Givens Fire and Forestry

Our Services

  • Defensible Space Consulting
  • Post Burn Clean-Up
  • Slash Pile Removal
  • Hazardous Tree Removal
  • Wildfire Fuel Mitigation
  • Brush Pile Removal
  • Storm Removal
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Defensible Space Consulting

  • Montana DNRC Guidelines
  • Home Ignition Zone Planning
  • 75% Better Survival Odds
Forest trail with spaced trees and a clearing after mitigation Forested area with dense trees and a wooden structure in the background before mitigation

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Forested area with dense trees and a wooden structure in the background

Before

This forest scene demonstrates classic wildfire hazards we commonly address in Montana, where over 940,000 acres burned in 2021 alone. You can see the dangerous conditions: densely packed trees with touching canopies, multiple layers of vegetation creating ladder fuels, and thick understory growth. Note the overcrowded birch trees in the foreground and heavy ground vegetation. The wooden cabin visible in the background is particularly vulnerable under these conditions, which could rapidly carry fire from the ground to the tree crowns — a scenario that contributed to Montana's $347 million in fire suppression costs between 2017–2021.

Forest trail with spaced trees and a clearing

After

Following our professional mitigation work by former wildland firefighters, observe the dramatic improvement in defensible space — a critical factor given that homes with proper defensible space are 75% more likely to survive a wildfire. We've strategically removed selected trees to create proper spacing, eliminated ladder fuels, and cleared excess ground vegetation, following Montana DNRC guidelines. The forest floor is now maintained with a natural mulch layer from chipped materials. Notice how the remaining trees are well-spaced while still providing shade and aesthetic value. The path created provides both access for maintenance and a natural fire break. This strategic approach not only protects structures but helps preserve healthy forest ecology — critical in Montana where an average of 1,800 wildfires occur annually.

Hazardous Tree Removal

  • Certified Class C Fallers
  • Former Wildland Firefighters
  • Up to 45" Diameter

As certified Class C Fallers and former wildland firefighters, we specialize in removing the most challenging hazardous trees that threaten property and safety. In our firefighting careers, we've safely dropped trees up to 45" diameter under extreme conditions — now we bring that expertise to your property.

What makes a tree hazardous?

  • Dead standing snags that could fall any moment.
  • Storm-damaged leaners with split tops.
  • Disease-killed giants threatening structures.
  • Widow-makers with dangerous overhead branches.

The harsh conditions of Southwest Montana and Big Sky Country create all these hazards and more.

When the job demands it, we deploy heavy machinery and professional rigging systems — the same tools we relied on under extreme fireline conditions, now protecting your property.

Our advanced falling techniques come from years of fireline experience: precision directional falling, bore cutting for control, multiple wedge sets for accuracy. When the job demands it, we deploy heavy machinery and professional rigging systems. With hazard trees contributing to over 100 firefighter fatalities in two decades, we take safety seriously.

From single dangerous trees to complex technical removals requiring crane support, we handle what others won't touch. Because after managing the most dangerous trees under the worst fire conditions, we know exactly how to protect your property from hazard trees.

Click Here For Flat Rates on Residential Tree Removal

Slash Pile Removal

  • Hauling & Chipping
  • On-Site Disposal
  • Controlled Burns
Truck carrying cut logs with Montana license plate

What is Slash, and Why Should You Remove It?

Slash refers to tree limbs, branches, and debris left behind from land clearing, tree removal, or forestry work. If left unmanaged, these piles become a major fire hazard, providing fuel for wildfires and increasing the risk to your home and property. Over time, slash piles also attract pests and contribute to poor land health, making proper disposal essential for both safety and environmental reasons.

Piled cut logs stacked beside trees on a forest floor

Our Slash Pile Removal Process

We provide safe and efficient slash pile removal tailored to your property's needs. Whether you need hauling, chipping, or on-site disposal, we handle everything to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Our team evaluates your land, determines the best removal method, and leaves your property safer and cleaner.

