Get matched with top tree service pros in Vernon, AL

Aside from removing dead or diseased branches, you should prune your trees somewhere between every one and three years. Some people—particularly commercial farmers—prune their apple trees yearly to produce higher yields. This is the best way to promote tree health. That said, the average homeowner can get away with hard-pruning their mature apple tree every other year or every three years. 

Carefully pruning small roots no thicker than three inches in diameter won’t harm the tree. However, cutting larger roots may impact the tree's stability and nutrient absorption. It's advisable to consult an arborist or tree care professional to evaluate the root's size, the tree's health, and the potential impact of cutting. Proper tree pruning techniques and timing can minimize damage, but larger root removal may necessitate expert guidance to avoid compromising the tree's overall health and stability.

A few signs a tree may be dead is if the leaves are dead and there are no signs of new blooms. You can also perform a scratch test on some of the branches to check the condition of the cambium layer beneath the bark.

If it is green, it is still alive, but if several are dry, brittle, and brown, the tree may be dying or dead. Always consult an arborist before assuming your tree is dead because you may be able to save it.

How often and long you should water a tree depends on the species and if it is mature or newly planted. The amount of water is also based on the tree's size. A good rule of thumb is approximately 5 gallons per inch of the trunk's diameter.

Adjusting watering to the recommended suggestions for the tree type and weather conditions is vital. For instance, watering trees during a drought is necessary, and you may need to water more frequently than usual.