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For trimming trees, your best tool is a pair of pruning shears or loppers. Both options work best for branches that are under 3 inches in diameter. Trimming trees with a larger diameter may require a robust tool like a small chainsaw or a handsaw, so take into account your tree’s diameter when deciding between tools.

You can trim just one side of the tree, especially when that side is growing near something like a power line or a home. Pros will carefully trim the tree back until it is safe from that structure. While this is common, it also needs to be done with the utmost care, as pruning or trimming away at one side of the tree may make it structurally unsound. This instance is yet another where hiring a pro is wise, especially if power lines are involved.

If you’re looking to rot a tree stump fast, potassium nitrate will work far quicker than copper nails. First, drill several holes into the stump using a power drill, then pour potassium nitrate pellets into the holes. Next, add water to help the chemical absorb into the wood, thoroughly soaking the stump to ensure the pellets dissolve and spread evenly. Afterward, cover the stump with a tarp to retain moisture and block sunlight, then place mulch on top to secure it in place.

Your neighbor is not in a good position to know if your trees are truly dead or pose any kind of danger. That’s why hiring an arborist or tree service expert can be such an important part of the process. If the trees are still alive and don’t pose any threat, you’re in the clear (but you may want to document and photograph everything in case events turn sour down the road).

But if a tree is visibly dead and near the property line, you should remove it to be safe. If a dead tree falls on a neighbor’s property, they may have grounds to sue for negligence. If any branches on trees have died, it’s a good idea to cut them back for similar reasons.