Fargo Elite Tree Care: Expert Tree Removal, Trimming, and Stump Grinding


Fargo Elite Tree Care delivers professional tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, and emergency tree services for residential and commercial properties throughout Fargo, West Fargo, and the broader Red River Valley.

From dead and diseased ash tree removal to large tree takedowns, storm damage cleanup, and Emerald Ash Borer treatment, every project is handled by ISA certified arborists using aerial bucket trucks, crane-assisted removal equipment, and professional-grade stump grinders for maximum safety.

Fully licensed and insured across both Cass and Clay counties (ND/MN), we provide free estimates, fixed-price proposals, and 24-hour emergency storm response to keep your residential or commercial property safe in any season.

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Why Choose Fargo Elite Tree Care for Your Projects?

Prepared for Red River Valley Weather

We understand the trees native to Fargo better than anyone else. Our team is equipped to respond to storm damage, hazardous limbs, and emergency tree situations year-round.

ISA-Certified Arborists & Honest Recommendations

Our ISA-certified arborists assess tree health, structural integrity, and pest threats before any work begins. With Emerald Ash Borer affecting the Fargo area, we provide straightforward recommendations on whether treatment or removal is the most practical solution.

Industry-Grade Tree Equipment

We only use commercial-grade equipment suited for the dense clay soils common throughout Cass and Clay counties. We are fully licensed and insured to serve residential and commercial properties across Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and nearby communities.

Residential Tree Services

Tree Removal

A dead, damaged, or leaning tree creates an immediate property risk. To avoid such unnecessary risks, Fargo Elite Tree Care provides clean, complete removal including full debris hauling and site cleanup.

Every project begins with an ISA-certified arborist assessment to determine the safest takedown method for your specific site, leaving your property completely hazard-free.

Tree Trimming and Pruning

Our certified arborists trim and prune residential trees to stop overgrown branches and deadwood from threatening your roof, power lines, and fences before the next storm hits.

We use precise structural pruning and crown thinning techniques that promote healthy regrowth, completely avoiding the jagged, disease-prone topping cuts left behind by untrained crews.

Stump Grinding and Removal

To eliminate the tripping hazards, mowing obstacles, and pest magnets that leftover stumps create, we use heavy-duty grinders sized specifically for the dense clay soil of the Red River Valley to grind every stump and root flare well below grade.

Once the stump is clear, we then backfill and level the area so you can replant or landscape it immediately.

Emergency Tree Service

Available 24/7 across Fargo and surrounding communities, our emergency crews respond fast to clear fallen trees and storm damage, keeping your family safe from falling limbs, blocked exits, and powerline hazards.

Every dispatch arrives fully equipped to clear structural hazards and secure your property on the very first visit, regardless of the time, temperature, or severe weather conditions outside.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Treatment & Ash Tree Removal

To protect your canopy from Emerald Ash Borer, our arborists determine exactly which trees can be saved with targeted injections and which ones require removal, saving you from wasting money on dead timber.

Our team uses professional emamectin benzoate or imidacloprid trunk injections to save treatable trees.

If the infection is too advanced, we perform full removals and stump grindings so the tree never becomes a dangerous liability on your property.

Tree Health Assessment & Disease Management

Our inspectors conduct professional tree health assessments to the ANSI A300 standard to diagnose structural integrity, fungal infections, and pest threats before they become emergencies.

By evaluating the root zone, canopy, bark, and soil compaction, you get a clear preventative action plan that costs a fraction of an emergency removal.

Commercial and Specialty Tree Services

Commercial Tree Service

Our commercial crews clear overgrown canopies, dead limbs, and hazardous trees from business properties and parking lots to prevent pedestrian injuries, vehicle damage, and costly property lawsuits.

All trimming is scheduled around your specific operating hours to keep parking lots accessible, protect customers from inconvenience, and maintain a highly professional storefront appearance.

