Storm Recovery and Resources
After the windstorm on July 24th, we're mourning the widespread damage sustained by our beloved trees. City of Missoula urban foresters estimate that more than a thousand public trees succumbed to total failure due to being uprooted, splintered at the trunk, or from other injury. Approximately 60 percent of Missoula’s city trees sustained damage of some kind. Tree crews from the city and county have been working tirelessly over the past week to assess damages, remove debris, prioritize tree removal areas, and offer residents a place to take their trees and branches. We’re so grateful for their efforts.
We’re also grateful to learn just how much Missoulians love trees and our community. Even with the destruction caused by last week’s storm, we’re delighted to see our community come together in support of one another. With that in mind, Trees for Missoula is doing our part to plan for replanting our urban forest. In the short term, we have created a list of post-storm resources and tips - see below. Thank you, Missoula! We’re looking forward to rebuilding our urban forest with you!
POST-STORM TREE CARE
If your trees were damaged during the storm, please be cautious. If it is safe to do so, remove hanging or dangerous branches from trees. Damaged trees that are still standing may need to be assessed by a professional to determine the degree of injury and need for pruning or removal.
For a how-to on caring for damaged trees visit Tree First Aid After A Storm.
If you have specific questions about a tree on your property, please contact Missoula Parks & Recreation at (406) 552-6253 or citytrees@ci.missoula.mt.us. You can also fill out the online Tree Debris Removal Request Form.
For more information post-storm, visit the Parks & Recreation Storm Damage Information Page.
To find a local arborist, check out the Certified Arborist List.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO WATER YOUR TREES!
Trees require long-term maintenance and especially need water right now while it’s hot.
Missoula is a semi-arid climate and our gravelly soils make it difficult for trees to hold onto water.
Newly planted and young trees (1-3 years) require the most water, and trees should continue to be watered throughout their lives. In the hottest months of the year (July, August, September), it is particularly important to make sure trees get water.
Many of our trees failed during the storm because improper or lack of care has left them in a weakened state. Watering your trees is vital to maintaining trees’ health and strength, making them more storm-resilient.
Click here for specifics on how to water your trees.
PLANT THE RIGHT TREE AND THE RIGHT PLACE
Hold off on planting until we have cooler temperatures in the fall.
Avoid planting certain trees that are known for structural issues like Norway maple, cottonwoods, and blue spruce, all of which were identified as being heavily impacted by the recent storm.
When it’s time to replant in the fall, check back with Trees for Missoula for an updated street tree list!
Using correct planting techniques, planting in the appropriate seasons (Spring and Fall - not in the heat of summer), and proper placement of trees (considering utility lines, buildings, sidewalks, soil type, and so forth) are all crucial to ensure the success of a tree.
For questions or more information, please email info@treesformissoula.org.