Q: Is it OK to cut tree roots that are above ground?

• <div><p>If you aren&rsquo;t sure what you&rsquo;re doing, be very careful when cutting mature tree roots (roots larger than 2 inches). Root cutting and pruning can affect both a tree&rsquo;s stability and its ability to nourish itself. Issues during root cutting can result in damage or injury. </p><p>It&rsquo;s recommended you call in a pro to help, unless it&rsquo;s a very small tree and you aren&rsquo;t worried about the prospect of losing the tree.</p></div>

Q: Can I prune apple trees in the spring?

• <div><p>Late winter is ideal, but if you&rsquo;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&rsquo;t started pushing out new growth. If you prune your tree too late into spring, you generally won&rsquo;t see results until the following year.</p><p>That said, there&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Question 1

Is it OK to cut tree roots that are above ground?

Accepted Answer

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If you aren’t sure what you’re doing, be very careful when cutting mature tree roots (roots larger than 2 inches). Root cutting and pruning can affect both a tree’s stability and its ability to nourish itself. Issues during root cutting can result in damage or injury.

It’s recommended you call in a pro to help, unless it’s a very small tree and you aren’t worried about the prospect of losing the tree.

Question 2

What is the difference between tree guying and tree staking?

Accepted Answer

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There are a few differences between tree guying and tree staking. Tree guying requires anchor stakes that are shorter and stronger than regular stakes and are driven deeper into the ground at an angle away from the tree. Tree staking uses longer stakes that are set parallel to the tree and are used for smaller trees. Consult a local tree professional to determine which method is best for your tree.

Question 3

Can I prune apple trees in the spring?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 4

Can you burn a tree stump?

Accepted Answer

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It is possible to burn out a tree stump if it is dried out and in an area of your property with a large buffer. Drill holes in the stump and dig around the base so it burns more easily. Then, build a small campfire on top using kindling and firewood. You’ll need enough to keep the fire going for many hours to completely burn out the stump, especially if it’s large.

Monitor the fire closely to ensure it doesn’t spread, and have a hose on hand if it starts to get out of control. When the fire is out, break apart the burned stump and dig out what’s left of it.

If this sounds like a good option, learn more about how to burn a tree stump before attempting it, as it does come with risks.

Question 5

How do I shape a cherry tree by trimming it?

Accepted Answer

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You can shape a cherry tree by trimming vertical branches, dense branches, and intersecting branches. Your personal aesthetic comes into play, as well. If you want to simply thin and shape the tree, you can get away with trimming the aforementioned parts of your cherry tree. If you want to shorten branches, however, consider thinning cuts, which alter the length of the branches while encouraging light penetration, new buds and shoots, and a structurally-sound shape.