Tree work rules in South Dakota
What the state says about tree work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Checked September 23, 2026
Licensing
South Dakota's Department of Labor and Regulation licensing index lists no state tree care license.1
Tree removal permits
Ask your city or county government whether removing a tree needs a permit where you live.
Trees near power lines
If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.
South Dakota law keeps people and tools 10 feet from lines over 750 volts. Before anyone works closer, the operator has to be notified promptly and barriers, shutting off the power or raising the line arranged.2-5
811 and stump work
Spraying and treating trees
Applying pesticides for hire needs commercial applicator certification and a license from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The category is 4 Ornamental and Turf, for trees, shrubs and flowers in turf areas.7-8
Get quotes from companies in your county
One request instead of calling companies one at a time. We'll match you with a tree service near you. It's free, and you don't have to hire anyone.
Sources
- South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation ↑
- South Dakota Codified Laws 49-32-10 ↑
- South Dakota Codified Laws 49-32-11 ↑
- South Dakota Codified Laws 49-32-14 ↑
- South Dakota Codified Laws 49-32-16 ↑
- South Dakota Codified Laws 49-7A-1 ↑
- South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources: pesticide applicators and dealers ↑
- South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources: commercial certification categories for pesticide applicators ↑
What tree work costs in South Dakota
Published national ranges for removal, trimming, stump grinding and arborist visits, and a planning estimate for your own job.
Companies in South Dakota
South Dakota has 52 tree service companies listed, and 21 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to companies near you.
Cite this page
“Tree work rules in South Dakota.” InspecTree, updated September 26, 2026. https://inspectree.com/sd/rules/