Common problems in the area that can be treated with pruning

We use our knowledge as arborists of tree biology and mechanical structure to make decisions on how to care for trees. Our goal is to insure overall tree health along with maintaining structural integrity and maximizing tree defenses.

Often we can achieve this through pruning. With many different techniques at our disposal, we can safely and effectively alter a tree’s growth structure and improve its health with pruning. Take a look at the Rocky Mountain International Society of Arboriculture’s page on pruning for more information on our techniques.

Somewhere between a science and an art, we have many years of experience in making the proper pruning cut for the right situation. We’ve pruned thousands of street trees in Kalispell, many of them 100 years old, to promote safe structural growth based on the age, size, and species of the tree. From the single stem evergreens to wide spreading deciduous canopies, we have the proper training, knowledge and skills to care for any type of tree that grows in western Montana. Most importantly, you can trust that we’ll make the best decision for the longevity of your tree. Poor practices, such as severe pruning, topping, and over-thinning will stress a tree unnecessarily and make it susceptible to harmful vectors like beetles or diseases like Armillaria Root Rot. Our staff of certified arborists is the most knowledgeable team in the Flathead Valley to care for your trees.

Common reasons to prune in the Flathead:

Dwarf Mistletoe (Douglas Fir/Western Larch/Rocky Mountain Juniper. Actual plant in the first picture, and the tree’s reaction in the second.)

Bacterial Cankers

Failing/cracked/dying/diseased limbs

In these pictures, you can see that without an aerial view, sometimes it can be very hard to recognize these defects have occurred.

View/Clearance

Below you can see we created “windows” with pruning to increase the view of the lake without affecting the client’s privacy too much

Poor Structure

This pine fell apart in strong winds due to its codominant stems creating an inclusion against each other (visualized by the darker, almost black bark) and therefore a weak union, a defect we can remedy through pruning techniques and cabling.

Restoration

For older trees usually, restoration pruning is a technique used to extend a damaged tree’s life. Storms, topping or other improper pruning, mechanical failures, or just old age can cause the need for mitigation and assistance to keep the tree living but also safe. Pictures coming soon.

Weight Reduction

Before and after pictures below: Heavy weight reduction was needed on this tree. After suffering a tear out in a storm, we pruned the compromised lead to prevent further damage and maximize the tree’s life.