Heavy snow and hazard trees
Spokane's winters bring heavy snow, and NOAA's engineering weather data lists a 50-year ground snow load of 42 pounds per square foot. Snow and ice on branches add enormous weight. Large conifers, a familiar sight in the Spokane area, can shed limbs or fail under heavy snow and ice, especially if they have weak tops, multiple leaders or root damage. Pruning to remove deadwood and correct weak structure before winter is the most effective way to reduce hazard. After a heavy storm, look for hanging branches, cracks and new leans, and stay out from under damaged trees until they've been assessed.
Conifers near homes
Tall pines and firs near houses provide shade and privacy but can drop limbs onto roofs and cars. They also drop needles into gutters, which contributes to ice buildup at the eaves in winter. Keeping branches pruned back from the roof and cleaning gutters in fall helps. An arborist can assess whether a large tree near the house is structurally sound or should be reduced or removed.
Ice storms
Freezing rain coats branches in ice, adding weight and making them brittle. Trees with included bark at branch unions, cracks or decay are most at risk. After an ice storm, wait for the ice to melt before assessing damage, and don't try to knock ice off branches.
Pruning timing
Many trees are best pruned during dormancy in late fall and winter. Some species, such as birches and maples, bleed sap if pruned in late winter and spring; the bleeding usually doesn't harm the tree, but some homeowners prefer to prune them in summer. An arborist can advise on timing for your trees.
Protecting the aquifer
Spokane's drinking water comes from the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, which the EPA designated a sole source aquifer. If tree treatments such as pesticides or fertilizers are recommended, ask what's being used, whether it's necessary, and how it will be applied to avoid runoff. Fuel and oil from equipment should be handled carefully.
Wildfire awareness
Parts of the Spokane area border forested land. Removing dead branches, keeping trees pruned away from roofs and chimneys, and clearing needles and debris near the house reduce fire risk. Local fire agencies offer defensible-space guidance.
Before you hire
Ask Spokane tree care contractors how they'll handle large conifers near your house, whether they follow recognized pruning standards and avoid topping, whether a permit is required, and for proof of insurance. Use L&I's contractor lookup to check their Washington registration, bond and insurance before you sign.
Fall checklist
Before winter, have deadwood and weak limbs over the house removed, clean gutters of needles and leaves, and water trees deeply if fall has been dry. Wrap thin-barked young trees to reduce winter sunscald.
Storm cleanup
After a heavy storm, broken limbs hanging in a canopy can fall without warning. Keep people clear, call the utility first if lines are involved, and leave removal to a crew with the right equipment.