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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.

Using vinegar to kill tree roots is just one of the clever ways to use vinegar around the house. The method works best when you apply vinegar as directly to the root system as possible. For example, if the old tree roots and stump are currently exposed, drill holes in the tops of the roots and pour undiluted white vinegar into the holes to soak into the plant. Remember that vinegar can kill the surrounding grass and plants should it pour over the edge.

The average tree pruning should take one hour with the right equipment. Light pruning of a small tree may only take around 15 to 20 minutes. Pruning multiple large trees in your yard will probably take several hours, including cleanup. However, tree pruning pros can do this job much faster, so you can rely on pros if you’re short on time.

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.