Get matched with top arborists in Alexandria, SD

Q: Can I use a chainsaw to kill a tree stump?

• <div><p>You can use a chainsaw, but it won&rsquo;t remove the entire stump or root ball and is not a recommended method. It takes quite a bit of physical work to achieve and will likely dull or ruin your chainsaw. Instead, consider using salt, herbicide, light deprivation, boiling water, stump grinding, or burning to kill a tree stump. These methods allow you to kill a stump using minimal machinery and physical exertion. </p></div>

Q: Can you cut the top off a plum tree?

• <div><p>Completely topping a plum tree is a risky business. Cut too much, and you&rsquo;ll kill your tree. That said, you do need to trim the top of your tree to encourage bushy growth, maintain your tree&rsquo;s vase shape, and limit size. </p><p>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&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: How can I tell when a tree is dead?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s not always easy to tell when a tree is dying, although signs like dropping branches and brittle bark can sometimes offer clues. It can also be difficult to know whether a tree is <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tree-dead-or-dormant.htm">dead or dormant</a>, especially if it&rsquo;s a deciduous tree. You&rsquo;ll want to wait until a growth season to get a good idea of a tree&rsquo;s health. When in doubt, contact an arborist for a consultation.</p></div>

Q: Is it OK to prune trees in the summer?

• <div><p>Though summer is not ideal, you can do some light pruning during this time of year. Just make sure it&rsquo;s not excessive. Vigorous pruning will stress the tree and impact next year&rsquo;s growth. Generally, August to September are the best summer-pruning months, particularly for fruit trees.</p></div>

Q: Can you burn wood with Dutch elm disease?

• <div><p>Yes, burning wood with Dutch elm disease is a safer way to dispose of it than, say, tossing it in with the rest of your yard waste, which could potentially allow it to spread to healthy trees. But it&rsquo;s always a good idea to check with your local government to make sure you&rsquo;re complying with any ordinances about removing diseased trees as well as burning brush piles.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your arboricultural service project in Alexandria, SD?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Arboricultural Service pros in Alexandria, SD

*The Angi rating for Arboricultural Service companies in Alexandria, SD 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 Alexandria, SD 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 01, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Tim trimmed some big branches over hanging our house and was very professional. Would highly recommend him for any tree project you might have.
TNT Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2025
We needed 3 custom built-in bookshelves and Linden did a fantastic job getting us exactly what we needed! He is professional, prompt, communicative and easy to work with. Craftsmanship was outstanding. He takes great pride in his work and we would definitely recommend him to others!
Deckers
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2024
Marlin came and installed our dishwasher when he said he was going to come and do it, and he did a good job! He quoted us a price, and that was the price he charged us. We would have him come and do work for us again!! Well done!!
Marlons Repair
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2023
He was easy to work with, good at listening what we wanted and open to changes.
TT Electric, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2023
Our experience with SD Windows and Doors was very positive. They were professional and did an absolutely beautiful job with our project. They were also very knowledgeable and helpful. We would highly recommend them to anybody.
South Dakota Window & Door, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2021
They are very professional, very on time, did really good work, and I cannot be happier.
J & C Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2020
Good work, good service and he's one that will always do his best.
Caleb Wipf
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2020
Harlan was professional, polite, and honest. He completed everything in a timely matter, payed attention detail, worked well with all the requirements we needed to abide by, and he did everything himself! Most of the other contractors I had reached out were not willing to follow the guidelines...
Dillon's Dakota Excavating Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2020
Ryan was great to work with especially since I had concerns about water lines in the tree roots. Ryan took care of all the locate requirements and checked in regularly with me. He will be hired to do some more trees for us!
Focus Land Management
Request a quote

Find Arborists in Alexandria

605 Firewood and Tree Services LLC

5.0(

)

Tree TrimmingTree RemovalTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Did a great job. Made quick work of 3 large maple trees"

Response time9 hrs

Response rate89%

25 neighbors recently requested a quote

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

"Tim took down 8 trees removed the stumps, very good job"

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+1 more

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Large amount of work was needed, and job is about 80% complete. Hard workers that want to do a great job. Very courteous and professional when discussing details. They were willing to rent special equipment to get the work finished."

