Q: Can Dutch elm disease hurt humans?

• <div><p>Dutch elm disease can&rsquo;t harm humans. In fact, <a href="https://www.readyforwildfire.org/forest-health/bark-beetle-information/">according to</a> Cal Fire, bark beetles aren&rsquo;t even typically dangerous to trees unless that tree is already weakened. The problem comes when Dutch elm disease kills a tree. That tree is more at risk of falling and catching fire, which can pose a serious threat.</p></div>

Q: What if a neighbor’s tree is blocking my view?

• <div><p>Unfortunately, most of the time you&rsquo;re out of luck if a neighbor&rsquo;s tree blocks your view. You don&rsquo;t have a right to a view, so if you have a tree that&rsquo;s near the property line but on your neighbor&rsquo;s property, you can&rsquo;t cut it to be able to take in a majestic mountain or a beautiful sunrise. In some communities, however, there are ordinances protecting scenic views. Checking into your local laws can help you determine your rights in this situation.</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

Can Dutch elm disease hurt humans?

Accepted Answer

•

Dutch elm disease can’t harm humans. In fact, according to Cal Fire, bark beetles aren’t even typically dangerous to trees unless that tree is already weakened. The problem comes when Dutch elm disease kills a tree. That tree is more at risk of falling and catching fire, which can pose a serious threat.

Question 2

Is it worth hiring an arborist or tree surgeon over a standard tree company?

Accepted Answer

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Hiring an arborist or tree surgeon is usually more expensive than a standard tree company, but it is often worth the investment. Arborists have education and certifications that standard companies typically lack, leading to a more professional, expert-level service. Their expertise is particularly valuable for diseased or infested trees, as they can ensure safer removal and help prevent the issue from spreading. Additionally, arborists may be necessary for work near power lines, as uncertified companies are often not permitted to service these trees. If your goal is to preserve the health of your trees, an arborist is the best choice. Their services, such as stump grinding, are also performed with greater expertise to ensure a safe depth that won't cause your lawn to collapse over time.

Question 3

What if a neighbor’s tree is blocking my view?

Accepted Answer

•

Unfortunately, most of the time you’re out of luck if a neighbor’s tree blocks your view. You don’t have a right to a view, so if you have a tree that’s near the property line but on your neighbor’s property, you can’t cut it to be able to take in a majestic mountain or a beautiful sunrise. In some communities, however, there are ordinances protecting scenic views. Checking into your local laws can help you determine your rights in this situation.

Question 4

Can I prune apple trees in the spring?

Accepted Answer

•

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 5

What will naturally kill a tree?

Accepted Answer

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In nature, there are many things that can cause a tree to die, including diseases, insects, and natural disasters such as fires or droughts. Non-natural methods of killing a tree include herbicides or manual intervention, such as cutting it down. Consult a tree removal professional about your options for naturally killing a tree.