Best arborists near Saint Martin, MS

In the short term, you’ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. Tree removal services costs typically start at $200 per tree and increase based on species and size. Then, you’ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you’ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.

That being said, cutting down a tree it’s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues.

Generally, you’ll want to prune back the trunk by 1 to 2 feet each year to promote bushy growth. Doing so concentrates vegetative buds closer to the bottom of the tree, where you can easily harvest fruit. For side shoots that are a year old, leave at least six leaves. 

Never remove more than 30% of a tree’s foliage during pruning—even if your tree is really overgrown. Removing this much foliage at a time could kill your tree.

White vinegar does not kill ivy on trees because its acetic acid concentration is not high enough to overpower it. Vinegar is an effective herbicide for weeds and other plants, but not for the strength of most ivies, including poison ivy and English ivy. You should use an herbicide to kill ivy, such as one with glyphosate, imazapyr, or triclopyr.

Before you cut down a dead palm tree, try to revive it using the methods listed above. However, there are instances when it makes sense to remove a dead palm tree, including:

• The heavily infected tree will infect nearby trees, bushes, and plants.

• The palm’s roots are overtaking your yard, foundation, and sidewalk and causing structural damage.

• The tree is unstable and a hazard to your property, your neighbor’s property, and pedestrians.