Local Tree Service Company: Tips and Tricks for Tree Care

Spokane sits in USDA Zone 6a, where trees face sub-zero winter lows and long, dry summers in the same year. That swing is hard on ponderosa pine, Norway maple, and green ash — three of the most common species in local yards — and it means the timing of every cut matters more here than it does in milder climates.



This guide covers what we have learned caring for trees across Spokane County: when to prune, what to watch for through the year, and which jobs are worth handing to a local tree service company in Spokane, WA.

Why Tree Care Should Be a Priority

Healthy trees play a major role in the safety and beauty of your property. Ignoring tree maintenance can lead to overgrowth, broken branches, or even hazardous situations during storms. Proper pruning keeps trees structurally sound, allowing them to grow stronger and resist disease. A professional local tree service company in Spokane, WA, understands how small mistakes—like cutting too much or at the wrong time of year—can harm a tree’s health. Instead, certified arborists use precise techniques that promote growth, prevent damage, and protect the long-term vitality of your landscape.

The Importance of Pruning Explained

Pruning is more than just trimming branches. It’s a science that requires timing, technique, and an understanding of tree biology. The main goals of pruning include:

• Safety: Removing weak or dead limbs prevents accidents.
• Health: Cutting diseased or infested branches stops problems from spreading.
• Aesthetics: Well-pruned trees enhance the beauty of your property.
• Growth control: Managing the size and direction of growth keeps trees from interfering with buildings or power lines.

In Spokane, most structural pruning belongs in the dormant window — roughly November through March — when trees are leafless, cuts close quickly, and the insects that spread disease are inactive. Oaks are the exception worth memorizing: never prune one between April and July, when fresh wounds attract the beetles that carry oak wilt.

Benefits of Hiring a Local Tree Service Company in Spokane, WA

When it comes to tree care, working with a local provider offers unique advantages:

Local Knowledge 

Spokane’s seasonal weather patterns, soil conditions, and native species require tailored care. A crew that works here year-round understands these factors better than a general contractor.

Faster Response 

Living and working in the area means crews arrive quickly for both routine maintenance and emergency storm damage.

Personalized Service 

Local businesses value their community reputation, so they go the extra mile to deliver top-tier service to every customer.

Compliance and Safety 

Trees in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the street fall under City of Spokane jurisdiction, and removing or heavily pruning one requires approval from the city’s Urban Forestry division. A local crew knows which trees on your block are actually yours to cut — and will tell you before the saw comes out, not after.

Hiring locally not only benefits your trees but also supports the growth of small businesses in the Spokane community.

How Spokane’s Climate Shapes Tree Care

Spokane averages under 17 inches of precipitation a year, and most of it falls between November and March. That leaves July and August as the stretch when established trees quietly decline from drought stress, often showing no symptoms until the following spring.

Two habits make the difference. Water deeply and infrequently at the drip line rather than shallowly and often — the goal is moisture two feet down, not a wet surface. And keep a two- to three-inch mulch ring around the base, pulled back a few inches from the trunk so bark stays dry. Newly planted trees need this attention through their first three summers before they can be left to themselves.

DIY Tree Pruning vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners consider pruning trees themselves, but DIY care often leads to mistakes that can harm trees or pose safety risks. Common errors include over-pruning, using dull tools, or cutting branches too close to the trunk. These missteps can weaken trees, leaving them vulnerable to disease and decay.

A trained crew ensures pruning is done safely and correctly. Professionals use industry-standard equipment and techniques to deliver clean cuts that heal properly. They also recognize early signs of disease or insect damage—problems most homeowners may overlook. Investing in professional care saves time, protects your property, and keeps your landscape looking its best.