Get matched with top tree service pros in Pierce City, MO

You should avoid cutting off the top of mature cherry trees. This process is called tree topping, and it’s not recommended for cherry trees—or any trees, for that matter. Tree topping removes between one-third to half of the length of the tree trunk, resulting in structurally unsound, fruitless suckers. The only exception is for saplings. Young pie, sour, and tart cherry trees that are over 30 inches tall in the fall or winter before the tree blooms can benefit from heading cuts.

No, you cannot plant a tree above a gas line. Tree roots grow and spread over time and can sometimes dent, crack, or penetrate a gas line. Those same roots may also cause accessibility problems for maintenance or repairs. You can generally plant vegetation with non-invasive root systems, low-growing vegetation, and flower beds near gas lines. 

You should not trim an oak tree in the summer. Oak trees are especially susceptible to disease, and open tree wounds are an invitation for beetles that carry tree-killing fungus. If there’s no risk that the oak tree will do damage to your property or hurt someone, it’s best to save the trimming for fall or winter. If you can, seal the wound with latex to prevent fungus from getting inside.

Generally, you do not have the right to take fruit from a neighbor's tree, even if the branches overhang your property. The fruit is considered the property of the tree's owner. While you may have the right to trim branches that cross into your yard, the fruit on them typically still belongs to your neighbor. However, laws can vary by state and municipality. In some areas, branches that extend into your yard or trees that straddle a property line may entitle you to some of the fruit. The best course of action is to speak with your neighbor, as they may be happy to share. If a conversation is not possible, check your local regulations before picking any fruit.