Large Tree & Crane-Assisted Removal

To safely remove massive cottonwood, elm, or ash trees without damaging your roofline or underground utilities, we use specialized crane-assisted rigging to lower large sections under controlled tension, leaving your lawn completely immaculate.

Every large tree removal begins with a site assessment covering canopy spread, proximity to structures, underground utilities, and ground access conditions before the removal method is confirmed and equipment is staged.

Lot Clearing & Land Clearing

Fargo Elite Tree Care removes all trees, stumps, and root masses so your new construction or agricultural project starts on a flawless, build-ready site.

Full tree removal, stump grinding, brush chipping, debris hauling, and rough grading handled by a single crew eliminates the headache of coordinating multiple contractors, saving you both time and money.

Tree Planting and Transplanting

Our skilled arborists protect your landscaping investment by planting cold-hardy species like American elm and honeylocust that are engineered to survive our brutal climate.

By custom-blending the soil and stabilizing the roots at installation, we ensure your new trees grow faster, establish deep roots, and survive the first freeze without costly replanting.

What Is Fargo Elite Tree Care's Process?

Step 1: Free On-Site Assessment

An ISA-certified arborist will visit your Fargo property to evaluate your tree and provide a free, fully itemized, fixed-price estimate on the spot.

Step 2: Fixed-Price Proposal

Every project is priced based on the specific tree size, site access, and disposal needs confirmed during our visit. The exact number we agree on before work begins is the exact number you see on your final invoice, meaning zero surprise charges or mid-project additions.

Step 3: Site Preparation and Safety Setup

To protect your structures, landscaping, and utility lines, our crew establishes a secure safety perimeter and stages specialized equipment, including aerial bucket trucks and cranes. Every crew operates strictly to ANSI Z133 safety standards on both residential and commercial job sites.

Step 4: Tree Removal, Trimming, or Treatment

Whether your project requires crane-assisted large tree removal, precision canopy pruning, targeted Emerald Ash Borer injections, or high-power stump grinding in dense Red River Valley clay, an arborist-led crew executes the task using professional equipment calibrated to your lawn's specific demands.

Step 5: Complete Cleanup and Site Restoration

Our crew hauls away every branch, log, and wood chip, backfills and levels the stump grinding area, and conducts a final walkthrough with you to ensure your lawn is safer, cleaner, and in better condition than when we arrived.

How Much Does Tree Care Cost in Fargo, ND?

Residential Tree Care Pricing Options

Service Type
Typical Cost Range
Tree Removal

Small Tree (under 30 ft): $400 – $700

Medium Tree (30 – 60 ft): $700 – $1,200

Large Tree (over 60 ft): $1,200 – $1,900

Dead / Hazardous Tree: Custom quote (based on structural stability)

Limb Removal Only: $50 – $75 per limb

> Note: Debris hauling and site cleanup are included in all removals

Tree Trimming & Pruning

3-Man Crew Rate: $167 – $222 per hour

Average Trimming Project (3 – 4 hours): $500 – $880 total

Structural Pruning (Young Trees): $150 – $400

Crown Thinning & Deadwood Removal: Custom quote (based on canopy density)

Stump Grinder & Removal

Standard Stump: $75 – $350 (based on diameter)

Large Stump (over 24 in): $350 – $1,000

> Note: Root flare grinding, clay soil backfilling, and site leveling are included. Multi-stump discounts available.

Emergency Tree Service (24/7)

Dispatch Base Rate: $200 – $500 (based on time and weather)

After-Hours / Storm Premium: 20% – 30% above standard rates

> Note: Service covers Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and Dilworth.

