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In the case that a tree is growing directly on your property line, the cost of maintaining the tree is shared and is the property of both owners in common. In this case, all decisions regarding the maintenance of the tree must be made jointly, and both parties must agree on a course of action. You will need to agree with your neighbor about the cutting of any roots before you carry it out, and your neighbor must also consult with you before doing any trimming. Coming to an agreement with your neighbor about any shared trees ahead of necessary trimming and maintenance will make this process much simpler.

Many gardeners charge an hourly rate for their services, and your total cost will depend on the amount of services and the experience of the gardener. Gardeners with basic experience charge between $20 and $30 per hour, while a more experienced gardener can charge as much as $60 to $88 per hour.

The cost of lawn mowing is about $125, which you might need on a weekly or biweekly basis. However, the cost of soil testing averages about $1,450, which should only be done every three to five years. 

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

Burning a tree stump can be effective, but it comes with safety considerations and isn’t always best for every situation. It's essential to check local regulations and assess the safety risks involved. Stumps that are near wooden structures or other non-moveable flammable objects aren’t good candidates for burning due to the risk of the fire spreading. Alternatives like grinding or a DIY stump rotting project might be safer and quicker for getting the job done.