"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."
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.
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.
Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.
Only trim palm trees as needed, which is usually about once per year. However, don't stick to that schedule if the palm tree doesn't need it. Avoid trimming palm trees when possible. It’s best to trim palm trees only when you notice a buildup of dead fronds. That said, leave the brown fronds during the dormant season because this organic matter helps protect the tree from the cooler weather.
Trees naturally want to grow upward, so one may straighten all by itself, though this only comes into play when a tree is leaning just a small amount. For trees growing into an awkward position or those leaning heavily in one direction, the above steps are necessary to ensure the tree gets back on the right path. This also holds true for trees planted in a spot with unstable soil.
The Eagle Butte, SD homeowners’ guide to tree services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
Follow these tips to learn how to find a good tree removal service. Doing a little research can help you save time and money when you need to say goodbye to your trees.
You suspect that the leaning oak tree in the back needs to come down, but can you just handle it yourself? Here are the pros and cons of calling a tree service.