How much should you trim an apple tree?

• <div><p>Generally, you should prune around 20% of an apple tree’s growth—and never more than 30%. This means that if you have a severely overgrown tree, it can take a few seasons to prune it back enough to produce the healthiest fruit. </p><p>If you’re dealing with a newly planted or juvenile tree, hold off on pruning beyond the initial shaping. Wait at least a couple of seasons into fruit production since pruning can increase the number of water sprouts and unproductive foliage.</p></div>

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Q: What’s the best way to control a tree’s height?

• <div><p>The best way is to start controlling tree height long before it grows too large, via careful pruning through the years. But that&rsquo;s not always possible. If a tree has become too high or too large, use selective pruning to remove the most troublesome branches, one by one, without topping the tree. Gently shaping a tree like this can, over time, correct problems. You can also find growth inhibitors to spray on a tree to stop it from growing too rapidly, but use these sparingly if at all.</p></div>

Q: How much should you trim an apple tree?

• <div><p>Generally, you should prune around 20% of an apple tree&rsquo;s growth&mdash;and never more than 30%. This means that if you have a severely overgrown tree, it can take a few seasons to prune it back enough to produce the healthiest fruit. </p><p>If you&rsquo;re dealing with a newly planted or juvenile tree, hold off on pruning beyond the initial shaping. Wait at least a couple of seasons into fruit production since pruning can increase the number of water sprouts and unproductive foliage.</p></div>

Q: What happens if you don’t cut down a tree?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t cut down a dead, dying, or diseased tree, it can become a nesting place for pests like mosquitos, bees, beetles, wasps, fly larvae, and more. Some pests will live in the tree, while others will feed off the decaying wood. Unhealthy trees are also more likely to fall over, potentially injuring people and causing damage to your property.</p></div>

Q: Is hiring an arborist worth it, or can I hire a standard tree company?

• <div><p>Hiring an arborist is usually more expensive than hiring a standard tree company, but it&rsquo;s typically well worth the investment. If you suspect a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/3-common-tree-diseases.htm">tree is infested or diseased</a>, hiring an arborist can help avoid the same fate for nearby trees, and prevent removal. Arborists might also be necessary if you&rsquo;re dealing with tree removal or trimming near power lines, as uncertified removal companies often aren&rsquo;t permitted to service these trees. Finally, if your aim is to preserve the health of your trees, an arborist is absolutely worth the money.</p></div>

Q: Will a tree straighten by itself?

• <div><p>Trees naturally want to grow upward, so one may straighten all by itself, though this only comes into play when a tree is leaning just a small amount. For trees growing into an awkward position or those leaning heavily in one direction, the above steps are necessary to ensure the tree gets back on the right path. This also holds true for trees planted in a spot with unstable soil.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Tree Service pros in Atlantic, IA

*The Angi rating for Tree Service companies in Atlantic, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Tree Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Tree Service companies in Atlantic, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Tree Service needs.

Last update on October 27, 2025

Reviewed in February 2024
Such great service!
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in March 2021
George is a amazing guy. Very punctual, says what he is doing very clearly and more importantly performs quality work. He will give a clear estimate and is flexible with any acceptable changes that we did not initially think abojt. I did my kitchen refinishing and some basement demolition work...
Supreme Drywall and Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2016
I decided to make the purchase though I did not need all of the equipment. The TRITON 9000 RS Generator/Compressor/Welder machine was what I really had my eye on. I had never seen a machine with so many functions before. The 10,000 gas generator is the machine I needed the most, but the other...
AMP-American Multi-Products
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Reviewed in January 2015
Had a very short wait. Service was done completely. All good.
Stivers Ford Lincoln
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Reviewed in April 2013
I would not suggest any one use this business. They give false quotes to get you in the door and I wasn't happy with the service at all. I have had sets of nails last four weeks and still not pop off, they had to be taken off! They just took over this business in January and obviously they...
Promesing Image Salon & Day Spa
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Reviewed in March 2013
The water softener doesn't work as well as the softener that we replaced. Service provided to fix the problem is not acceptable. We are going to replace this softener with a different brand from a different company.
Culligan Water of Atlantic
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Reviewed in July 2012
We had to pay for the mattress on the day we placed the order, they came out and delivered it about 4 days later. We slept on that mattress for 24 days/nights and told them we were dissatisfied. They then brought us another mattress on the 30th day and it was worse than the first. We had moved...
BRYMONS HOME FURNISHINGS
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Reviewed in November 2008
Tom arrived to do an estimate when he said he would and he was polite and professional. He made it clear that he might not get to my job for weeks because of a backlog of work. I was fine with that. He didn't give me a specific date when the tree would be cut down. In fact, he just showed up one...
FOREVER GREEN TREE SERVICE INC
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Reviewed in September 2008
Commander Carpet Care was able to come to my house promptly and give me an accurate estimate that matched my bill (no hidden costs like the last guy)! Gave me some options up front along with tips to make my carpet last longer and look better which I really appreciated. They worked with my...
Commander Carpet Care
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Titan Excavating, LLC

