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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.

The best plan of action for an unhealthy or unsafe tree will depend on its condition. An arborist can recommend whether trimming or removal is the right call for your tree. Preventive tree trimming can keep trees safe and healthy, so make regular tree trimming a part of your yard maintenance plan.

You can use the formula mentioned earlier to calculate the depth of tree roots. Each inch of width of a tree trunk translates to six inches of depth within the root system. Large trees extend anywhere from 2 to 6 feet into the ground, with some magnificent specimens going even deeper.

The recovery time for pruning depends on how much you prune, the species of tree, and how well you care for it afterward. All trees grow new wood and often sprout additional branches after pruning. Ideally, trees should recover from normal pruning after one or two years. Heavy pruning or slow-growing trees may take several years to fully recover.