Tree care · Mountain West
Montana has long, cold winters, short warm summers, dry plains in the east and forested mountains in the west. Town trees range from cottonwoods and green ash to pines, spruces and aspens. Snow load, wind and dry summers shape most tree care here.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Pinus ponderosa
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPseudotsuga menziesii
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus contorta
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPopulus deltoides
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesPopulus tremuloides
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesFraxinus pennsylvanica
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPicea pungens
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPicea engelmannii
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesTilia americana
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer negundo
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesUlmus pumila
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Heavy snow and strong winds are most common from November to March. Summer brings hail, thunderstorms and wildfire danger in dry years.
Main storm months: November to March for snow and wind; July to September for wildfire and hail
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Prune most trees in late winter while they are dormant, before buds open. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer, and ask an arborist about the right time for pines and aspens.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Tree rules are set mostly by individual cities and towns. Many have tree ordinances for street trees or removals, so check your city before work starts. This is general information, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Montana, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
No state tree license found
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Montana. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. See the Montana state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Montana?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
Nearby states
For tree service owners
Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, cottonwood, aspen and spruces are common. Green ash and linden are often planted in towns. Conditions change a lot between the mountains and the plains, so ask a local nursery.
Late winter, while trees are dormant, works for many species. Avoid pruning late in summer. Ask an arborist before pruning pines, aspens or any tree with signs of disease.
We could not confirm a state license made just for cutting or trimming trees. Spraying or treating trees for hire needs a commercial pesticide applicator license. Check the state rules page and your city. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Stay away from broken limbs and any downed lines, and call the utility about lines. Call 911 if there is danger. Then ask an insured pro for a written quote.
Dead or dying pines can drop limbs or fall. Ask an arborist or your extension office what is affecting trees near you and whether a tree needs to come down.
It depends on your city or town. Many have a tree ordinance, especially for street trees. Call your city office before you remove anything. This is general information, not legal advice.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.