Emerald Ash Borer & Ash Tree Care

Trunk Injection (Emamectin Benzoate): $100 – $300 per tree

Soil Injection (Imidacloprid): $75 – $200 per tree

EAB Consultations: Free (includes a complimentary ash tree assessment)

Diagnostics & Tree Health

Arborist On-Site Assessment: Free with any booked service

Standalone Written Report: $150 – $300

Root Zone Fertilization: $100 – $300 per tree

Cabling & Bracing: $200 – $600 per tree

Commercial & Specialty Pricing Options

Roofing Type
Typical Cost Range
Commercial Property Services

Commercial Trimming & Removal: Custom fixed-price proposal required (based on property scale, access, and schedule)

Heavy Equipment Removals

Crane-Assisted Removal: $1,500 – $3,500

Aerial Bucket Truck Removal: $800 – $2,500

Lot & Land Clearing

Residential Lot Clearing: $1,500 – $6,000

Agricultural & Windbreak Removal: Custom quote per acre

> Note: Includes full debris hauling, stump grinding, and rough grading.

Tree Planting & Transplanting

Cold-Hardy Tree Installation: $200 – $600 per tree (Bur Oak, Black Hills Spruce, American Elm)

Windbreak Planting & Tree Transplanting: Custom quote (based on quantity and root ball size)

Emerald Ash Borer: What Every Property Owner Needs to Know

What Is Emerald Ash Borer?

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive wood-boring beetle that kills ash trees. The larvae tunnel beneath the bark, cutting off the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. In our climate, infested ash trees quickly become brittle, unpredictable hazards that can fail without warning under winter snow or spring winds.

How to Identify EAB on Your Property

Look for these warning signs on your ash trees:

  • D-shaped exit holes (3–4 mm wide) in the bark.
  • S-shaped galleries visible under peeling bark.
  • Canopy dieback starts at the very top of the tree.
  • Heavy woodpecker activity (woodpeckers strip bark to eat the larvae).
  • Epicormic sprouting (new, leafy shoots growing directly out of the trunk).

Can an Infested Ash Tree Be Saved?

Yes, but only if caught early. An ash tree with less than 50% canopy loss can usually be saved. Past 50%, the internal vascular damage is too severe, and removal is the only realistic option. Certified pesticide applicators use two primary treatment methods:

  • Trunk Injections (Emamectin Benzoate): Injected directly into the tree's vascular system. This is the most effective method, providing total protection for two years. Recommended for high-value landscape trees.
  • Soil Injections (Imidacloprid): Applied to the root zone. Best used as a budget-friendly preventative measure for healthy trees near known infestations.

When Does an Ash Tree Need to Be Removed?

Removal is required if the tree has lost more than half its canopy or is already dead. Dead ash wood dries out and becomes extremely brittle within 12 to 24 months. Leaving a dead ash standing increases the pest spread to your neighbors and risks a catastrophic structural failure during a storm. Proactive removal is always safer and less expensive than emergency storm cleanup.

Should You Treat Healthy Ash Trees Preventively?

If your ash trees are currently healthy, preventative treatment is highly recommended. EAB is actively confirmed in the region, and the cost of biennial injections is significantly lower than the cost of removing a massive, dead tree.

Next Steps

Schedule a professional inspection to catch infestations before visible dieback begins. An ISA-certified arborist will assess your canopy and provide an honest recommendation on whether to treat or remove each tree.

Trusted by Fargo Homeowners and Businesses

a woman sitting at a table with a vase of flowers

"We had a massive cottonwood leaning directly over our roof and were nervous about the whole process. The crew was professional, worked quickly, and the yard was completely clean when they left. We could not believe how smooth the whole job went from start to finish."

Karen Albrecht

Homeowner, West Fargo, ND

man in black jacket smiling

"Several of our parking lot ash trees were showing obvious EAB damage and we needed honest advice fast. They assessed every tree on the property, removed the ones past saving, and treated the rest. No upselling, no guesswork, just straight answers and solid work."

Mark Lindstrom

Property Manager, Fargo, ND

A smiling couple wearing glasses outdoors

"A storm dropped a large elm across our driveway at 10 pm on a Tuesday in January. I called Fargo Elite and a crew was at the house within the hour. They had the driveway completely cleared and the debris hauled away before midnight. Incredible response."

