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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.

It’s possible, although a lot depends on the cause of damage and what steps you take. If the remaining parts of the maple tree are alive and not under attack by disease or pests, they can often be saved even if large portions of the maple tree have died. Frequent watering, careful pruning, mulch, and any recommended fungicides or insecticides can all help with survival.

Consumers typically do not need to worry about the cost of tree insurance, as professional tree service companies pay for their own coverage. For a tree service business, an average U.S. policy covering about $1 million in general liability costs roughly $40 a month or $500 a year. More extensive policies, providing between $500,000 to $2 million in coverage, can cost between $3,000 and $6,000 annually, depending on the company's size and scope of work. Tree service professionals should speak with an insurance company to determine the right plan for their business.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid flush cuts, which are cuts made as extremely close to the trunk or main branch. These cuts can weaken your tree, lower its natural defense mechanisms, and even cause decay. You’ll also want to avoid tree topping, which is the total removal of the leader and upper main branches of a tree. 

Most pros will advise against either of these methods, which is why hiring a pro is often the best choice when it comes to tree trimming.