Is it worth it to rake leaves?

• <div><p>It may not be worth it to rake every leaf in your yard, but it’s necessary to remove the majority of leaves to prevent them from smothering grass growth on your lawn. However, raking leaves isn’t your only option for leaf removal. You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/should-you-rake-leaves-your-lawn-or-leave-them.htm">remove leaves</a> easily with a leaf blower or compost or mulch them with your lawn mower to repurpose them to help grow your garden or yard.</p></div>

What method can I use instead of tree topping?

• <div><p>A pro can guide you on the alternatives to tree topping depending on the specific issues within your trees. For example, if you’re dealing with breakage and cracks in your tree, they may suggest canopy reduction, which removes less than 25% of the tree’s limbs. If you’re dealing with lesser damage, some intentional pruning may be all you need. If you’re looking to get a clearer view through your tree, the pro may also try windowing or skirting your tree. </p></div>

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Q: Can you cut the top off a plum tree?

• <div><p>Completely topping a plum tree is a risky business. Cut too much, and you&rsquo;ll kill your tree. That said, you do need to trim the top of your tree to encourage bushy growth, maintain your tree&rsquo;s vase shape, and limit size. </p><p>A plum tree's central leader (or trunk) should never extend more than 3 feet above the highest branch. When you first plant your tree, cut the central leader so it&rsquo;s 2 to 3 feet tall. As it grows, cut it back 12 to 20 inches until it reaches its desired height. Never prune more than one-third of the new growth.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a horticulturist and an arborist?

• <div><p>Horticulturist is a broad term for any type of plant and soil expert. An arborist, meanwhile, specializes in all aspects of tree care. You should hire an arborist when you need assistance with tree-related tasks, such as pruning large trees, removing trees, diagnosing a sick tree, or emergency tree services. Horticulturists aren&rsquo;t qualified to handle those types of tasks. </p></div>

Q: How do you prune and shape a plum tree?

• <div><p>Most plum trees are pruned into a vase or open wine glass shape. They&rsquo;ll have a shorter central leader (the trunk) that supports three to four main branches. Of course, this isn't always the case. If you have a European plum tree, you can grow it in a pyramid shape. Let the central leader extend the length of the tree and prune smaller branches to create the pyramid.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Tree Service pros in Decatur, NE

*The Angi rating for Tree Service companies in Decatur, 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 Decatur, 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 May 09, 2026

Find Tree service pros in Decatur

Siouxland Stump Solutions LLC

New to Angi

Tree Stump - Remove

Serving Decatur, NE and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

We focus on providing dependable service with honest pricing. We take pride in showing up on time, providing quality service and a hassle-free experience for our customers.

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Patriotic builders llc

5.0(

)

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

Serving Decatur, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He did such an awesome job and did exactly what I asked. He even double checked all of his work and it was great. I will definitely be calling him again."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+2 more

Serving Decatur, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

"These guys did all that I wanted at a great price. I've read the reviews and contracted with them. They are insured and bonded and licences. VERY FRIENDLY GUYS."

+136

Recommended by70%of homeowners

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RKS Property Services

New to Angi

Tree Removal

Serving Decatur, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

We have over 10 years of experience in the business. Robert Limley pride's his company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. He will do his best to be an expert in the trade and will do his best to keep you as educated as he can on your particular task or project. He looks forward to earning your business!

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Landscape

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+2 more

Serving Decatur, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Quality over quantity is the most important thing that matters when doing a job. It's about the customer service.

Serving Decatur, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Life long resident of Omaha, I take pride in my community and my work reflects that. I am very detail oriented, both in the execution of the job and cleaning up afterwards. The clients satisfaction is my number one priority and I strive to attain that with a professional attitude all times. Call Justin Wise with Whole House Handyman today!

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Tree Service questions, answered by experts

Completely topping a plum tree is a risky business. Cut too much, and you’ll kill your tree. That said, you do need to trim the top of your tree to encourage bushy growth, maintain your tree’s vase shape, and limit size.

A plum tree's central leader (or trunk) should never extend more than 3 feet above the highest branch. When you first plant your tree, cut the central leader so it’s 2 to 3 feet tall. As it grows, cut it back 12 to 20 inches until it reaches its desired height. Never prune more than one-third of the new growth.

It may not be worth it to rake every leaf in your yard, but it’s necessary to remove the majority of leaves to prevent them from smothering grass growth on your lawn. However, raking leaves isn’t your only option for leaf removal. You can remove leaves easily with a leaf blower or compost or mulch them with your lawn mower to repurpose them to help grow your garden or yard.

A pro can guide you on the alternatives to tree topping depending on the specific issues within your trees. For example, if you’re dealing with breakage and cracks in your tree, they may suggest canopy reduction, which removes less than 25% of the tree’s limbs. If you’re dealing with lesser damage, some intentional pruning may be all you need. If you’re looking to get a clearer view through your tree, the pro may also try windowing or skirting your tree.

Horticulturist is a broad term for any type of plant and soil expert. An arborist, meanwhile, specializes in all aspects of tree care. You should hire an arborist when you need assistance with tree-related tasks, such as pruning large trees, removing trees, diagnosing a sick tree, or emergency tree services. Horticulturists aren’t qualified to handle those types of tasks.

Most plum trees are pruned into a vase or open wine glass shape. They’ll have a shorter central leader (the trunk) that supports three to four main branches. Of course, this isn't always the case. If you have a European plum tree, you can grow it in a pyramid shape. Let the central leader extend the length of the tree and prune smaller branches to create the pyramid.

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