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If you don’t trim your palm trees, you can expect several negative outcomes, including:

• Unhealthy palm trees attract pests, diseases, and fungi 

• Dead falling fronds can cause severe injury or damage to your home, pedestrians, or cars

• Dead palm branches are flammable and can catch fire, especially during a lightning storm

The typical lifespan of a Bradford pear is relatively short, only 15 to 25 years. However, these trees have issues long before their life is over. Due to their soft wood and fast-growing branches, Bradford pear trees often split around 15 years, making them a risk for falling branches and more prone to disease. 

Generally, you do not have the right to take fruit from a neighbor's tree, even if the branches overhang your property. The fruit is considered the property of the tree's owner. While you may have the right to trim branches that cross into your yard, the fruit on them typically still belongs to your neighbor. However, laws can vary by state and municipality. In some areas, branches that extend into your yard or trees that straddle a property line may entitle you to some of the fruit. The best course of action is to speak with your neighbor, as they may be happy to share. If a conversation is not possible, check your local regulations before picking any fruit.

You should avoid cutting off the top of mature cherry trees. This process is called tree topping, and it’s not recommended for cherry trees—or any trees, for that matter. Tree topping removes between one-third to half of the length of the tree trunk, resulting in structurally unsound, fruitless suckers. The only exception is for saplings. Young pie, sour, and tart cherry trees that are over 30 inches tall in the fall or winter before the tree blooms can benefit from heading cuts.