What are the general rules for pruning trees?

• <div><p>There are a few general rules to follow that will help you prune your trees correctly. One of the most important rules is to prune during the correct season for the type of tree you have. Typically, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/best-time-trim-trees.htm">pruning should be during late winter.</a> For younger trees, you should not remove more than a ⅓ of the tree's crown when pruning. Also, remember to remove dead and diseased branches first, then proceed with pruning the rest of the tree.</p></div>

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Q: Should maple trees be topped?

• <div><p>No, you should never top maple trees. Topping injures the tree and leads to the rapid growth of a weak canopy, which can be hazardous to rooftops and utility lines. Removing the crown can also leave the interior bark vulnerable to sun damage, leading to insects and disease. A topped tree can also reduce property value and permanently damage the appearance of a tree.</p></div>

Q: How does vinegar kill ivy on trees?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Should I grind or dig up my tree stump?

• <div><p>Whether you grind or dig up and remove your tree stump depends on your landscaping goals. Using a stump grinder leaves the root system in place for it to decompose over time, whereas digging up the tree stump removes the roots and the stump. Overall, stump grinding is a far simpler process since you won&rsquo;t need to deal with the roots. Stump removal will make your yard look like a demolition site, but you&rsquo;ll have an easier time replanting in the same place as your former tree.</p></div>

Q: Can I cut exposed tree roots without killing the tree?

• <div><p>Carefully pruning small roots no thicker than <b>three inches</b> in diameter won&rsquo;t harm the tree. However, cutting larger roots may impact the tree's stability and nutrient absorption. It's advisable to consult an arborist or tree care professional to evaluate the root's size, the tree's health, and the potential impact of cutting. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-prune-tree.htm">Proper tree pruning techniques</a> and timing can minimize damage, but larger root removal may necessitate expert guidance to avoid compromising the tree's overall health and stability.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Tree Service pros in Clearwater, NE

*The Angi rating for Tree Service companies in Clearwater, NE is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Tree Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Tree Service companies in Clearwater, NE is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Tree Service needs.

Last update on June 23, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Super great carpenter! Did a great job with whatever I asked and he stands behind his bids and his job. He came back and checked things over a year later and made sure everything was still up to par.
Pete's Construction
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Reviewed in December 2025
Was timely and worked adequately to get the furnace up and going for me. Was quick with the diagnostics and able to get the furnace up and going without any troubles.
Good Life Indoor Comfort LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
Dan was nice and professional when he came to look at the Black Locust tree stump in my yard. He said when he would be able to grind it out and was on time and worked quickly and even cleaned up afterwards.
DJDS Outdoors
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Reviewed in September 2021
He was the nicest man, and fix the waterline behind the dishwasher in no time. And I would definitely hire him again.
Tangeman Plumbing & Sewer Service
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Reviewed in February 2020
John did a great job and the owner said that a second appraisal was not needed. Due to the detail and job well done.
Advanced Appraising, LTD
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Reviewed in March 2019
He's rewired my house and ran a line to my garage. We also sub him so he's done everything for us as well. He has got better rates than most people in the area and does a good job.
Flenniken Electric
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Reviewed in December 2018
They did a great job. They were running late but called ahead to be sure it was going to work. I appreciated that very much. Stuff happens!! They fixed the 3 things on my list and we're done! Professional with great personalities.
Road Runner Plumbing
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Reviewed in December 2017
Good Job and done on timeline as promised
Mountain Home Stove & Fireplace, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2015
Amazing response. Called Filipe at 10 am one day to repair some popcorn ceiling. By 10 am the next day the work was completed. Filipe and his helpers did a fine job and we're super nice. Definitely recommend them.
TF Construction
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Reviewed in June 2013
Chad came out and gave us a very reasonable quote on resurfacing the cupboards in the kitchen. He told us what he would do and how much it would cost and when he could get to it. <br /> It was all very resonable and sounded good, so we said we would move forward. <br /> He said that he like...
Custom Paint & Design
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Find Tree service pros in Clearwater

TURBO TREE & LAWN SERVICE LLC

4.8(

)

Tree RemovalTree TrimmingTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Clearwater, NE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"turbo tree company is amazing. always showing up and getting the job done! very nice people!"

44 neighbors recently requested a quote

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C&N Firewood & Tree Removal, LLC

5.0(

)

Tree RemovalTree Stump - RemoveTree Trimming

Serving Clearwater, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did great and went above and beyond. He cleaned our gutter as well, for free."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Shelbourn Tree Service

5.0(

)

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Trimming+1 more

Serving Clearwater, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They completed the project within the quoted amount and left the yard clean."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Trimming

Serving Clearwater, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Did a good job of triming my trees."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+5 more

Serving Clearwater, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went very well. They got it done in a timely manner and everything was great. I would definitely use them again in the future."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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S lazy H LLC

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+5 more

Serving Clearwater, NE and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

We are a small business that specializes in tree removal services like mulching, shredding trees and tall brush, we also specialize in agriculture fencing and some commercial fence we also do specialized dirt work, like building pads, driveways and land leveling

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Birkel Dirtwork & Excavation LLC

New to Angi

Tree Removal - For Business

Serving Clearwater, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

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Tree Service questions, answered by experts

There are a few general rules to follow that will help you prune your trees correctly. One of the most important rules is to prune during the correct season for the type of tree you have. Typically, pruning should be during late winter. For younger trees, you should not remove more than a ⅓ of the tree's crown when pruning. Also, remember to remove dead and diseased branches first, then proceed with pruning the rest of the tree.

No, you should never top maple trees. Topping injures the tree and leads to the rapid growth of a weak canopy, which can be hazardous to rooftops and utility lines. Removing the crown can also leave the interior bark vulnerable to sun damage, leading to insects and disease. A topped tree can also reduce property value and permanently damage the appearance of a 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.

Whether you grind or dig up and remove your tree stump depends on your landscaping goals. Using a stump grinder leaves the root system in place for it to decompose over time, whereas digging up the tree stump removes the roots and the stump. Overall, stump grinding is a far simpler process since you won’t need to deal with the roots. Stump removal will make your yard look like a demolition site, but you’ll have an easier time replanting in the same place as your former tree.

Carefully pruning small roots no thicker than three inches in diameter won’t harm the tree. However, cutting larger roots may impact the tree's stability and nutrient absorption. It's advisable to consult an arborist or tree care professional to evaluate the root's size, the tree's health, and the potential impact of cutting. Proper tree pruning techniques and timing can minimize damage, but larger root removal may necessitate expert guidance to avoid compromising the tree's overall health and stability.

The Clearwater, NE homeowners’ guide to tree services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Tree Transplanting Costs: Everything You Need to Know [2026 Data]
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