Get matched with top tree service pros in Shiocton, WI

Although the terms tree trimming and tree pruning are used interchangeably, they are very different types of tree maintenance. Tree trimming involves enhancing the appearance of your tree by removing unruly branches, providing your tree with ample sunlight and nutrients and prevents unsightly overgrowth. 

Tree pruning helps keep your trees disease-free. This process removes unhealthy growths, dead branches, and other unhealthy parts of the tree. It’s more common for deciduous and ornamental trees but not so common for evergreen trees. To determine which method you need, discuss it with a tree trimming specialist.

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

• Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

• Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

• Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

You can use herbicides to prevent roots from growing without killing the tree itself, however they must be used with caution. Systemic herbicides are absorbed by the root and can kill off problematic roots. However, herbicides can sometimes negatively impact nearby plants, so the solution is best used sparingly.

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.