Tree board helps manage Libby's 'urban forest'

With the coming of spring, the members of Libby’s tree board have once again stepped up their activity within the community.

The tree board, comprised of members Russ Gautreaux, April Rainey, Gary Huntsberger and Dave Friedman, has already begun its work this season, pruning trees, assessing winter damage and preparing to celebrate Arbor Day. 

The tree board helps guide Libby in maintaining the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, a designation held by the city for 23 years. During that time, the tree board has planned more than 650 trees and engaged in numerous activities to manage those public trees, such as pruning and watering public trees and hosting public workshops to teach tree care and management skills to local residents.

Part of the tree board’s public tree management program includes critical branch pruning on public trees to assist with clearing lower branches and eliminating obstructions to sidewalks, roads and public right of way areas. The tree board also evaluates requests from city residents about public trees adjacent to their properties, especially those in right of way areas, to determine if trees should be cut back or even removed.

In 2015, the tree board and volunteers planted 10 new trees in Libby. Some were planted to replace dead or damaged trees, while others were placed to increase shade levels or improve scenic values.

Looking forward, the tree board is focused on maintaining the city’s trees during the coming season. The board is encouraging city residents to provide necessary care and maintenance for public trees adjacent to their properties, including deep watering once per week. Residents requiring assistance or with any questions about tree maintenance can call members of the board as needed for help or clarification.

This year’s Arbor Day celebration will take place April 29. The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park with a reading of the city’s Arbor Day proclamation by the mayor and the planting of two flowering crab trees and three spruce saplings. The trees were funded by grants from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and donations from the Society of American Foresters. This is a free public event.

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