The best time to prune Japanese flowering cherry trees depends on where you live and the type of flowering cherry tree. Some trees benefit from being pruned toward the end of winter or early spring, after the last freeze. Meanwhile, other trees do well after blooming, in late spring or early summer. Avoid pruning your flowering cherry tree in the early winter, as this encourages open wounds that can lead to infections or infestations. 

For safety reasons, leaning trees are best removed by a professional, as they may often tear away from the hinge, causing you to lose control over where the tree falls. If you choose to cut down a tree leaning slightly, avoid cutting off root protrusions before you start. Make your hinge a little longer than usual by cutting it deeper (up to 30% of the diameter) and applying a wedge into the felling cut on the side the tree is leaning. Stand away from the direction the tree leans while making your felling cut.

The cost of professional tree trimming averages $460, with a typical range between $200 and $760. However, prices can be as low as $75 or as high as $1,800 depending on several factors. The size and type of the tree are major cost drivers; for example, trimming Crepe Myrtle trees costs an average of $80 to $400, while trimming giant pine trees can range from $200 to $1,800. Other factors that influence the price include the time of year, as services are often more costly in the spring. The tree's accessibility and your location also play a role, as a remote or hard-to-reach tree may increase the cost. Some professionals may offer a discount if you have multiple trees to trim.

Leaving the tree stump and letting it rot is never a good idea, as this leads to insect infestations and other frustrations. Additionally, decomposing trunks are at risk for diseases that spread out to the remaining plants and trees in the yard, thus ruining your whole outdoor aesthetic. It's usually best to remove the stump at the same time you remove the tree.