Storm Damage and Fallen Trees

What to do when a tree falls in your neighborhood

Trees are beautiful and provide many benefits. However, fallen trees and debris leave behind a mess with a lot of questions: Who's responsible for cleanup? Who do you call first?

Be Prepared

Limit your risk. Take a few minutes every year and walk your property to inspect your trees for any possible structural issues. If you are unsure, contact a City-licensed arborist for a consultation.

  • Check the trees near your home or business for dead branches or weak spots.
  • Trim what you can for structural integrity. It lowers the risk of damage when the wind picks up.
  • Move anything valuable away from trees if a storm is on the way.

When to Report

The City of Sioux Falls Forestry Team is tasked with clearing fallen trees and debris within the public right of way, which includes area in and between the street and sidewalk. Report tree damage to the City when:

  • A tree is blocking a public sidewalk or street. Even if it was planted on private property, we'll clear debris that's blocking the public right of way up to the property line.
  • A tree planted on public property falls and damages public property or a branch larger than 6 inches in diameter or 20 feet in length falls and lands in the public space
  • A tree planted on public property falls and damages private property. Our forestry team will remove the tree or debris from public property. Tree branches that fall onto private property will be responsibility of that property owner.
  • A tree has fallen and impacted an overhead utility line. Contacting the managing utility company as well as the City may expedite restoration of services. If the situation causes arcing or sparking, dial 911 for emergency response.

The City will not remove trees from private property unless the tree fell from public land.

How to Report

There are three ways to report storm damage:

What to Know

Here are a few terms that help explain who's responsible for cleanup:

  • Public right of way: The area between the street and the outer edge of the sidewalk.
  • Private property: Land owned by a homeowner, business, nonprofit, or property manager.
  • Public property: Land owned by a government or school.

Our forestry team responds based on severity and risk. Trees that put people in danger come first. Next, we clear major arterial streets and utilities followed by residential so you can regain access to your neighborhood. Major storms may take several days to fully clear. We appreciate your patience while we work through storm cleanup.

How can you help?

If it's safe and you are able to, feel free to clear small debris from the public right of way yourself.

We do not encourage trees to be cut into small pieces. Small pieces can actually take more time to clear and slow down City cleanup operations. Debris pickup is typically done with large equipment.

Volunteering opportunities may be available in situations where a storm has caused widespread damage. Check siouxfalls.gov or local news outlets after a storm to learn more.

Responsibility for Cleanup

  • If a tree falls from public property onto private or public land, the City’s forestry team removes the tree and eventually the stump and no cost to property owner. You do not need to be present for removal.
  • If a tree falls from private property into the public right of way, the City’s forestry team will remove only the part blocking the right of way and not the entire tree. Likewise, trees cut and piled on the boulevard from private property will not be removed by the City.
  • If a tree falls from private property onto another private property, the City won't remove it.  Please work with your neighbor and contact a City-licensed arborist for assistance, if needed.

See List of Licensed Arborists

The City is not responsible for damage caused by privately planted trees, and disputes between neighbors need to go through civil court. Each property owner is likely responsible for storm damage caused by trees planted on private land. Contact your insurance company to learn more. If you are a tenant of the property, contact the owner or property manager.

If a tree on public land damages private property, the City will work directly with property owners.

What to Do

When a tree falls, here's how to figure out your next step.

Was the tree planted in the public right of way?

The City’s forestry team will remove the tree and any debris.

Was the tree planted on your property?

  • Take photos and videos of the damage.
  • Contact your insurance company and share what you documented.
  • If the tree damaged a neighbor's property, let them know.
  • Check the City's licensed arborist list for removal services.

Was the tree planted on your neighbor's property?

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