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>

Q: How much does leaf removal cost?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-leaf-removal-cost.htm">Leaf removal costs</a> between <b>$400 and $1,000</b> <b>per acre</b> on average. Nationally, the cost of leaf removal averages about <b>$350</b>. Cost factors for this project include lawn size, leaf removal method, tree density, location, and the time required to do the job. If your lawn removal service charges based on lawn size, you can expect to pay <b>$0.02 to $0.10 per square foot</b>.</p></div>

Question 1

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 2

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 3

How much does leaf removal cost?

Accepted Answer

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Leaf removal costs between $400 and $1,000 per acre on average. Nationally, the cost of leaf removal averages about $350. Cost factors for this project include lawn size, leaf removal method, tree density, location, and the time required to do the job. If your lawn removal service charges based on lawn size, you can expect to pay $0.02 to $0.10 per square foot.

Question 4

Can you burn a tree stump?

Accepted Answer

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It is possible to burn out a tree stump if it is dried out and in an area of your property with a large buffer. Drill holes in the stump and dig around the base so it burns more easily. Then, build a small campfire on top using kindling and firewood. You’ll need enough to keep the fire going for many hours to completely burn out the stump, especially if it’s large.

Monitor the fire closely to ensure it doesn’t spread, and have a hose on hand if it starts to get out of control. When the fire is out, break apart the burned stump and dig out what’s left of it.

If this sounds like a good option, learn more about how to burn a tree stump before attempting it, as it does come with risks.

Question 5

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.