Choosing Wind-Tolerant Evergreens for Livingston, Montana

Evergreen Selection for Harsh Montana Conditions

A homeowner in Livingston, Montana (prairie origin, full sun, dry, wet springs, moderate snow, very windy winters) wants an evergreen alternative to Colorado spruce. Neighbor's "Norway pines" (likely red pine) are doing well. They also ask whether ChemLawn-type herbicide drift could damage evergreens.

Recommended Approach

Contact the Montana State University Extension (extn.msu.montana.edu/localoffices.asp) for locally proven species. They'll consider your exact microclimate, soil, and elevation. Good candidates for windy, dry Montana sites often include:

• Ponderosa pine (native, deep taproot, wind-firm)
• Limber pine (Pinus flexilis)
• Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
• Native shrubby junipers for lower screens

Herbicide Drift Concerns

Ground-applied broadleaf herbicides (like 2,4-D, dicamba) from lawn services pose minimal risk to established evergreens if applied correctly. Damage, if any, appears on the side facing application—not uniformly. Volatilization drift is rare with modern formulations. The neighbor's browning after 14 years is more likely due to drought, winter desiccation, or disease.

Key Takeaway

Get local extension recommendations for species selection. Properly applied lawn herbicides rarely harm established evergreens.