Titan Excavating, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

5 years of experience

Titan Excavating is your local company you can trust. We have all the equipment necessary for any job you could ask for. No job too big or too small for us. We do everything from site clearing , driveways, grading , demolition and much more. We service a 100 mile radius and are open to working within the entire state. If you need us call today.

"Titan did a magnificent job on my property during the past week. I needed the following done: Grading work on my 3 acre property and three different types of rocks delivered. I also needed additional black dirt brought in to make it perfect. From start to finish the communication was excellent with Will. He let me know what time they would get to my job and everything that was going on during the work process. This is something that a lot of contractors just fail to do in my past experiences. They provide top notch equipment, with many different attachments for various types of jobs during the entire process. This ensures that the job is done correctly, the first time! Lastly, customer service could not be better. They (Will and Tim) stayed with the job until I was completely satisfied. Always keeping a great attitude no matter how many questions I asked. Even going the extra nine yards finishing the job better than I expected. "

John B on September 2025

"Titan did a magnificent job on my property during the past week. I needed the following done: Grading work on my 3 acre property and three different types of rocks delivered. I also needed additional black dirt brought in to make it perfect. From start to finish the communication was excellent with Will. He let me know what time they would get to my job and everything that was going on during the work process. This is something that a lot of contractors just fail to do in my past experiences. They provide top notch equipment, with many different attachments for various types of jobs during the entire process. This ensures that the job is done correctly, the first time! Lastly, customer service could not be better. They (Will and Tim) stayed with the job until I was completely satisfied. Always keeping a great attitude no matter how many questions I asked. Even going the extra nine yards finishing the job better than I expected. "

John B on September 2025

Iowa Timber Solutions

Trenton Ave

5.00(

)

Iowa Timber Solutions

Trenton Ave

5.00(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Iowa Timber Solutions is a licensed and insured tree service dedicated to safely removing unwanted trees, trimming trees, and forest management. As a family-operated business, we understand the importance of quality service and customer satisfaction. We understand that every job is different and we work closely with our clients to ensure that their specific needs are met. Whether you need a single tree removed or an entire lot cleared, we have the expertise and equipment to get the job done right. Give us a call if you have any questions or to schedule a free estimate.

"He was very professional and did a great job! Performed the tasks just the way he described it would be done and clean up was great! Would definitely hire again!!"

Heather D on January 2024

"He was very professional and did a great job! Performed the tasks just the way he described it would be done and clean up was great! Would definitely hire again!!"

Heather D on January 2024

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Tree Removal Service

Tree Trimming Service

Tree Stump Removal

Verified Reviews for Tree Service pros in Atlantic, IA

Find Tree service pros in Atlantic

Titan Excavating, LLC

Titan Excavating, LLC

Iowa Timber Solutions

Iowa Timber Solutions

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

KMC Services, LLC

KMC Services, LLC

Andersen Home and Land Improvement

Andersen Home and Land Improvement

Dirty Farmer Construction

Dirty Farmer Construction

Hudson Tree & Custom Woodworking

Hudson Tree & Custom Woodworking

Prestige Land Improvement

Prestige Land Improvement

T & C Repair

T & C Repair

Black Top Contractors LLC

Black Top Contractors LLC

The Atlantic, IA homeowners’ guide to tree services

How Much Does It Cost to Plant a Tree? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Palm Tree Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]

How to Tell if a Tree is Overwatered or Underwatered: Key Signs of Tree Dehydration

How to Grow a Tree From a Branch for Budget-Friendly Landscaping

What Is a Tree Expert Called?

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