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Avatar for N & S Concrete
N & S Concrete
New to Angi
Tree Removal

Serving Fort Thompson, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Nelson & Sons Yard Services is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. \nWe uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal \nresponsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. \nAccurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true \nprofessionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make \ntheir concerns the basis of our business.

Arborists questions, answered by experts

It is possible to cut down a tree on your property yourself, but it is generally not recommended unless specific conditions are met. You should only consider this project if the tree is small (e.g., under 4-5 inches in diameter and short enough that you don't need a ladder to reach the branches), and you are experienced in handling a chainsaw. The tree must also be located far from any power lines, fences, homes, or other structures. Even for small trees, the work can be dangerous, and it's always advisable to have a spotter to ensure the tree falls correctly and no branches fall on you.

For any tree that is large, requires a ladder to access, or is near electrical lines or structures, you should always hire a professional. Attempting to remove a large tree yourself is extremely dangerous, poses a risk of serious injury, and could result in significant damage to your property.

Before any tree removal, it's also important to check your local and state regulations to ensure the tree is not historic or otherwise protected by your city.

Yes, pruning makes trees stronger because it fosters proper growth, weight distribution, and balance of the crown. By increasing the structural integrity of the tree through pruning, it’s less likely to experience disease, pests, broken limbs, and storm damage. Pruning the right branches and limbs is key to improving a tree’s strength and balance.

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.

A tree can grow back from its stump, but full regrowth is unlikely (especially for more stubborn conifer trees). Instead, trees are more likely to send up a number of shoots from the dead stump, which will try to develop into primary stems over time. In other words, it will start to look increasingly bushy. The goal of killing and drying out a tree stump is to prevent that from happening, as well as make the stump easier to completely remove.

Finding a reliable arborist starts with researching specialists in your area and checking their licensing and certifications. Use online resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to conduct research on each company. Next, contact the arborist and ask the following questions to see whether they are the right fit for your project:

  • Do you handle or specialize in dealing with the issue I’m having?

  • Are you fully insured?

  • Do you have customer references I can call?

  • Do you have any third-party certifications?

  • What equipment and strategies do you plan to use?

The Fort Thompson, SD homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

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