Q: Is one branch dying on my maple tree a bad sign?

• <div><p>If it&rsquo;s only a smaller branch that has died and you&rsquo;re keeping an eye on the tree, it&rsquo;s probably nothing to worry about. But if other nearby branches start dying off as well, or a very large branch dies, then you likely have a bigger problem. It&rsquo;s time to watch for diseases and other problems and possibly get professional guidance on how to proceed.</p></div>

Q: What temperature is too cold to prune trees?

• <div><p>Pruning can impact cold hardiness&mdash;but it&rsquo;s less about the exact temperature and more about temperature variation. Generally, you don&rsquo;t want to prune trees when there&rsquo;s a risk of temperatures suddenly dropping from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. A tree is most sensitive until 48 hours after it&rsquo;s pruned.</p></div>

Q: Can I cut trees from my neighbor’s yard if they’re on my property?

• <div><p>Generally, if your neighbor&rsquo;s tree hangs over your yard, you can legally trim overhanging branches. Keep in mind that you cannot cross your property line to cut the trees, and if you damage the tree by trimming it, your neighbor could sue you. Depending on the type of tree and value, this could mean dishing out two to three times the value of the tree.</p><p>It&rsquo;s worth noting that the specifics of this type of tree maintenance and the guidelines around it may vary by location. Do your research and, most importantly, consult with your neighbor.</p></div>

Q: What trees should not be pruned in winter?

• <div><p>Trees that flower in the spring&mdash;like dogwood, cherry, magnolia, and pear&mdash;should not be pruned during the winter. These spring-flowering plants grow buds on old growth, so you&rsquo;ll actually remove what would&rsquo;ve been gorgeous flowering foliage. Instead, wait to prune until right after they bloom, when the flowers fade.</p></div>

Question 1

Is one branch dying on my maple tree a bad sign?

Accepted Answer

•

If it’s only a smaller branch that has died and you’re keeping an eye on the tree, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But if other nearby branches start dying off as well, or a very large branch dies, then you likely have a bigger problem. It’s time to watch for diseases and other problems and possibly get professional guidance on how to proceed.

Question 2

What temperature is too cold to prune trees?

Accepted Answer

•

Pruning can impact cold hardiness—but it’s less about the exact temperature and more about temperature variation. Generally, you don’t want to prune trees when there’s a risk of temperatures suddenly dropping from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. A tree is most sensitive until 48 hours after it’s pruned.

Question 3

Can I cut trees from my neighbor’s yard if they’re on my property?

Accepted Answer

•

Generally, if your neighbor’s tree hangs over your yard, you can legally trim overhanging branches. Keep in mind that you cannot cross your property line to cut the trees, and if you damage the tree by trimming it, your neighbor could sue you. Depending on the type of tree and value, this could mean dishing out two to three times the value of the tree.

It’s worth noting that the specifics of this type of tree maintenance and the guidelines around it may vary by location. Do your research and, most importantly, consult with your neighbor.

Question 4

What trees should not be pruned in winter?

Accepted Answer

•

Trees that flower in the spring—like dogwood, cherry, magnolia, and pear—should not be pruned during the winter. These spring-flowering plants grow buds on old growth, so you’ll actually remove what would’ve been gorgeous flowering foliage. Instead, wait to prune until right after they bloom, when the flowers fade.

Question 5

How much does tree removal cost?

Accepted Answer

•

On average, tree removal costs around $750, with a typical range between $200 and $2,000. The final price depends on several factors, including the tree's height, trunk diameter, species, and overall health. Accessibility is also a key factor; costs will be higher if the tree is in a hard-to-reach area or located near structures like power lines or your home. Additional costs may apply for services such as stump removal (which can add $100 to $150), log-splitting, debris cleanup, and obtaining necessary permits. It is also customary to tip the professional, usually between $20 and $100.