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Unless there’s some sort of rule in your community’s homeowners’ association that requires you to remove a stump, there’s no law that says you have to take it out. If you’re not wedded to the idea of removing it, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this tree remnant. Using the stump as the medium for a wood carving or turning it into a planter are just two examples of ways to repurpose a tree stump.

Completely topping a plum tree is a risky business. Cut too much, and you’ll kill your tree. That said, you do need to trim the top of your tree to encourage bushy growth, maintain your tree’s vase shape, and limit size. 

A plum tree's central leader (or trunk) should never extend more than 3 feet above the highest branch. When you first plant your tree, cut the central leader so it’s 2 to 3 feet tall. As it grows, cut it back 12 to 20 inches until it reaches its desired height. Never prune more than one-third of the new growth.

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.

Generally, if your neighbor’s tree hangs over your yard, you can legally trim overhanging branches. Keep in mind that you cannot cross your property line to cut the trees, and if you damage the tree by trimming it, your neighbor could sue you. Depending on the type of tree and value, this could mean dishing out two to three times the value of the tree.

It’s worth noting that the specifics of this type of tree maintenance and the guidelines around it may vary by location. Do your research and, most importantly, consult with your neighbor.