Ideally, you should wait to prune until trees have gone dormant in late fall to early winter. The worst times to prune trees are early fall and late summer, as pruning them so close to dormancy makes it difficult for the tree recover before it goes dormant for the season.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid flush cuts, which are cuts made as extremely close to the trunk or main branch. These cuts can weaken your tree, lower its natural defense mechanisms, and even cause decay. You’ll also want to avoid tree topping, which is the total removal of the leader and upper main branches of a tree. 

Most pros will advise against either of these methods, which is why hiring a pro is often the best choice when it comes to tree trimming.

It is possible to burn out a tree stump if it is dried out and in an area of your property with a large buffer. Drill holes in the stump and dig around the base so it burns more easily. Then, build a small campfire on top using kindling and firewood. You’ll need enough to keep the fire going for many hours to completely burn out the stump, especially if it’s large. 

Monitor the fire closely to ensure it doesn’t spread, and have a hose on hand if it starts to get out of control. When the fire is out, break apart the burned stump and dig out what’s left of it.  

If this sounds like a good option, learn more about how to burn a tree stump before attempting it, as it does come with risks.

Yes, burning wood with Dutch elm disease is a safer way to dispose of it than, say, tossing it in with the rest of your yard waste, which could potentially allow it to spread to healthy trees. But it’s always a good idea to check with your local government to make sure you’re complying with any ordinances about removing diseased trees as well as burning brush piles.