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The best plan of action for an unhealthy or unsafe tree will depend on its condition. An arborist can recommend whether trimming or removal is the right call for your tree. Preventive tree trimming can keep trees safe and healthy, so make regular tree trimming a part of your yard maintenance plan.

There are a few general rules to follow that will help you prune your trees correctly. One of the most important rules is to prune during the correct season for the type of tree you have. Typically, pruning should be during late winter. For younger trees, you should not remove more than a ⅓ of the tree's crown when pruning. Also, remember to remove dead and diseased branches first, then proceed with pruning the rest of the tree.

In the short term, you’ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. Tree removal services costs typically start at $200 per tree and increase based on species and size. Then, you’ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you’ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.

That being said, cutting down a tree it’s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues.

Unless there’s some sort of rule in your community’s homeowners’ association that requires you to remove a stump, there’s no law that says you have to take it out. If you’re not wedded to the idea of removing it, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this tree remnant. Using the stump as the medium for a wood carving or turning it into a planter are just two examples of ways to repurpose a tree stump.