Get matched with top arborists in Leigh, NE

Yes, cutting a tree's roots can cause it to fall, particularly if major support roots are severed. In extreme cases, trimming roots can affect the tree's structure and stability. Many crucial roots are located just below the soil's surface. If you make severe cuts to roots more than 2 inches in diameter, you risk impacting the tree's water flow and its ability to withstand severe winds or storms. Even cutting roots less than half an inch in diameter under or outside the tree's canopy can cut off its water supply, causing it to decline, die, and eventually topple.

We don’t recommend DIY tree trimming for a few different reasons. First, the tools required to trim a tree can be costly, up to $1,100 or more, for the ladders and specialized saws needed. 

Safety is another concern, especially when working with more mature trees. As a guideline, you should only DIY tree trimming when branches are less than two inches in diameter. Any more, and the safety risk becomes too high, which could lead to catastrophe. For this job, it’s safest to let a tree-trimming professional assess the work needed.

Sometimes, knowing when you need tree-trimming services is straightforward, and other times, you have to do some investigating. Some tell-tale signs that you should have your tree trimmed include:

• A poorly-formed tree with unruly branches, which makes the tree appear odd-shaped. 

• A tree with tall or large branches that interfere with power lines or your home’s exterior.

• A tree that provides too much shade in the yard due to branch overgrowth.

Costs reflect the size of the tree or shrub, the complexity of the task, location accessibility, and disposal needs, and comprehensive quotes vary accordingly.