Tom and Sandra Vickers

Homeowners, Moorhead, MN

Tree Care & Arborist Services FAQ

What tree services does Fargo Elite Tree Care provide across Fargo and the Red River Valley?

Certified arborists and specialized field crews provide full-service tree removal, crane-assisted extractions, precision trimming, stump grinding, Emerald Ash Borer treatments, emergency storm response, lot clearing, and new tree planting.

How does Fargo Elite Tree Care handle emergency tree removal during winter storms and spring flooding?

Emergency dispatch crews equipped with aerial bucket trucks and cranes safely stabilize and clear uprooted trees, ice-laden branches, and storm-damaged timber threatening structures.

What is the cost of tree removal in Fargo, ND?

Small trees (under 30 ft): $400 to $700

Medium trees (30 to 60 ft): $700 to $1,200

Large trees (over 60 ft): $1,200 to $1,900

> Note: Dead, hazardous, or structurally compromised trees require an on-site evaluation by an estimator for exact pricing.

Has Emerald Ash Borer been confirmed in Fargo and what should property owners do about their ash trees?

Yes, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is present in the region. Property owners with ash trees should schedule an ISA-certified arborist to perform a canopy assessment to determine if the tree is a candidate for preventative trunk injections or if it requires removal.

What is the difference between Emerald Ash Borer treatment and ash tree removal?

Treatment involves biennial trunk injections of emamectin benzoate applied by certified pesticide applicators to save healthy trees from infestation, while removal is executed by technical extraction crews when a tree has suffered more than 30% canopy dieback and poses a structural hazard.

How does Fargo's Red River Valley clay soil affect stump grinding compared to other markets?

The dense, heavy clay soil puts extreme strain on standard equipment and wraps around root flares. Equipment operators utilize higher-horsepower, heavy-duty stump grinders specifically calibrated to cut through compacted clay and grind roots well below grade.

What cold-hardy tree species are recommended for planting in the area?

Local plant specialists recommend resilient, native-adapted species that thrive in heavy clay and withstand severe winters, specifically Bur Oak, Black Hills Spruce, American Elm hybrids, and Honeylocust.

Is Fargo Elite Tree Care licensed to work on properties in both North Dakota and Minnesota?

Yes, the company maintains full bi-state licensing, statutory workers' compensation, and comprehensive commercial liability insurance to legally protect property owners across both North Dakota and Minnesota.

What qualifications does the Fargo Elite Tree Care crew hold for tree assessment and removal work?

Operations are led on-site by ISA-certified arborists, and all field technicians strictly adhere to ANSI Z133 safety standards for high-risk tree care and heavy equipment operation.

How do you handle large tree removal near structures and power lines in Fargo?

Specialized equipment operators and climbers deploy aerial bucket trucks and cranes to execute precision rigging, lowering massive tree sections under controlled tension to eliminate risk to roofs, utility lines, and adjacent landscaping.

What commercial tree services are available for business properties?

Commercial crews provide canopy trimming, parking lot sightline clearing, hazardous tree removal, municipal right-of-way maintenance, and multi-property contract management for local business owners and property managers.

How often should trees in residential areas be professionally trimmed and assessed?

Homeowners should have mature trees trimmed and assessed by a professional arborist every 3 to 5 years to clear deadwood, maintain structural integrity against high winds, and monitor for regional pests or diseases.

What areas beyond Fargo do you serve?

Field crews regularly service West Fargo, Moorhead, Dilworth, Horace, and the surrounding rural communities within the Red River Valley.

How do I get a free tree removal or trimming estimate from Fargo Elite Tree Care?

Contact the office by phone or through the website to schedule an on-site visit. An ISA-certified arborist will assess the property and provide a fully itemized, fixed-price estimate on the spot.

Protect Your Property Before the Next Storm

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