Midwest region
Tree removal and tree care in South Dakota
South Dakota's tree work splits by region. In the Black Hills, a mountain pine beetle epidemic killed ponderosa pine over hundreds of thousands of acres, leaving dead trees near homes around Rapid City. In the east, emerald ash borer was confirmed in Sioux Falls in 2018 and is killing ash, a major share of the city's trees. Blizzards, ice and hail affect the whole state.
The Black Hills epidemic peaked in the 2000s and early 2010s. Its legacy is dead and fallen pines near homes and a continuing focus on thinning to keep stands healthy and reduce fire risk.
Sioux Falls has been removing and treating ash since emerald ash borer was found, and nearby towns are preparing. Across the state, spring and fall snow on leafed-out trees and summer hail and wind break limbs on cottonwoods, elms and maples.
Reviewed and updated
Black Hills pines and eastern ash
West River and East River face different problems. In the Black Hills, the mountain pine beetle epidemic killed ponderosa pine across a large part of the forest, and homeowners there focus on removing dead trees and thinning for fire. East River towns, led by Sioux Falls, face emerald ash borer in a tree population with a lot of ash.
South Dakota tree rules
- South Dakota has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots; Sioux Falls and other cities manage boulevard trees and have rules for working on them.
- Firewood movement out of the emerald ash borer quarantine area around Sioux Falls has been restricted to slow its spread.
Sources (checked 2026-10-04)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Beetles, ash borer, snow and hail
Mountain pine beetle
Killed ponderosa pine over a large part of the Black Hills.
Emerald ash borer
Confirmed in Sioux Falls in 2018; killing untreated ash.
Blizzards and ice
Snow and ice load break limbs across the state.
Hail and wind
Summer storms shred leaves and break branches.
South Dakota services by risk
For ash and beetle-killed pines.
After blizzards, ice and hail.
For cottonwoods over homes.
Triaging dead pines in the Black Hills.
Pines, ash, cottonwoods and oaks
- Ponderosa pine
- Black Hills; beetle and fire concerns
- Green ash
- Large share of eastern town trees; EAB
- Cottonwood
- State tree; huge, limb drop
- Bur oak
- Native, durable
- American elm
- Dutch elm disease
Ash in South Dakota: treat, remove or replace
Healthy, near the house
- Usual choice
- Treat
Thinning crown
- Usual choice
- Treat or plan removal
A third or more dead
- Usual choice
- Remove
Dead
- Usual choice
- Remove promptly
South Dakota's storm calendar
Spring and fall snow on leafed-out trees causes the most breakage, and summer brings hail and wind. Plan ash and pine removals for winter, when ground is frozen.
- Spring and fall
- Heavy snow on leafed-out trees
- Summer
- Hail, wind and fire season in the Hills
- Winter
- Planned removals; ash work on frozen ground
South Dakota tree questions
Is emerald ash borer in South Dakota?
Yes. It was confirmed in Sioux Falls in 2018, and the area has been under firewood movement restrictions.
Should I treat or remove my ash in Sioux Falls?
Treat healthy, valuable ash near the house; remove ash that has lost a third or more of its crown.
Are Black Hills pines still dying from beetles?
The epidemic has subsided, but dead pines from it remain, and thinning is still recommended to keep stands healthy.
Can I move firewood from Sioux Falls?
Not out of the quarantine area. Buy firewood where you'll burn it.
When is the best time for tree removal in South Dakota?
Late fall through winter for planned work; storm-damaged trees near homes should come down right away.
Do Sioux Falls boulevard ash need a permit to remove?
Work on trees in the public boulevard is regulated by the city, so check with Sioux Falls forestry before removing one.
How much does tree removal cost in South Dakota?
Large cottonwoods and dead ash near houses cost more. See the tree removal cost guide.
Need tree help in South Dakota?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.