The City of Libby has been a proud member of Tree City USA since 1993 and actively supports the planting and care of trees throughout the town.  This work is carried out by a volunteer Tree Board which writes grants to supplement the funds given by the city towards the purchase of trees, pruning and fertilizing, removal when necessary, and public education projects such as spring pruning workshops.  With the added efforts of many community volunteers, the City has planted over 400 trees since its membership with Tree City USA.  Are you interested in volunteering with Tree City USA? Contact our City Administrator.

The City of Libby has enacted a tree ordinance (Municicpal Code Chapter 12.44). City residents need to be aware that city trees cannot be pruned or removed without permission (City Municipal Code chapter 12.44.130).  If you have questions about tree pruning or removal, please contact our City Administrator at 293-2732, ext. #4.

The City also prefers that city residents not plant trees in the city right-of-way without confirming which trees species are allowed and what the adequate spacing of the trees would be.  The Tree Board encourages planting of trees.  If you would like to inquire about public funding available for purchasing public trees, please contact our City Supervisor.

Tree species for Libby public right of way

The following trees are acceptable for planting in the right of way.  If you have another possibility that is not listed, please call for confirmation that your tree is acceptable.

  • Maples—The City does not plant maples in the right of way unless there is an irrigation system.  Maples need more water than other species of trees.  We also prefer to not have green Norwegian Maples planted because of their very heavy seed load.  The City has planted Freeman varieties (Sienna glen preferably) which seem to do well, Sugar Maples, Crimson King and some Red Maples (Acer rubrum).  We absolutely forbid the planting of Silver Maples because of their massive trunks and their roots which tear up sidewalks.
  • Honey Locust—Shade Master seems to be the best variety
  • Northern Red Oaks
  • Lindens, of any variety
  • Ash, Autumn Purple
  • Catalpa
  • Hackberry
  • Horsechesnut
  • Catalpa

Under power lines shorter trees are required

  • Canadian Red Chokecherry
  • Flowering Crab-should be fire blight resistant
  • Japanese Flowering Lilac
  • Hawthorne

Trees that cannot be planted in the right of way

  • Silver Maple
  • Spruce and other conifers of any kind
  • Cottonwoods/Poplars of any kind
  • Birch
  • Mountain Ash
  • Fruit Trees
  • Aspen
  • Willows
  • Any multi-stemmed tree which is more likely to block the view for traffic

If you have other possibilities that are not listed, please call for confirmation that your tree is acceptable.