We value healthy trees and always look for ways to preserve them. However when a tree cannot be made reasonably safe, removal becomes the responsible choice.

Tree removal is often the best option when one or more of the following are present:

• The tree could strike a home, garage, driveway, road, or utility lines if it fails

• The tree has developed a lean due to soil movement, root failure, or storm damage

• Large sections of the canopy are dead or declining

• Cracks, cavities, or advanced decay are present in the trunk

• Roots are lifting soil, exposed, or visibly failing

• Fungal growth at the base suggests internal decay

• The tree has been structurally compromised by storms or lightning

When removal is the right call, sooner is better. As trees decline, they become more unstable and unpredictable. Waiting increases safety risk, job complexity, and cost and often turns planned work into emergency work.

Some trees can be made safer with pruning. When defects involve the trunk or root system, removal is often the only option that meaningfully reduces risk. 

We are happy to come out and give your tree a professional in person assessment

Request a Tree Assessment

Pruning is preventive maintenance. It improves safety, preserves tree health, and enhances how a tree looks and functions on your property. Done correctly, it reduces risk and extends a tree’s useful life.

Professional pruning is recommended when:

• Dead, broken, or hanging limbs are present that could fall without warning

• Limbs overhang roofs, driveways, walkways, or high-use areas

• Trees are unbalanced or carrying excessive wind or snow load

• Branches are rubbing, crossing, or poorly attached

• Views are being blocked and selective pruning can open them without harming the tree

• Young trees need structure set early to prevent future failure

Removing deadwood is a critical safety step. Dead branches can fail unexpectedly, even in calm conditions. Structural pruning improves strength and stability while maintaining the tree’s natural form.

Beyond safety, thoughtful pruning improves the overall appearance of a tree, cleaning up the canopy, restoring balance, and highlighting healthy growth. Timing, species, and cut placement matter. Over-thinning, topping, and improper cuts weaken trees and shorten their lifespan.

Pruning is often the best way to manage risk while keeping valuable trees in place.

Schedule Professional Pruning

Wildfire risk is strongly influenced by how vegetation is arranged near structures. Our focus is on practical, high-impact work that reduces fire behavior around homes and access routes.

We help reduce wildfire risk by:

• Increasing defensible space immediately around homes and outbuildings

• Removing ladder fuels by limbing trees up from the ground

• Selectively thinning small and mid-story trees where spacing is too tight

• Removing deadwood, slash, and problem vegetation near structures and driveways

This type of work slows fire spread, reduces flame height, and makes properties safer for both occupants and emergency responders.

We do not perform large-scale mechanical thinning. Our work is targeted, deliberate, and focused on the areas that matter most, especially closest to your home.

Wildfire mitigation is most effective when done before fire season and maintained over time.

Request a Wildfire Risk Evaluation

Crosscut Tree Care is an owner operated company focused on doing tree work the right way. We grew up and live in North Idaho, and we care deeply about the trees, land, and communities we work in.

We love trees and always look for responsible ways to preserve them. When work is needed, we approach it with safety, clear communication, and long term results in mind. No shortcuts. No unnecessary work.

What you can expect from us:

• Owner operators on every job

• ISA certified arborist oversight

• Fully insured professional operations

• Current best practices and proven techniques

• Clear recommendations and honest expectations

• Many satisfied customers and strong local references

We work hard, take pride in clean and careful work, and focus on customer satisfaction from the first conversation through final cleanup.

Reach out to see if we are the right fit for your property