Approved Boulevard Trees

2022 Street Tree Guide
Click on the Street Tree Guide to view a listing of all the trees that are allowed on the boulevard. The Guide offers information on each tree approved for the boulevard, including boulevard width category and photos of each tree. 

Note: Contact the Bismarck Forestry Division for a Permit to Plant Trees on Public Street Right-of-Way before planting as a permit is required.


Beginning April 1, 2022 the following species of the genus Acer (maple) planted on the boulevard will not be eligible for reimbursement through the Partners In Planting program (PIP).  

  • Freeman Maple (Autumnblaze, Sienna Glen, etc.)
  • Norway Maple (Deborah, Royal Red, etc.)
  • Red Maple (Northwood, Scarlet Jewel, etc.)
  • Sugar Maple (Fall Fiesta, Unity, etc.)

Each year maple species trees are one of the Forestry Division’s top removals typically due to death or decline.  Reasons for death or decline of maple in Bismarck are due to intolerance of our alkaline soils as well as questionable hardiness in some areas of the City. Our desire for newly planted street trees is that they will grow to maturity and provide maximum benefits for years to come.  Currently, most maple trees do not provide the optimum desired outcome.

Boulevard Width Categories

What does that mean? When the Forestry Division marks trees on the boulevard we have to keep the boulevard width, from the curb to the sidewalk, in mind. Think long term. The Forestry Division sets these guidelines for homeowners to follow; we are looking 20-30 years down the line to protect the homeowner's investments along with the health and longevity of the boulevard trees.

Featured Tree

Northern Empress™ Japanese elm - Northern Empress™ has many remarkable features, but its most special quality is its glowing fall color. While most elms turn yellow in fall, the leaves of Northern Empress™ turn apricot-orange, later turning burgundy-red. This color is both radiant and reliable from year to year.  Read on for a full description written by Tom Kalb, NDSU Extension Horticulturist.

NDSU Agriculture Extension - Northern Empress Japanese Elm