Get matched with top tree service pros in North Bend, OR

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.

In general, trees should be planted no closer than 15 to 20 feet from your foundation. For larger trees with far-reaching roots like maples, oaks, or poplars, a good guide is to plant as many feet from your home as the tree’s height is expected to reach at maturity. Some trees, like elms and willows, should only be planted far from where their roots may encounter sewer or water lines.

We don’t recommend DIY tree trimming for a few different reasons. First, the tools required to trim a tree can be costly, up to $1,100 or more, for the ladders and specialized saws needed. 

Safety is another concern, especially when working with more mature trees. As a guideline, you should only DIY tree trimming when branches are less than two inches in diameter. Any more, and the safety risk becomes too high, which could lead to catastrophe. For this job, it’s safest to let a tree-trimming professional assess the work needed.

Hiring an arborist costs around $900 on average, with prices ranging from $250 to $2,500 or more. Some arborists charge an hourly rate, typically between $100 and $350 per hour. The final cost depends on several factors, including the type of work, the number of trees, accessibility, and whether you hire an independent arborist or a larger tree service company. When hiring, you should also consider their experience and insurance coverage.

Below are some estimated costs for common arborist jobs:

• Small tree removal: $300 to $500

• Large tree removal: $500 to $2,000 or more

• Tree health assessment: $150

• Trimming a small tree: $75 to $200

• Trimming a large tree: $150 to $400

• Dealing with invasive species: $150 to $1,000 or more