Question
I live in a subdivision in Livingston, Montana, where I see Ponderosa Pines
(the state tree) that are probably wind burned (very windy here in the
Winter). Need an evergreen that will do well here, in full sunlight, pretty dry,
with wet springs (May-June), and moderate snowfall in winter. Colorado
Spruce is hardy enough, but not my cup of tea. A neighbor has Norway Pines
that are doing well (same as Red Pine?) The subdivision was probably once
prairie, just sage and grasses, now lawns. Please advise.

Also, can Chem Lawn type services harm trees, and evergreens in particular.
My neighbor thinks so, as the weed killers are carried by wind and may have
browned his Norway Pines some for the first time since planted 14 years
ago?

Answer
I would contact the Montana extension office and ask them what tree is best for your area. Their contact web link is:
http://extn.msu.montana.edu/localoffices.asp

The weed control from the Chemlawn would not have damaged the nearby trees. Any browning from chemical damage would be on the side of the tree facing the spraying not on the entire foliage. The chances of this happening with ground applied herbicides is very very small.