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Poison oak is similar to poison ivy in that it's in the same family of plants. Poison oak is identifiable by its rounded-off leaves and hairy leaf texture. Tree-climbing varieties live primarily in western states while low-growing poison oak bushes occupy the eastern states. Treat poison oak like poison ivy to get rid of it permanently.

You can trim just one side of the tree, especially when that side is growing near something like a power line or a home. Pros will carefully trim the tree back until it is safe from that structure. While this is common, it also needs to be done with the utmost care, as pruning or trimming away at one side of the tree may make it structurally unsound. This instance is yet another where hiring a pro is wise, especially if power lines are involved.

Generally, no, tree topping isn’t a good technique, and you should avoid using it in most cases. Tree topping may be the only good option to save a tree following severe damage after a storm, but in most other cases, it’s not the right choice. Tree topping can leave trees vulnerable to disease and further damage, and most pros will suggest against it.

Pruning trees during the summer can be a bad idea because the new growth will take place during the hottest months of the year, which can stress your tree out. Similarly, pruning during the early fall can be a bad idea, too, because you’d be stimulating new growth when most trees are aiming to go dormant. 

Pruning recommendations will vary by the type of tree, but generally, waiting until winter to prune your trees is a good idea.