Tree service in Dell Rapids, up the Big Sioux
Dell Rapids wasn't on the state's 2025 list of towns with confirmed emerald ash borer, but it's inside the quarantine and 20 minutes from where the beetle was first found. This is the time to decide about ash.
Dell Rapids is a Minnehaha County town of about 3,800 people on the Big Sioux River north of Sioux Falls, and a Tree City USA community. The state's June 2025 list of South Dakota communities with confirmed emerald ash borer didn't include Dell Rapids, but all of Minnehaha County is inside the EAB quarantine, and the beetle was first found on the north side of Sioux Falls, not far down the river. SDSU Extension advised in 2018 that owners within 15 miles of north Sioux Falls should assume their ash would be infested within ten years.
That makes Dell Rapids one of the best places in the area to save an ash. A tree that is still healthy, with a full crown, is the best candidate for treatment. SDSU says not to start treating until EAB is confirmed within 15 miles, a line Dell Rapids crossed years ago. Our work here is ash assessments and treatment, removal of ash that are already failing or poorly placed, trimming and deadwood, storm cleanup, stump grinding and planting.
What we do in Dell Rapids
Ash, while they're healthy
The best time to treat is before the canopy thins. We'll tell you which trees qualify.
EAB treatment
Trunk injections from leaf-out to mid-June, every two years.
Selective removal
Ash that are poorly placed or already failing removed between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Trimming and deadwood
Clearance and deadwood on older shade trees.
Storm cleanup
Limbs and trees cleared after windstorms.
Stumps and planting
Ground below grade, then replanted with a mix of species.
Streets and areas we cover
- Downtown Dell Rapids
- Big Sioux River side
- Dell Rapids schools area
- Acreages around Dell Rapids
- Baltic road
- Colton road
- Interstate 29 side
- Minnehaha County roads
Tree services in Dell Rapids
- Ash tree removal, emerald ash borer treatment, tree removal, crane removal
- Trimming and pruning, boulevard trees, spruce care, elm and oak care
- 24/7 emergency service, storm cleanup, stump grinding, replacement planting
Questions from Dell Rapids homeowners
Is EAB in Dell Rapids yet?
It wasn't on the state's June 2025 list of confirmed communities, but the whole county is in the quarantine and Dell Rapids is well within 15 miles of where it was found. SDSU's 2018 advice was to assume infestation within ten years.
Should I treat now or wait?
SDSU says to start treatment once EAB is confirmed within 15 miles, which it is. Treating a healthy tree before it declines works far better than trying to save a thinning one.
What does treatment cost?
The City of Sioux Falls puts it at about $150 to $350 per tree every two years for trunks 10 to 25 inches across. Bigger trees cost more.
Do you come up to Dell Rapids for small jobs?
Yes. We group nearby jobs on the same day when we can, which keeps the price down.
Nearby: North Sioux Falls · Crooks & Renner · Brandon · Hartford · full service area