Spokane, Washington
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Spokane
On November 17, 2015, a windstorm swept across Spokane and toppled thousands of trees. Its ponderosa pines, tall and top-heavy, snapped halfway up or tipped over with their root balls torn from the ground. An estimated 1,900 of the city's conifers were lost, and the storm became one of the worst in Spokane's history, alongside Ice Storm '96.
- County
- Spokane
- Tree rules
- City of Spokane Urban Forestry manages street and park trees
- Key local rule
- Street trees are city trees; private trees are the owner's responsibility
- Electric utility
- Avista
- Main hazards
- Windstorms, ice storms, heavy snow, wildfire on the city edge
Two storms that shaped Spokane's trees
Ice Storm '96 struck in November 1996, coating the city in ice that broke limbs and toppled trees for days and left about 100,000 homes without power, some for more than a week. It was the benchmark for tree damage in Spokane for nearly two decades.
The November 2015 windstorm was worse for conifers. Gusts swept through the South Hill, Manito and other pine-shaded neighborhoods, and ponderosas fell onto houses, cars and lines. City crews worked arterials first, cutting trees and pushing them aside to open streets, then moved to residential blocks. Free disposal of storm debris was extended for weeks.
Many of the pines that fell in 2015 were tall, isolated trees left standing in yards decades ago, without neighboring trees to share the wind.
Is a tall ponderosa in my yard dangerous?
Not by itself. Ponderosa pines are well adapted to Spokane's climate and many stand for centuries. The risk rises with a lean toward the house, root damage from construction or trenching, rot at the base, a dead or broken top, or recent removal of neighboring trees that sheltered it. An arborist can assess the specific tree.
- Usually fine
- Healthy crown, sound base, no recent root damage.
- Needs a look
- Lean, rot, dead top or cut roots.
- Exposed trees
- Pines left alone after neighbors were removed.
City trees and storm response
Trees in the street right-of-way are managed by the city's Urban Forestry program. Residents should not remove or heavily prune them without city approval. After major storms, the city clears public streets and announces debris disposal programs for residents.
Private trees, including the many large pines in back and side yards, are the owner's responsibility.
Inland Northwest warning signs
Pitch streaming from a pine trunk
Possible beetle attack or wound.
Red needles at the top
Western pine beetle or drought stress.
Soil cracking on one side after wind
Root plate movement.
Broken tops from past storms
Decay and new weak leaders.
After a Spokane windstorm
Stay away from downed lines
Report them to Avista.
Check the house
Trees on roofs come first.
Watch for hangers
Broken limbs caught in pines can fall days later.
Use city debris programs
Watch for announcements on disposal.
Assess survivors
Leaning pines with lifted roots usually need removal.
Spokane settings
| Area | Typical trees | What drives the work |
|---|---|---|
| South Hill and Manito | Large ponderosas and maples | Wind risk over older homes |
| Browne's Addition and downtown | Historic street trees | City trees and tight lots |
| North side neighborhoods | Pines, elms, maples | Storm damage and age |
| City edges | Pine forest | Wildfire and beetles |
Spokane tree questions
When was Spokane's worst windstorm?
The November 17, 2015 windstorm is widely considered the most damaging for trees, alongside the 1996 ice storm.
Who clears trees from city streets after a storm?
City crews, starting with arterials and then residential streets.
Should every big pine near a Spokane house come down?
No. Remove pines with defects or high risk. Healthy pines in groups shelter each other.
Do I need a city permit for a backyard pine?
Private trees are generally the owner's responsibility. Street trees are city trees.
What trees handle Spokane's wind and ice best?
Ponderosa pine in groups, bur oak, hackberry and well-pruned maples generally do better than lone tall conifers and weak-wooded species.
Reach a tree service in Spokane
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Spokane area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
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