Get matched with top tree service pros in Tafton, PA

DIY home gardening can be relaxing, joyful, and cost-effective. From mowing your lawn to planting your own flower beds, there is a wide variety of gardening tasks that you can do yourself to make your yard look beautiful. If you’d rather spend your time not in the dirt, or if you’d like someone to take care of your plants for you, calling a professional gardening service is best. They can give you a workup of what services you’ll need and how often to schedule them.

There are many signs that a tree is diseased or dying, and if you suspect that’s the case, you should call an arborist immediately. You might notice rot or fungus on the trunk or that the tree is beginning to lean to one side. Brittle branches or signs of root damage are other indicators that a tree is in trouble. If the tree is dying, it might be time to cut the tree down so it doesn’t fall.

Generally, you’ll want to prune back the trunk by 1 to 2 feet each year to promote bushy growth. Doing so concentrates vegetative buds closer to the bottom of the tree, where you can easily harvest fruit. For side shoots that are a year old, leave at least six leaves. 

Never remove more than 30% of a tree’s foliage during pruning—even if your tree is really overgrown. Removing this much foliage at a time could kill your tree.

The best time to cut down a tree is during its dormant season, typically in winter or early spring, after all the leaves have fallen. Removing a tree during this period is advantageous for several reasons. Frozen ground helps secure the tree stump, protects the surrounding landscape from damage, and reduces the risk of the tree falling in an unintended direction. With the leaves gone, there is less risk of the tree's foliage getting tangled with other trees. Additionally, since this is often a slower season for tree services, you may be able to hire a professional at a lower rate. This dormant period is also the best time for tree trimming.