Forestry

The Forestry Department activities include three stages of the forest’s life. The young tree at planting, tree maintenance while growing and tree removal of dead and dying trees.

The Forestry Department has the proud distinction of 30 years designated as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.  There are four standards for a city to gain such a distinction:

  • The City must have a Tree Board that represents the community and its forestry needs as an advisory to the City Forester.
  • The City must have an Ordinance which addresses the planting and care of trees.
  • The City’s Forestry Program must have an Annual Budget of at Least $2 per capita.
  • The City must hold an Annual Arbor Day Observation and Proclamation.

In addition to meeting the Tree City USA requirements, the City of Jamestown received a Tree Growth Award every year for 11 years ending in 2010. This award recognizes environmental improvement and a higher level of tree care in the community as evidenced by additions or significant improvements to the tree program during each year of recognition.  Jamestown was designated as a Sterling Tree City USA in 2009 for the completion of 10 years of achieving the Tree Growth Award.

Landscape Ordinance: No.1453

Recommended Tree Species for Boulevards

Forestry Department Code: Article IX

2023 Certified Arborists, CIty of Jamestown

The Forestry department is accepting applications for the Urban Forest Master Plan Subcommittee: See below links for information pertaining to the Opening on the Urban Forest Master Plan Committee due October 31, 2023

To View the Tree Inventory: click on the link below

Useful Tools

Crop & Pest Report from NDSU & USDA

Insect EAB forecast map & activity confirmed

Tree Maintenance

It is the responsibility of homeowners to maintain and care for trees planted on their boulevard. This includes pruning branches over the street and sidewalks. The branch requirement over residential streets is 13 feet and branches in commercial areas of town are required to be pruned to a height of 16 feet.

Tree branches over sidewalks are to be maintained to a height of 8 feet over the middle of the sidewalk. Tree branches that interfere with the visibility of traffic signs and lights must be pruned to provide adequate clearance and visibility to a distance of 100 feet for moving traffic.

Any tree branches or shrub growth into the alley right-of-ways must be pruned for clearance and safety of public workers and private citizens that use these public ways. The right of way is approximately 20 feet wide or 10 feet from the agreed center line.

Shrubs are not allowed on city boulevards near corners or in areas that may develop a traffic visibility problem.