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Aside from removing dead or diseased branches, you should prune your trees somewhere between every one and three years. Some people—particularly commercial farmers—prune their apple trees yearly to produce higher yields. This is the best way to promote tree health. That said, the average homeowner can get away with hard-pruning their mature apple tree every other year or every three years. 

Using Epsom salt to kill a tree stump typically takes between six and 12 months. While this may seem like a long time, it is significantly faster than the natural decomposition process, which can take up to seven years. This method is a viable DIY option for stumps that do not pose an immediate hazard. If you need a faster solution, you can hire a professional for stump removal or grinding, though this may cause more damage to the surrounding ground.

Cutting down a dead tree is always strongly advisable. Aside from being an eyesore, a dead tree can be extremely hazardous, especially when it’s near people or structures. Even if the tree isn’t near your home, it can still harbor pests and diseases that can potentially spread to nearby plants and homes.

Generally, avoid trimming trees in the summer (with the exception of pruning fruit trees as needed). Trees use a lot of energy in the summer, most of which is relegated to new growth. If you chop it too early, you could stunt the next season's growth. Again, when in doubt, do some research based on the specific tree type.