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Depending on the severity of the damage, a tree might continue healing for years after a split or a break. Saplings can usually bounce back in the spring in one or two seasons, but larger trees might take a few years to regain their former strength. If your tree is showing strong growth and is not dropping limbs, you can consider it healed after the first two seasons.

Yes, you should trim the lower branches of your maple tree for safety. Trimming maple trees as they grow helps lift the crown and canopy and trains it to grow straight up. A good rule of thumb is to prune enough branches to leave 6 feet of clearance under the tree.

For safety reasons, leaning trees are best removed by a professional, as they may often tear away from the hinge, causing you to lose control over where the tree falls. If you choose to cut down a tree leaning slightly, avoid cutting off root protrusions before you start. Make your hinge a little longer than usual by cutting it deeper (up to 30% of the diameter) and applying a wedge into the felling cut on the side the tree is leaning. Stand away from the direction the tree leans while making your felling cut.

You need to remove all branches affected by Dutch elm disease. If your tree has several affected branches, you will probably need to remove the entire tree. First, consult a pro to be sure that you’ve correctly identified it as an elm tree. Make sure the tree is properly disposed of with a plastic covering or through debarking, chipping, or burning.