How much should you trim an apple tree?

• <div><p>Generally, you should prune around 20% of an apple tree’s growth—and never more than 30%. This means that if you have a severely overgrown tree, it can take a few seasons to prune it back enough to produce the healthiest fruit. </p><p>If you’re dealing with a newly planted or juvenile tree, hold off on pruning beyond the initial shaping. Wait at least a couple of seasons into fruit production since pruning can increase the number of water sprouts and unproductive foliage.</p></div>

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Tree Trimming
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Verified Reviews for Arboricultural Service pros in Mcmurray, PA

*The Angi rating for Arboricultural Service companies in Mcmurray, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Arboricultural Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Arboricultural Service companies in Mcmurray, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Arboricultural Service needs.

Last update on June 07, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
I have several trees on my lot and 2 that need special attention. Tom and his crew have taken care of me for many years. They are professionals. They are thorough. The price is fair. Tom, the owner is an arborist, not just some hack with a chainsaw. That makes a big difference in how my special...
Dean Thomas Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2019
I could not have been more satisfied. Work from beginning to end was professionally handled. Project manager could not have been nicer in accommodating last minute changes/additions/etc. Four men worked on this project for 8 hours. I was nervous about having the huge willow tree pruned as my...
20/20 Landscape & Tree Service LLC
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Reviewed in April 2019
Horhut know what they are doing. Their certified arborist and knowledge/experience in safely - for the tree health and our property - pruning two large trees close to our house, was exactly what we were looking for. They aren't the cheapest, but you get what you pay for, with the trees being an...
Horhut Tree Experts
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Reviewed in March 2019
A knowledgeable Arborist which some others say they are, but in reality are not. Jorden was very genuine and actually gave me the best price. I am glad my very large Pin Oaktree is in good hands.
WildMiller Tree Service
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Reviewed in October 2018
Richard Till, the arborist came and gave us an assessment for tree pruning and diagnosed the problem in one of our trees. He was very prompt and professional. He also told us the best time of year to have this work done and we will have Davey Tree out to do it.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Reviewed in October 2016
Thorough walk-through and follow-up discussions. Planning included prioritization and timetable. Ken even came on a weekend to accommodate our busy schedules! Clear proposal and payment options. Excellent follow-up service. Great team of caring, experienced, knowledgeable arborists who have...
The Davey Tree Expert Co.
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Reviewed in November 2015
The service provided by Aerial Arborist Tree Service was excellent. Doug got back to me within a day of contacting him, and came out during the weekend to give us a free estimate. He was much cheaper than all other quotes we received. He got us on his schedule within 2 weeks and came out on time...
Aerial Arborist Tree Service
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Reviewed in January 2015
Mitch called within an hour of the referral, came out to give me a quote, and actually came a day early to perform the work. His climbers were safe, and fast, and the ground crew did a superb job cleaning up! Mitch ground all of the stumps, and raked out the large area where the stumps were,...
The Tree Feller of Pinellas, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2014
<p>Soon after I first called, I got a very detailed estimate for removal of the dead ash tree as well as other pruning. While no arborist is inexpensive, Fairfield gave me the most affordable of four estimates. They also offer a 10% discount for Angie's List members. The 4-man crew arrived...
Fairfield Landscaping & Tree Services
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Arborists questions, answered by experts

Generally, you should prune around 20% of an apple tree’s growth—and never more than 30%. This means that if you have a severely overgrown tree, it can take a few seasons to prune it back enough to produce the healthiest fruit.

If you’re dealing with a newly planted or juvenile tree, hold off on pruning beyond the initial shaping. Wait at least a couple of seasons into fruit production since pruning can increase the number of water sprouts and unproductive foliage.

The typical lifespan of a Bradford pear is relatively short, only 15 to 25 years. However, these trees have issues long before their life is over. Due to their soft wood and fast-growing branches, Bradford pear trees often split around 15 years, making them a risk for falling branches and more prone to disease.

Signs include dead branches, growth over structures, diseases, pests, or roots impacting hardscapes.

Using Epsom salt to kill a tree stump typically takes between six and 12 months. While this may seem like a long time, it is significantly faster than the natural decomposition process, which can take up to seven years. This method is a viable DIY option for stumps that do not pose an immediate hazard. If you need a faster solution, you can hire a professional for stump removal or grinding, though this may cause more damage to the surrounding ground.

Most tree removals take 3-8 hours, requiring additional time for stump grinding or debris hauling.

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