees
  • Insects, diseases, and abiotic damage information
  • Urban forestry information
  • Community resources and programs

Featured Topic

Winter is a great time to prune trees.  

Winter pruning has many advantages over pruning in the warmer months. Some of the advantages of winter pruning include:

  1. Easier to see the structure of the tree and areas of deadwood.
  2. Less likely to interrupt the tree’s growth cycle and reduces stress such as drought, pests, and diseases.
  3. Reduces the spread of diseases which are easily spread during the warmer months such as Dutch elm disease, fireblight, and oak wilt.
  4. Reduces the risk of soil compaction in your yard if heavy equipment is needed.

To see Basic Guidelines for Pruning Trees and Shrubs check out this NDSU webpage for a printable publication, video, and more.

Other News

Tree Campus K-12 - The Arbor Day Foundation has recently developed a Tree Campus program for K-12 schools.  Tree Campus K-12 inspires collaboration between schools, students, and communities to facilitate experiences with trees as a learning tool. The program encourages schools and educators to create purposeful opportunities for students to interact with trees by offering resources as well as a framework for becoming recognized and celebrating their efforts with their community.  The Forestry Division is here to assist interested schools in achieving this recognition.  Contact our office to get started!

Beautification Award nominations are wanted for the 2021 Arbor Day celebration. Beautification Awards are presented to businesses and organizations for going above and beyond what is required by the Landscaping and Screening Ordinance to enhance and improve the image of their commercial properties in Bismarck. Click here to make your nomination.