Courthouse trees face chopping block

Two towering spruce trees that have framed the north side of the Flathead County Courthouse for a century are scheduled to be removed this winter because one of the trees has decayed and poses a safety hazard.

County Maintenance Director Jed Fisher told the commissioners on Thursday he’s aware there likely will be a public outcry to save the landmark trees, but he described a dire situation, particularly for the tree on the west side of the courthouse lawn. That tree was damaged several years ago when a vehicle collided with it, and decay set in.

Both trees, which stand about 72 feet tall, have been topped through the years and thus are top-heavy, Fisher said.

There’s also an aesthetic component.

If one tree is removed, it makes sense to take them both down and plant new trees to keep the symmetrical appearance, he said. The work is best accomplished during the winter months, Fisher added. New trees would be planted to take their place, though no decision has been made about what kind of replacement trees would be planted.

Commissioner Phil Mitchell said he brought the matter to the county’s attention several months ago when Denny Foster of Lakeside, a local logger, alerted him about the potential safety hazard.

The county sought advice from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, which took core borings from the trees. The borings revealed “advanced rot” on the westside tree.

“We believe it is in the best interest of the county to remove that tree,” state forester Rick Moore advised in a letter. “This tree will only continue to decline and we believe it is in your best interest to remove the existing tree and plant a new one as soon as possible.”

The westside tree has an uplifted root collar and will continue to decay internally, he said.

After analyzing the cones from the trees, Moore determined the trees were Colorado blue spruce.

If the county wants further assessment it would need to consult with a certified arborist, Moore suggested.

“Weather is always an unknown,” he said. “Any tree will snap or uproot if the wind is strong enough or the snow heavy enough to accomplish it.”

He noted in his report that the eastside tree, while sound throughout the lower trunk, has a fork near its top that could be an issue in high wind or heavy snow.

Borings showed both trees to be about 100 years old.

The trees are in close proximity to the courthouse, U.S. 93 and several sidewalks.

“I’d hate to see one of these trees fall against the courthouse,” Mitchell said.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.