Q: Can I prune apple trees in the spring?

• <div><p>Late winter is ideal, but if you&rsquo;re pruning apple trees in the spring, prune them as early as possible in the season. You want to ensure your tree is just creeping out of dormancy and hasn&rsquo;t started pushing out new growth. If you prune your tree too late into spring, you generally won&rsquo;t see results until the following year.</p><p>That said, there&rsquo;s no pruning season for unhealthy growth. Remove dead, dying, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them, regardless of the time of year.</p></div>

Question 1

Should I remove a tree that’s close to my house?

Accepted Answer

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A tree growing close to a house can pose several risks, but removal isn't always the only or best solution. Potential problems include roots growing into the foundation and causing structural cracks, branches damaging the roof or promoting moss growth, and debris clogging gutters, which can lead to water damage. Trees can also provide access for pests and encourage mold. However, a small, healthy tree may not be a problem, and for larger, established trees, strategic trimming can be a cheaper and more beneficial alternative to removal. It is generally recommended to take action for trees within 10 to 20 feet of your home, especially if they are unhealthy or encroaching. Your best bet is to consult a professional arborist who can assess the specific situation and provide expert advice.

Question 2

Can you hire someone to move a tree?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you can hire professionals to move a tree. Arborists and tree transplanting companies specialize in this type of work and use equipment like hydraulic tree spades to safely extract and relocate trees with their root balls intact. Since tree moving is a complex process, especially for larger trees, it’s best left to experts who understand how to protect the tree’s health and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Question 3

Can I prune apple trees in the spring?

Accepted Answer

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Late winter is ideal, but if you’re pruning apple trees in the spring, prune them as early as possible in the season. You want to ensure your tree is just creeping out of dormancy and hasn’t started pushing out new growth. If you prune your tree too late into spring, you generally won’t see results until the following year.

That said, there’s no pruning season for unhealthy growth. Remove dead, dying, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them, regardless of the time of year.

Question 4

When should a tree be cut down?

Accepted Answer

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A dead tree should always be cut down, because it could fall and cause injuries or damage, and it can also attract insects like carpenter ants. A tree that’s diseased beyond repair should also be cut down, but it’s not always easy for a homeowner to tell. Signs of disease include dying branches, a hollow trunk, leaning, and discolored or missing leaves, but your best bet is to hire a local arborist who can evaluate the tree and tell you if it can be saved or should be cut down.

Question 5

Can a tree grow back from a stump?

Accepted Answer

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A tree can grow back from its stump, but full regrowth is unlikely (especially for more stubborn conifer trees). Instead, trees are more likely to send up a number of shoots from the dead stump, which will try to develop into primary stems over time. In other words, it will start to look increasingly bushy. The goal of killing and drying out a tree stump is to prevent that from happening, as well as make the stump easier to completely remove.