Trade directory · Dickinson metro · North Dakota

Landscaping contractors in
Dickinson, North Dakota.

A public directory of licensed landscaping contractors serving greater Dickinson. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
287
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
May through September, with highest demand in June-August due to harsh North Dakota winters limiting outdoor work
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
3-7 business days for quotes, longer during peak summer season due to high demand and limited contractors
Operator average
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

DICKINSON-ND · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Lawn Installation (per sq ft)
Typical range based on local lawn installation (per sq ft) jobs.
$0.75 – $2.5
Tree Planting (medium tree)
Typical range based on local tree planting (medium tree) jobs.
$200 – $800
Irrigation System Installation
Typical range based on local irrigation system installation jobs.
$2,500 – $8,000
Retaining Wall (per linear foot)
Typical range based on local retaining wall (per linear foot) jobs.
$25 – $85
Full Yard Landscaping
Typical range based on local full yard landscaping jobs.
$5,000 – $25,000
Monthly Maintenance Service
Typical range based on local monthly maintenance service jobs.
$150 – $400
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

ND
§1

Licensing Requirements

North Dakota does not require state-level licensing for landscaping contractors. However, contractors performing work over $4,000 must register with the Secretary of State as a business entity. Pesticide application requires Commercial Pesticide Applicator License through ND Department of Agriculture with written exam and continuing education requirements. License renewal required every 3 years.

§2

Permit Requirements

City of Dickinson requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet, irrigation systems connecting to municipal water, and major grading projects. Right-of-way permits needed for work near city property. Tree removal permits required for trees over 6 inches diameter on city property.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Irrigation system inspections required within 30 days of installation. Retaining wall inspections during construction for walls requiring permits. No routine inspections for standard landscaping work.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability insurance minimum $300,000 recommended, though not legally required. Workers compensation required for contractors with employees. Vehicle insurance required for commercial vehicles. Many clients require $1 million liability coverage.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Business Registration

Register business entity with North Dakota Secretary of State if performing work over $4,000. Choose business structure and file required paperwork online or by mail.

01/05
2

Obtain EIN

Apply for Employer Identification Number through IRS if hiring employees or forming corporation/LLC. Required for tax reporting and business banking.

02/05
3

Pesticide License (if applicable)

Apply for Commercial Pesticide Applicator License through ND Department of Agriculture if applying pesticides. Pass written examination and complete application with fees.

03/05
4

Insurance Setup

Secure general liability insurance and workers compensation if hiring employees. Many clients require minimum $1 million liability coverage for larger projects.

04/05
5

Local Business License

Contact City of Dickinson for any local business license requirements. Some municipalities require business licenses for contractors operating within city limits.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Dickinson's landscaping market runs on oil money and short seasons. The Bakken boom created demand for both residential and commercial projects, but you're working against brutal winters and a 4-month growing season. Most work concentrates in new housing developments and commercial properties serving the energy sector. Costs run higher than state averages due to harsh conditions, material transport costs, and skilled labor shortages. Competition is limited with only a handful of established contractors handling major projects. North Dakota keeps licensing simple - no state contractor license required for landscaping, just business registration if you're doing jobs over $4,000. The real challenge is timing and weather. You've got May through September to make your year, with June-August being make-or-break months. Frost can hit by late September, so plan installations accordingly. Irrigation systems need proper winterization, and plant selection has to survive -30°F winters. Local soil is heavy clay that needs amendment. Water restrictions can kick in during dry summers, so design smart.

Data Sources
  • Licensed establishments count
    US Census Bureau
  • Licensing requirements
    North Dakota Secretary of State and Department of Agriculture
  • Permit requirements
    City of Dickinson Building Department
  • Cost ranges and market conditions
    Local market estimates
  • Insurance requirements
    North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

Do I need a license to do landscaping work in Dickinson, ND?

North Dakota does not require state licensing for landscaping contractors. You must register as a business entity with the Secretary of State for jobs over $4,000. Pesticide application requires a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the ND Department of Agriculture.

Q/02

What is the typical cost for lawn installation in Dickinson?

Lawn installation costs range from $0.75 to $2.50 per square foot, depending on grass type, soil preparation needs, and site conditions. Higher costs reflect harsh winter conditions and shorter growing season requiring premium materials.

Q/03

When is peak season for landscaping work in Dickinson?

Peak season runs May through September, with highest demand June-August. The short growing season and harsh winters limit outdoor work to approximately 4-5 months, creating compressed demand and higher prices.

Q/04

What permits are required for landscaping projects in Dickinson?

City of Dickinson requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet, irrigation systems connecting to municipal water, and major grading. Tree removal permits are needed for trees over 6 inches diameter on city property.

Q/05

How many landscaping contractors operate in North Dakota?

According to Census data, approximately 287 licensed landscaping establishments operate in North Dakota. Dickinson has limited competition with only a handful of contractors handling major commercial and residential projects.

§ F · Directory

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