Sioux Falls Begins Planting Thousands Of Trees Around The City

The City of Sioux Falls has begun planting trees through its CommuniTree Assistance Program, a five-year effort to strengthen the city’s urban forest.

Funded by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program will add 5,000 street trees in low-canopy areas within the public right-of-way.

“This is exciting work that will benefit our neighborhoods for years,” said Parks Operations Manager Josh Johnson.

The program is free for eligible homeowners and includes a tree, professional planting, and first-season care. Property owners were invited last fall to participate and select a tree.

Planting began on April 6 and will take about two weeks, weather permitting. Crews will work block by block to prepare sites, plant trees, and complete cleanup.

“This effort helps rebuild a healthy urban forest and recover from Emerald Ash Borer impacts,” said Urban Forestry Specialist Bryan Peterson.

Emerald Ash Borer, first detected in Sioux Falls in 2018, has significantly reduced ash tree populations. The CommuniTree program supports ongoing replanting efforts.

The City also offers a Street Tree Voucher Program, providing a $100 rebate per approved tree for residents planting in the public right-of-way.

A permit is required, and vouchers are issued automatically upon approval.

Residents should call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities.
Learn more at siouxfalls.gov/communitree or siouxfalls.gov/street-tree-planting.