Q: Should I remove any dead branches on my maple tree?

• <div><p>Yes, carefully prune back dead branches&mdash;don&rsquo;t wait for pruning season. This helps keep your maple tree healthy and also helps prevent large branches from falling unexpectedly. Don&rsquo;t seal the cut branch&mdash;trees can naturally take care of these wounds&mdash;but be sure to remove any source of fungus or pest infestation to help save the tree.</p></div>

Q: Does Dutch elm disease affect other trees?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s not as common for Dutch elm disease to affect other types of trees, especially if the surrounding trees aren&rsquo;t elms. However, it is possible for DED to spread to other trees, particularly in northern states, like Minnesota. In fact, it&rsquo;s a good idea to use geography to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tree-and-wood-identification-your-backyard.htm">identify wood</a> and determine which types of trees are in your yard. </p><p>Unfortunately, the complex and shallow root system of elm trees makes surrounding elm trees particularly vulnerable to DED. Early discovery is key!</p></div>

Question 1

Should I remove any dead branches on my maple tree?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, carefully prune back dead branches—don’t wait for pruning season. This helps keep your maple tree healthy and also helps prevent large branches from falling unexpectedly. Don’t seal the cut branch—trees can naturally take care of these wounds—but be sure to remove any source of fungus or pest infestation to help save the tree.

Question 2

How damaged can a tree be before it’s considered a loss?

Accepted Answer

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Most experts recommend removing a tree that has sustained more than 25% loss in the limbs, trunk, or circumference of the bark. Doing an initial trimming of damaged and dangling branches, but then waiting a few days of monitoring to decide how much more you might need to cut can help you better assess the total damage to the tree. However, consulting a tree maintenance pro to make this determination the best course of action before removing a tree.

Question 3

Are palm tree stumps hard to remove?

Accepted Answer

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Unfortunately, palm tree stumps are one of the most difficult types to remove due to how their roots grow. Unlike other trees, palm tree roots grow horizontally and vertically. Palm tree roots grow as deep as three feet into the ground, although soil and growing conditions could mean they go as far as 50 inches into the earth.

If you want to be able to repurpose the grass in the area where you removed a stump later, you’ll have to dig quite deep—and perhaps wide—to trim away all the roots.

Question 4

How do you hollow out a tree stump?

Accepted Answer

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There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.
Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.
Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

Question 5

Does Dutch elm disease affect other trees?

Accepted Answer

•

It’s not as common for Dutch elm disease to affect other types of trees, especially if the surrounding trees aren’t elms. However, it is possible for DED to spread to other trees, particularly in northern states, like Minnesota. In fact, it’s a good idea to use geography to identify wood and determine which types of trees are in your yard.

Unfortunately, the complex and shallow root system of elm trees makes surrounding elm trees particularly vulnerable to DED. Early discovery is key!