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Tree Care

Tree removal, trimming and stump grinding costs, when to prune, and how to tell if a tree is sick or dying.

A young tree newly planted in a lawn with a wide ring of wood chip mulch pulled back from the base of the trunk

How to Plant a Tree (and When)

Plant in fall after leaf drop or in early spring before bud break. Dig a hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper, set the root flare at or just above grade, backfill with the soil you dug out, water well and mulch 2 to 3 inches deep without touching the trunk.

October 30, 2026

A tree care worker in a helmet and harness examining the trunk and lower limbs of a large shade tree in a backyard

What a Certified Arborist Does and When to Hire One

An ISA Certified Arborist has at least 3 years of tree care experience, passed a 200-question exam and keeps up with continuing education. Hire one for large-tree pruning, risk checks, removal decisions and sick trees.

October 26, 2026

Bare deciduous tree on a frosty winter morning with pruned branches and hand pruners on a bench

When to Prune Trees

Prune most trees in late winter to early spring, while they're dormant and before new growth starts. Remove dead or broken branches any time. Prune spring-flowering trees right after bloom, and avoid pruning oaks during your area's oak wilt season.

September 9, 2026

Stump grinder next to a mound of wood chips over a ground-down stump in a backyard lawn

Stump Grinding Cost and What to Expect

Stump grinding usually costs $131–$438 per job, with national averages around $200–$272. Many pros charge $2–$5 per inch of stump diameter with a minimum of about $100, and extra stumps cost less each.

September 4, 2026

Large shade tree with a dead, leafless limb at the top of its canopy and mushrooms at the base

How to Tell if a Tree Is Dying

Signs a tree is dying include dry tissue with no green under the bark, twigs that snap instead of bend, bare or thinning sections of canopy, loose bark, deep cracks, cavities, and mushrooms at the base. One sign alone isn't proof, so have an arborist check trees near your home.

August 29, 2026

Maple tree with a pole saw leaning on the trunk and cut branches stacked on the lawn

How Much Does Tree Trimming Cost?

Professional tree trimming averages about $430–$640 per tree. Small trees can cost under $100, while trees over 60 feet can reach about $1,800. Hedge trimming usually runs $2.50–$6 per linear foot.

August 23, 2026

Large oak beside a house with a white bucket truck and wood chipper in the driveway

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?

Most tree removals cost about $385–$1,070, with national averages of $630–$850. Small trees can run a few hundred dollars, while very large or hard-to-reach trees can top $2,000. Stump grinding and hauling are often extra.

August 17, 2026