Response time5 hrs

Request Quote

Gorilla Lawnservices Inc

4.6(

)

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Offers commercial services

"Trimmed trees, cleared branches, raked the lawn! WeÃ¢ re very professional, Had great tools and always friendly when asked to do more! Kept appointment time and finished in two hours! Would recommend their services!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by76%of homeowners

Request Quote

Focus Land Management

4.9(

)

Tree Stump - RemoveTree Stump - Remove - For Business

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Prompt, friendly service and he did an excellent job!!"

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For Business

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He does very good work"

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+5 more

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Rays painting did an excellent job. They fixed loose boards and replaced bad siding before painting. Ray and his crew were prompt and courteous. They cleaned up after themelves and didn't leave a mess. Very happy with there work and have had numerous compliments from friends and family."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+3 more

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"excellent work, priced a little in my opinion but the finished product is great"

Response time11 hrs

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Tree RemovalTree Stump - RemoveTree Trimming

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Anthony and crew removed and trimmed trees, ground out a tree stump, and cleared a junk pile. They were professional, efficient, and did a great job overall. I really appreciate how neatly they cleaned up the work area and hauled the waste to the designated place. Thank you Anthony and crew. We highly recommend this service. Vicki & Rich L."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Landscaping And Carpentry

5.0(

)

Tree Trimming

Serving Alexandria, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

"He's a very hard worker!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 23

Arborists questions, answered by experts

You can use a chainsaw, but it won’t remove the entire stump or root ball and is not a recommended method. It takes quite a bit of physical work to achieve and will likely dull or ruin your chainsaw. Instead, consider using salt, herbicide, light deprivation, boiling water, stump grinding, or burning to kill a tree stump. These methods allow you to kill a stump using minimal machinery and physical exertion.

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.

It’s not always easy to tell when a tree is dying, although signs like dropping branches and brittle bark can sometimes offer clues. It can also be difficult to know whether a tree is dead or dormant, especially if it’s a deciduous tree. You’ll want to wait until a growth season to get a good idea of a tree’s health. When in doubt, contact an arborist for a consultation.

Though summer is not ideal, you can do some light pruning during this time of year. Just make sure it’s not excessive. Vigorous pruning will stress the tree and impact next year’s growth. Generally, August to September are the best summer-pruning months, particularly for fruit trees.

Yes, burning wood with Dutch elm disease is a safer way to dispose of it than, say, tossing it in with the rest of your yard waste, which could potentially allow it to spread to healthy trees. But it’s always a good idea to check with your local government to make sure you’re complying with any ordinances about removing diseased trees as well as burning brush piles.

The Alexandria, SD homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does an Arborist Cost? [2026 Data]
How much does an arborist cost? This guide explains the cost of different services, ongoing expenses, and other factors to consider when hiring an arborist.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does Professional Tree Trimming Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover the average tree maintenance cost, key price factors, and tips to save. Get expert insights to plan your tree care budget with confidence.
Catherine Hiles
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Much Does a Tree Inspection Cost? [2026 Data]
Tree inspections can ensure your trees stay healthy and safe, preventing costly damage. Learn how much tree inspections cost and what can affect the price.
Kat Brancato
•
Jul 7, 2026Jul 7, 2026
What Is an Arborist?
What is an arborist and do they cut down trees? Learn what an arborist is, the services they offer, and when to hire one.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 7, 2026Jul 7, 2026
Need to Hire an Arborist? Here’s What You Need to Know
Arborists are specialized tree care experts. This guide will help you hire an arborist with all the qualifications to give your trees the best care possible.
Melissa Graham
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
What Is a Tree Expert Called?
The upkeep and care for your trees should sometimes be left to a professional. Learn all the reasons why so you know when to call an arborist.