Community volunteers recently pruned 40 trees as part of the Community Canopy Volunteers in Pruning Program. The volunteers pruned 27 trees that were part of an Arbor Day project in 2014 along Honeysuckle Drive and also some bigger trees at nearby North Pines Park. Pruning within one to three years after planting trees is the best time to head off future structural problems that can lead to major pruning, potential hazards, or tree failure as the trees become older.

The program is sponsored by Community Canopy, an education program that consists of City urban foresters and extension educators who work together with the goal of having healthy and sustainable community forests. The Community Canopy V.I.P. Program trains local tree fans pruning techniques and field sessions takes place in the winter and summer months.

A reminder: If you have street trees within the public right-of-way that need to be pruned, contact the Urban Forestry Division of the Parks and Recreation Department to find out how the City’s new cost-share program can assist you when you hire a city-licensed tree service. City-licensed tree services are familiar with current standards, ordinances, carry insurance are authorized to work on public trees. Permits are required to prune, plant and remove public trees in Coeur d’Alene.

For more information, visit cdaidparks.org and click on the urban forestry tab or call 208/796-2266.