How do I know when a tree needs trimming?

• <div><p>Sometimes, knowing when you need tree-trimming services is straightforward, and other times, you have to do some investigating. Some tell-tale signs that you should have your tree trimmed include:</p><ul><li><p>A poorly-formed tree with unruly branches, which makes the tree appear odd-shaped. </p></li><li><p>A tree with tall or large branches that interfere with power lines or your home’s exterior.</p></li><li><p>A tree that provides too much shade in the yard due to branch overgrowth.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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: Should I use a pruning seal for trees after trimming?

• <div><p>In most cases, you should not use a pruning seal on trees after trimming. Applying a sealant can interfere with the tree's natural healing process, and it does not guarantee protection from pathogens. Instead of sealing the cut, the best practice is to support the tree's natural recovery by providing it with plenty of water and a dormant-style fertilizer. However, there are exceptions. Pruning seals may be recommended for very vulnerable species, like elm trees, in areas where dangerous diseases such as Dutch elm disease are prevalent. In these specific situations, the protection offered by a sealant can outweigh its downsides. For advice tailored to your situation, especially after cutting large branches, it is best to consult a local tree trimming professional.</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 do you cut palm tree branches with?

• <div><p>A serrated knife will work for cutting off small palm tree fronds, about 1 inch in diameter. For larger fronds, you will need pruning shears. You may also use a pruning saw, and if your palm tree is especially tall, an extended pole saw can help you reach the brown fronds around the trunk. </p></div>

Q: How do I shape a cherry tree by trimming it?

• <div><p>You can shape a cherry tree by trimming vertical branches, dense branches, and intersecting branches. Your personal aesthetic comes into play, as well. If you want to simply thin and shape the tree, you can get away with trimming the aforementioned parts of your cherry tree. If you want to shorten branches, however, consider thinning cuts, which alter the length of the branches while encouraging light penetration, new buds and shoots, and a structurally-sound shape.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Tree Service pros in Lake View, IA

*The Angi rating for Tree Service companies in Lake View, 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 Lake View, 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 May 17, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
We had him take down 2 trees between the street and lakeshore and had a great experience so hired him to remove multiple trees at our farm grove too. He showed up when he said, kept us informed and respected our property . He did a great job with replanting trees for us too.
King's Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2024
Ernesto did a wonderful job on replacing our electrical panel. He followed through on everything he told me he would do. Was clean, professional and easy to work with. He also followed through on coming back to do something extra that I requested. Very satisfied with this company. I would...
JP ELECTRIC SERVICES, CORP.
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Reviewed in December 2022
They did the entire job in one day. We picked a day and that was the day they came. A call the day before would've been nice as a reminder.
Bath Planet of Des Moines
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Reviewed in August 2022
I had multiple questions throughout the project and Hoffman Contracting, LLC made sure to keep me informed along the way. They cleaned up well after project as well.
Hoffman Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
The service very good. I was pleased with his work.
Ulven Renovation Services
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Reviewed in October 2021
Very professional installers. They cleaned up after themselves. Beautiful windows!!
BRISTOL WINDOWS INC
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Reviewed in April 2021
Around the beginning of the year I had them come out to cut down a large ash tree that was showing signs of rot and I didn't want it to break and hit my house. I started the process of getting a quote online and was given a call within and hour and made arrangements for them to come look. ...
Siouxland Tree Services, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2021
Krystal helped me from start to finish with the design. She made the overwhelming process seem easy! The installers came when scheduled which is a HUGE plus! The crew was fun to work with and very professional. We did not hire a contractor, we tore out the walls, did trim and whatever the Carpet...
Carpet One Floor & Home
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Reviewed in January 2020
Very fast and efficient. Made sure to show the before and after work and was extremely helpful and friendly. Will use again in the future.
Ryan's House Repairs
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Reviewed in November 2019
He's true to his estimates, does good quality work and good at answering any questions. Responsive service.
Rassel Construction
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Find Tree service pros in Lake View

Titan Excavating, LLC

5.0(

)

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+1 more

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were very informative and were spot on with their estimate. They did a very good job and did everything they said they were going to do. My wife and I were very pleased with the outcome and were very impressed with their service."

+25

Response time9 hrs

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by84%of homeowners

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Wulf Tree Services

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Trimming+1 more

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Wulf Tree Services is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time2 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Kristopher Lee

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Stump - RemoveTree Trimming

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Professional 2 man crew, with a truck and trailer. We offer debris removal,hauling, yard work, and other services just ask.

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Siouxland Tree Services, LLC

4.9(

)

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did an amazing job. They were very careful. they had to work around garages and highlines. The tree was hanging over the top of the garage. Was a very large tree. I would highly recommend they. Went above and beyond. I would give them a 10 star."

Response time3 hrs

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Campbell's tree service - Facebook

5.0(

)

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They came in when it was extremely wet in a difficult area and did a great job. They cleaned up after themselves."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Trimming

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We had him take down 2 trees between the street and lakeshore and had a great experience so hired him to remove multiple trees at our farm grove too. He showed up when he said, kept us informed and respected our property . He did a great job with replanting trees for us too."

Response time6 days

Tree TrimmingTree Trimming - For BusinessTrees & Shrubs - Treat, Protect and Maintain+1 more

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Welcome to C & S Tree Service! We take pride in the quality of work and customer satisfaction that we give each and every customer! We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you!\n\n

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree Stump - RemoveTree Stump - Remove - For Business

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Lundberg Land Pros is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Request Quote

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+5 more

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

I am a professional business owner who values honesty and integrity and treats your property as if it were my own. I offer a variety of tree care services that are customizable to each individual project. I pride myself on the quality of my work as well as my commitment to outstanding results. I look forward to building lasting relationships with my clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Tree Stump - RemoveTrees & Shrubs - Treat, Protect and Maintain

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"He is a very hard worker and definitely gets the job done."

Response time9 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 28

Tree Service questions, answered by experts

In most cases, you should not use a pruning seal on trees after trimming. Applying a sealant can interfere with the tree's natural healing process, and it does not guarantee protection from pathogens. Instead of sealing the cut, the best practice is to support the tree's natural recovery by providing it with plenty of water and a dormant-style fertilizer. However, there are exceptions. Pruning seals may be recommended for very vulnerable species, like elm trees, in areas where dangerous diseases such as Dutch elm disease are prevalent. In these specific situations, the protection offered by a sealant can outweigh its downsides. For advice tailored to your situation, especially after cutting large branches, it is best to consult a local tree trimming professional.

Sometimes, knowing when you need tree-trimming services is straightforward, and other times, you have to do some investigating. Some tell-tale signs that you should have your tree trimmed include:

A poorly-formed tree with unruly branches, which makes the tree appear odd-shaped.
A tree with tall or large branches that interfere with power lines or your home’s exterior.
A tree that provides too much shade in the yard due to branch overgrowth.

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.

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.

A serrated knife will work for cutting off small palm tree fronds, about 1 inch in diameter. For larger fronds, you will need pruning shears. You may also use a pruning saw, and if your palm tree is especially tall, an extended pole saw can help you reach the brown fronds around the trunk.

You can shape a cherry tree by trimming vertical branches, dense branches, and intersecting branches. Your personal aesthetic comes into play, as well. If you want to simply thin and shape the tree, you can get away with trimming the aforementioned parts of your cherry tree. If you want to shorten branches, however, consider thinning cuts, which alter the length of the branches while encouraging light penetration, new buds and shoots, and a structurally-sound shape.

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