Q: What happens if we cut down all the trees on our property?

• <div><p>In the short term, you&rsquo;ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-you-need-know-hiring-tree-service.htm">Tree removal services costs</a> typically start at <b>$200 per tree</b> and increase based on species and size. Then, you&rsquo;ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you&rsquo;ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.</p><p>That being said, cutting down a tree it&rsquo;s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues. </p></div>

Question 1

What happens if we cut down all the trees on our property?

Accepted Answer

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In the short term, you’ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. Tree removal services costs typically start at $200 per tree and increase based on species and size. Then, you’ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you’ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.

That being said, cutting down a tree it’s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues.

Question 2

Is it good to burn yard waste?

Accepted Answer

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Burning yard waste can be an efficient method for large amounts. However, burning has health and environmental risks. Smoke can aggravate respiratory conditions, expose you to carbon monoxide, and cause irritation. Fire produces greenhouse gases and may start wildfires. Minimize risks by burning clean, dry, natural materials. Stay upwind and monitor the fire closely.

Question 3

Are there alternatives to stump grinding or direct removal?

Accepted Answer

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The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.

Question 4

Should mushrooms be removed in the yard?

Accepted Answer

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According to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, there are over 10,000 kinds of mushrooms, and some are harmful to both humans and animals. However, not all mushrooms are harmful—some feed on thatch and wood, which provides nutrients for grass and plants.

But unless you’re a mushroom expert (mycologist), it can be hard to tell poisonous mushrooms from non-poisonous. So if you have kids or pets (or both), removing them is the safest route to take.

Question 5

Can you trim rose bushes in the summer?

Accepted Answer

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Most rose bushes should not be heavily pruned in the summer since this is the prime growing and blooming season. The best time to trim is typically after the growing season or right before spring, depending on your rose bush variety. However, you can cut away any dead or diseased areas or lightly trim spent blooms during the summer to encourage more growth.