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The ideal depth of a tree notch depends on the tree, but it should usually be between 20% and 25% of the tree’s depth. However, if the tree is leaning towards the direction of the notch, it can be cut more shallowly—at as little as 10% of the depth. When the tree is leaning away from the direction it needs to be felled, you can cut deeper, closer to 30%.

Dead tree branches should be removed, because they can cause the tree to lose nutrients. They can also make the tree more susceptible to disease and pests. Removing dead and diseased branches can help the tree recover and increase the odds of saving a dying tree. Make sure to prune the tree correctly to avoid damaging it further.

Bradford pear trees bloom in early spring with small white flowers. They typically flower for at least two weeks. In bloom, these trees often emit a foul-smelling odor that’s often compared to rotting fish. Bradford pear trees will sometimes bloom in the fall due to drought or other stress-inducing conditions. 

We don’t recommend DIY tree trimming for a few different reasons. First, the tools required to trim a tree can be costly, up to $1,100 or more, for the ladders and specialized saws needed. 

Safety is another concern, especially when working with more mature trees. As a guideline, you should only DIY tree trimming when branches are less than two inches in diameter. Any more, and the safety risk becomes too high, which could lead to catastrophe. For this job, it’s safest to let a tree-trimming professional assess the work needed.