Tree Row Clearing & Windbreak Renovation in North Dakota

Agricultural tree row removal, windbreak renovation, and farmstead clearing — with direct experience in NRCS EQIP and FSA CRP cost-share programs.

Call for a Free Estimate
Home› Services› Tree Row Clearing

Tree Row Clearing & Windbreak Work

Dakota Earthworks provides specialized tree row clearing and windbreak renovation services for agricultural landowners, ranchers, and rural property owners across Central North Dakota. We have direct experience working with NRCS EQIP, FSA CRP, and North Dakota Forest Service programs — so we understand the documentation requirements, site specifications, and timing constraints that conservation cost-share projects involve.

We operate our own Komatsu PC138 excavator and compact equipment, which gives us the reach and precision to work selectively in windbreak renovation projects — taking out dead, dying, or targeted species while leaving healthy trees intact when that's what the job calls for.

Types of Projects We Handle

  • Full agricultural tree row removal — clearing entire rows for field expansion or replanting
  • Selective windbreak renovation — removing targeted trees while preserving remaining stand
  • Dead tree and storm-damaged tree removal from shelterbelts
  • Stump grinding and stump removal
  • Root raking and site cleanup after clearing
  • Farmstead shelterbelt clearing combined with structure removal
  • Conservation program compliance clearing (NRCS/FSA specifications)
  • Brush piling or burning preparation
  • Site grading following tree row removal to restore cropland or lawn area
Agricultural tree row clearing windbreak renovation North Dakota

Conservation Program Experience

Many tree row clearing projects in North Dakota are tied to NRCS or FSA cost-share programs that require specific documentation, pre-work site approvals, and post-work inspections. We've worked through this process and understand how to coordinate with local NRCS offices and conservation districts to keep projects compliant and cost-share eligible.

NRCS EQIP

Environmental Quality Incentives Program — often funds windbreak renovation and selective tree row work meeting specific conservation practice standards. We're familiar with the documentation and site requirements.

FSA CRP

Conservation Reserve Program — tree row clearing may be required as part of practice compliance or replanting contracts. We coordinate with your local FSA office timeline and specifications.

ND Forest Service

North Dakota Forest Service programs support windbreak renovation and shelterbelt work. We work alongside their recommendations and can meet program-specific clearing requirements.

Our Process

1

Project Review

We review the scope — full removal or selective, program requirements if applicable, and access considerations for the site.

2

Mark & Plan

Trees to remove vs. preserve marked clearly if selective work. Brush and debris handling method agreed on before we start.

3

Clearing

Trees felled and pulled using the excavator. Stumps removed or ground depending on what the site requires.

4

Debris Handling

Brush piled for burning, chipped, or hauled depending on your preference and site conditions. We leave the site in the agreed-upon condition.

5

Site Cleanup

Root rake or blade work to remove remaining root debris and level the area. Site ready for replanting, cropping, or grading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help me determine if my project qualifies for cost-share funding?

We can point you in the right direction and share what we know from experience, but eligibility determinations go through your local NRCS or FSA office. We recommend contacting them early — funding windows and signup deadlines vary each year.

Do you remove stumps or just cut trees at ground level?

We can do either. Full stump removal — pulling the root ball with the excavator — is standard for sites that will be farmed or graded. Stump grinding is available for sites where minimizing ground disturbance matters. We discuss this during the site visit.

What do you do with the brush and wood?

Options include piling for the landowner to burn, on-site chipping if available, or hauling away. We work out the preferred method before we start so there are no surprises at the end of the job.

Can you clear tree rows in fields that are still being farmed?

Yes. We work around crop schedules regularly. Timing around planting and harvest is something we build into the project planning conversation.

Do you work on large acreage projects with multiple tree rows?

Yes. Multi-row and large acreage projects are common in our work. We can provide phased estimates if you want to tackle rows over multiple seasons to fit budget or program requirements.

Ready to Discuss Your Tree Row Project?

Call Dakota Earthworks for a free estimate on tree row clearing and windbreak renovation.

Call 701-773-DIRT (3478)