Best arborists near Shelby, NE

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

Not all leaning trees are dangerous, but they can be a hazard as gravity may eventually cause them to fall. A key factor is whether the lean is new or has been present for a long time. Trees that have grown with a lean for years are not typically an immediate danger, but a sudden lean is a cause for concern as it often indicates weakening roots. If a tree is leaning more than 15% from vertical, you should consider having it straightened or transplanted. To be safe, it's always best to hire a professional arborist to inspect any leaning tree to assess the risk and avoid potential accidents.

Opt for a barefoot tree. Pros harvest barefoot trees when they’re dormant (leafless). They shake the dirt from the root ball and pack it in moist material. 

These trees can cost half as much as the trees at your local nursery, and you can buy them online—so there’s a much wider selection. Just make sure you keep your barefoot tree cool until you’re ready to plant it.

Tree pruning is a common and helpful tree maintenance technique that involves carefully cutting and trimming unwanted branches so that the tree can continue to grow and thrive. Pruning is done carefully and intentionally. Tree topping is a frowned-upon method that involves removing and cutting most or the entirety of the top of the tree, including structurally important branches.