How much should you trim an apple tree?

• <div><p>Generally, you should prune around 20% of an apple tree’s growth—and never more than 30%. This means that if you have a severely overgrown tree, it can take a few seasons to prune it back enough to produce the healthiest fruit. </p><p>If you’re dealing with a newly planted or juvenile tree, hold off on pruning beyond the initial shaping. Wait at least a couple of seasons into fruit production since pruning can increase the number of water sprouts and unproductive foliage.</p></div>

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Q: Can I cut exposed tree roots without killing the tree?

• <div><p>Carefully pruning small roots no thicker than <b>three inches</b> in diameter won&rsquo;t harm the tree. However, cutting larger roots may impact the tree's stability and nutrient absorption. It's advisable to consult an arborist or tree care professional to evaluate the root's size, the tree's health, and the potential impact of cutting. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-prune-tree.htm">Proper tree pruning techniques</a> and timing can minimize damage, but larger root removal may necessitate expert guidance to avoid compromising the tree's overall health and stability.</p></div>

Q: How close can you dig next to a tree without killing it?

• <div><p>As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1&frac12; times as wide as the canopy of the tree&rsquo;s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.</p></div>

Q: How much should you trim an apple tree?

• <div><p>Generally, you should prune around 20% of an apple tree&rsquo;s growth&mdash;and never more than 30%. This means that if you have a severely overgrown tree, it can take a few seasons to prune it back enough to produce the healthiest fruit. </p><p>If you&rsquo;re dealing with a newly planted or juvenile tree, hold off on pruning beyond the initial shaping. Wait at least a couple of seasons into fruit production since pruning can increase the number of water sprouts and unproductive foliage.</p></div>

Q: How long do Bradford pear trees last?

• <div><p>The typical lifespan of a Bradford pear is relatively short, only 15 to 25 years. However, these trees have issues long before their life is over. Due to their soft wood and fast-growing branches, Bradford pear trees often split around 15 years, making them a risk for falling branches and more prone to disease. </p></div>

Q: Do arborists need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Licensing requirements for arborists, also known as tree surgeons, vary by state and municipality. Many areas require a license, which often involves specialized education and experience. Even if not mandated, it's wise to hire a licensed professional as they tend to have more experience. Beyond licensing, look for certifications from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), as this indicates a higher level of expertise. Certified arborists must typically pass a comprehensive exam. Always confirm that the arborist has a business license and is fully insured to protect yourself from liability. Seeking positive recommendations from local homeowners is also a good step in finding a qualified professional.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Tree Service pros in Tekamah, NE

*The Angi rating for Tree Service companies in Tekamah, NE is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Tree Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Tree Service companies in Tekamah, NE is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Tree Service needs.

Last update on May 09, 2026

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M. S. Wiekhorst Arbor Company

5.0(

)

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+5 more

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"The services performed went as smooth as expected. Mike was able to trim our biggest tree and remove an entire evergreen that had been exposed to bag worms. The work was quick and efficient and I would highly recommend him to anyone. We will definitely utilize his expertise in the future."

+12

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Patriotic builders llc

5.0(

)

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+5 more

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He did such an awesome job and did exactly what I asked. He even double checked all of his work and it was great. I will definitely be calling him again."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+2 more

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

"These guys did all that I wanted at a great price. I've read the reviews and contracted with them. They are insured and bonded and licences. VERY FRIENDLY GUYS."

+136

Recommended by70%of homeowners

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Clark Services LLC

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For Business

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Hello. We are a full service carpentry business. We will do gutter, painting, roofing, handyman and trimming services for both businesses and homes. No job too small, we look forward to giving you a free estimate. Please give a call, and we will give you a fair estimate.

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Patriot Roof Restorations

New to Angi

Tree Removal

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are veteran owned and operated company, located in Council Bluff. We can provide you with all of your roofing and gutter need for both commercial and residential customers. We offer a variety of home improvement services from top to bottom. We are honest, reliable and we can give you a free quote. Please call us today.

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RKS Property Services

New to Angi

Tree Removal

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

We have over 10 years of experience in the business. Robert Limley pride's his company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. He will do his best to be an expert in the trade and will do his best to keep you as educated as he can on your particular task or project. He looks forward to earning your business!

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S & R LawnZ and Contracting, LLC

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Stump - RemoveTree Trimming+1 more

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

Hello my name is William Sidzyik I am the sole owner of S&R LawnZ and Contracting LLC I have over 8 years of lawn care experience.! It is my privilege to take care of all ur lawn care needs and much more a beautiful yard doesn’t happen on its own.!!

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Landscape

New to Angi

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+2 more

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Quality over quantity is the most important thing that matters when doing a job. It's about the customer service.

Serving Tekamah, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Life long resident of Omaha, I take pride in my community and my work reflects that. I am very detail oriented, both in the execution of the job and cleaning up afterwards. The clients satisfaction is my number one priority and I strive to attain that with a professional attitude all times. Call Justin Wise with Whole House Handyman today!

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Tree Service questions, answered by experts

Carefully pruning small roots no thicker than three inches in diameter won’t harm the tree. However, cutting larger roots may impact the tree's stability and nutrient absorption. It's advisable to consult an arborist or tree care professional to evaluate the root's size, the tree's health, and the potential impact of cutting. Proper tree pruning techniques and timing can minimize damage, but larger root removal may necessitate expert guidance to avoid compromising the tree's overall health and stability.

As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1½ times as wide as the canopy of the tree’s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.

Generally, you should prune around 20% of an apple tree’s growth—and never more than 30%. This means that if you have a severely overgrown tree, it can take a few seasons to prune it back enough to produce the healthiest fruit.

If you’re dealing with a newly planted or juvenile tree, hold off on pruning beyond the initial shaping. Wait at least a couple of seasons into fruit production since pruning can increase the number of water sprouts and unproductive foliage.

The typical lifespan of a Bradford pear is relatively short, only 15 to 25 years. However, these trees have issues long before their life is over. Due to their soft wood and fast-growing branches, Bradford pear trees often split around 15 years, making them a risk for falling branches and more prone to disease.

Licensing requirements for arborists, also known as tree surgeons, vary by state and municipality. Many areas require a license, which often involves specialized education and experience. Even if not mandated, it's wise to hire a licensed professional as they tend to have more experience. Beyond licensing, look for certifications from organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), as this indicates a higher level of expertise. Certified arborists must typically pass a comprehensive exam. Always confirm that the arborist has a business license and is fully insured to protect yourself from liability. Seeking positive recommendations from local homeowners is also a good step in finding a qualified professional.

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