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You should prune ornamental trees once every other year after the fruit has matured and begun to drop. You should also prune out dead branches whenever you see them. Pruning too often can stimulate more growth, especially in faster growing varieties like Bradford pears.

For the most part, homeowners don’t need permission to cut down a tree on their own private property. But there are some exceptions. If the tree is very large, very old, or protected for any reason (it’s a heritage species, for example), then you may need a permit in order to cut it down. Trees that are close to public property or power lines may also be subject to special rules. You can face hefty fines if you don’t follow local tree protection ordinances, so it’s worth checking with the appropriate government agency before you fire up your chainsaw.

The depth of tree roots depends on the species. Trees like oaks and maples can have root systems that grow down 20 feet or more. However, trees that grow in shallow soils will have roots that go only a few feet down. Research how your tree species grows in your climate area to estimate root depth.

If you’re wondering whether you can plant a tree where the stump was removed, know that the soil conditions won’t be ideal, so you should avoid it. The soil beneath the previous tree will likely be depleted of nutrients, plus there may be roots left behind that will seriously hinder the growth of a new tree. Also, if you use salt or other chemical solutions to kill the stump, these can linger in the soil for months or even years and prevent healthy growth. It’s best to choose a different spot that’s at least three feet away for a new tree, or wait at least a year and thoroughly amend the soil before you plant.