Get matched with top tree service pros in Cadillac, MI

Horticulturist is a broad term for any type of plant and soil expert. An arborist, meanwhile, specializes in all aspects of tree care. You should hire an arborist when you need assistance with tree-related tasks, such as pruning large trees, removing trees, diagnosing a sick tree, or emergency tree services. Horticulturists aren’t qualified to handle those types of tasks.

If tree branches cross well into your property line, in many cases, these branches become part of your property, and you can trim them up until your neighbor’s property line. However, this issue will vary based on local ordinances, so you should do your research before making any decisions. Better yet, speak with your neighbor about how to handle any tree issues. 

If you don’t mind the branches, you can leave them be, but if they’re becoming a hazard, it’s definitely worth having a conversation.

No. Topping a tree refers to severely cutting down all its major branches and tree in a straight line. It was once recommended for streetside deciduous trees but has fallen out of practice. Topping leads to many problems, removing so much of the tree that many trees struggle to survive and become much more vulnerable to insects and diseases. Also, it doesn’t really help tree growth as once assumed and often leads to an ugly appearance of many sprouting stems in competition to become new main branches.

Your local government is usually in charge of pruning trees on public property, and the power company is responsible for trees near power lines (even if they’re on your property). Whether or not they top these trees depends on their approach to pruning. You won’t be able to do much to control this, but you can contact them to find out more about their pruning process.