Get matched with top arborists in Rossville, IL

If you want to take your tree-planting hobby beyond your outdoor space, here are a few great ways to do it:

• Encourage your neighbors to participate in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program, which has a four-step framework that helps communities grow and maintain their own tree cover.

• Support businesses that plant trees. 

• Lobby your local government to plant more trees around your community.

• Donate to a tree-planting charity.

Tree pruning is a common and helpful tree maintenance technique that involves carefully cutting and trimming unwanted branches so that the tree can continue to grow and thrive. Pruning is done carefully and intentionally. Tree topping is a frowned-upon method that involves removing and cutting most or the entirety of the top of the tree, including structurally important branches.

The cost of professional tree service, such as trimming, is $460 on average, but the price can range from $75 to $1,800. A more typical range is between $200 and $760. The final price depends on several factors, including the size and type of the tree. For example, trimming Crepe Myrtle trees costs an average of $80 to $400, while giant pine trees can range from $200 to $1,800. Other factors that influence the cost include the time of year, as services are often more expensive in the spring. Your location can also play a role; costs may be higher if you live in a remote area or if the tree is difficult to access. However, some professionals may offer a discount if you have multiple trees that need service.

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.