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.


Responsibilities 

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

Dutch Elm Disease

First detected in Bismarck in 1977, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a fungus that is spread by elm bark beetles. When an elm tree is infected with DED, branches in the upper crown will yellow, curl and wilt, commonly referred to as flagging. If a healthy elm tree is next to a tree infected with DED it is possible for the fungus to spread through the root systems. This happens when trees are planted close together and as they mature their roots fuse together, also known as root grafting.  For the NDSU Extension Service's newest publication on Dutch Elm Disease click here. 

The Forestry Division employs a DED Surveillance crew each summer to inspect the City's elm trees (public and private) for DED.  As of September 9th, 71 elm trees have tested positive for DED in 2019.  

Boulevard Tree Planting

As we transition into fall, it is still a great time for tree planting.  The City of Bismarck has partnered with community minded sponsors again this year to provide a partial cost share for boulevard tree planting and funding for 2019 is still available.   Click here for more information on the Partners In Planting program and how to request a boulevard tree planting permit.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

The North Dakota Urban & Community Forestry Association (NDUCFA) will be hosting two training opportunities in Bismarck this fall.

An Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Detection & Management Workshop will be held on October 16, 2019 at the Sertoma Club Community Center.  Presenters will share their expertise on the most effective EAB detection technique, how to uncover EAB in a branch sample and the best strategies for slowing the spread now (pre-infestation) and into the future. There will also be a discussion of 2019 tree pests and their management based on calls, observations and reports from the field.  Click here for a link to the NDUCFA events page for registration information.

A Winter Tree ID Workshop is also scheduled to be held in Bismarck on November 6, 2019 at the ND Heritage Center.  Registration for this event can be accessed through the same link used for the EAB workshop.