Controlled burn of wooden logs in a field

Burning Services & Field Burns

In areas where burning is permitted, we offer controlled slash pile burns and larger-scale field burning services. With expert wildland firefighter supervision and strict safety measures, we ensure that burns are conducted responsibly, reducing fire hazards while maintaining soil health. We handle permits, timing, and execution, so you can rest easy knowing the job is done safely and effectively.

POST BURN CLEAN-UP

  • Debris Removal
  • Land Restoration
  • Hazard Mitigation
Burned outdoor patio with charred debris

Safe & Thorough Debris Removal

Wildfires leave behind dangerous debris, from burned structures to hazardous ash and unstable trees. Proper cleanup is crucial to ensuring safety and preventing further damage. We specialize in the careful removal of fire-damaged homes, sheds, and other structures while prioritizing the safe handling of hazardous materials. Our team also works to recover any salvageable belongings, offering homeowners peace of mind during the recovery process.

Person walking toward a burning wooden structure in a field

Land Restoration & Hazard Mitigation

After the fire is out, the land remains at risk. Burned vegetation weakens soil stability, increasing the chances of erosion, mudslides, and sediment runoff. Our team clears hazardous trees and brush, stabilizes the soil, and helps reintroduce native plant life to promote natural recovery. By addressing these risks early, we ensure your property remains both safe and environmentally healthy.

Burned building remains with a destroyed car

Comprehensive Cleanup for a Fresh Start

Every wildfire recovery is unique, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Whether you need full-site clearing, selective cleanup, or assistance with hazardous debris, we have the expertise and equipment to handle it efficiently. Our goal is not just to remove the remnants of destruction but to help you move forward with a clean, stable, and safer property.

Brush Removal & Land Management Services

  • Fuel Ladder Reduction
  • Drainage Restoration
  • Wildlife Habitat Recovery
Rocky dry creek bed surrounded by thinned trees after brush clearing Dense forest with thick undergrowth and fallen branches before brush clearing

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Dense forest with thick undergrowth and fallen branches

Before

Looking at the first image, we see a dense, overgrown area with thick vegetation. The brush is tangled and chaotic, with fallen debris, dead branches, and thick undergrowth creating a cluttered forest floor. This impenetrable wall of vegetation creates a dangerous fuel ladder that allows fire to spread rapidly across property lines and climb into treetops. The natural drainage channel is barely visible beneath the accumulated brush, wildlife habitat is compromised, and sunlight struggles to penetrate the dense canopy, hindering forest health.

Rocky dry creek bed surrounded by thinned trees

After

The transformation is remarkable! The second image shows the same area after professional brush clearing. The natural drainage path is now clearly defined with smooth stones visible along the bottom, reducing erosion risks. The surrounding vegetation has been strategically thinned, creating essential defensible space while allowing healthy trees to remain. Sunlight now penetrates to the forest floor, promoting diverse plant growth and improved wildlife habitat. The clear separation between ground vegetation and tree canopies breaks the fuel ladder — a crucial element of fire prevention that reduces potential fire intensity and enhances overall property aesthetics and usability.

Storm Removal

  • Southwest Montana Snow-Load
  • Gallatin Valley Wind & Ice
  • Emergency Response Ready

From the heavy snow-load of Southwest Montana to the wind and ice events that hit Gallatin and Madison counties, our team is ready. Storm-damaged trees in Montana often involve widow-makers hung up in dense lodgepole and ponderosa canopies—technical removals that require a certified faller.

Evergreen tree fallen onto the side of a house in snowy weather
Fallen tree leaning against a backyard fence with snow
Large tree fallen onto a house roof and driveway
Fallen tree blocking a carport with snow on the ground

Storm damage on your property?

Get a Quote!

Get in touch

We're Here to Help!

With our crew based in Three Forks, MT, we serve homeowners and landowners across Southwest Montana and the Gallatin Valley. Whether you need wildfire mitigation, tree removal, or post-burn cleanup, our team is ready to assist. Reach out today to schedule a consultation or request a quote.

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Have site photos? Text them to (406) 539-4224 or email givensfireandforestry@gmail.com with your name and property address.