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Leaving a dead tree can expose your other trees to potential diseases, pests, and fungi, and it can also be a hazard. If your tree is dead, then you should hire a tree maintenance service to remove it. Cutting down trees is extremely dangerous, and a professional can ensure no one gets hurt and there is no damage to your property. Tree removal costs between $200 and $2,000 and will prevent future issues and keep you and your property safe.

There are four common ways to prune a tree correctly: crown thinning, crown reduction, crown raising, and crown cleaning. The method you choose depends on the purpose of pruning. However, making the correct cuts is a vital part of the process, regardless of your method. Pruning incorrectly can damage or even kill the tree. So, you may want to hire a professional tree-trimming company to tackle the task. 

It is possible to cut down a tree on your property yourself, but it is generally not recommended unless specific conditions are met. You should only consider this project if the tree is small (e.g., under 4-5 inches in diameter and short enough that you don't need a ladder to reach the branches), and you are experienced in handling a chainsaw. The tree must also be located far from any power lines, fences, homes, or other structures. Even for small trees, the work can be dangerous, and it's always advisable to have a spotter to ensure the tree falls correctly and no branches fall on you.

For any tree that is large, requires a ladder to access, or is near electrical lines or structures, you should always hire a professional. Attempting to remove a large tree yourself is extremely dangerous, poses a risk of serious injury, and could result in significant damage to your property.

Before any tree removal, it's also important to check your local and state regulations to ensure the tree is not historic or otherwise protected by your city.

Often, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to handle the aftermath when a neighbor’s tree falls on their property. But if a tree has been obviously dead for a significant period of time and caused damage when it fell, a case can be made that the owner should have removed it, especially if the neighbor wrote you a letter about the tree or asked you to take it down. This can be grounds for a successful lawsuit in claims court and is a good reason to always pay attention to your trees and remove dead trees before they fall.