Here are six easy ways to have the best looking trees in your neighborhood:

1. Plant the right tree in the right place. Dogwoods don't belong in full sun, Douglas-fir shouldn't be planted under the powerlines.
2. Water and mulch newly planted trees. Mulch with a ring of woodchips extending out 2 feet from the base of the tree.
3. Protect trees from mowers, weedeaters, and other equipment. Avoid growing grass right up to the base of the tree.
4. The soil should be firm around the trunk, but don't pack the soil tightly when planting. Mulch around the tree to avoid soil compaction and root suffocation. Leave roots alone.
5. Prune according to accepted methods. Hire an arborist when the job is too big. For more information on how to hire a professional arborist, check out our Hiring An Arborist page.
6. If you think a tree needs to be topped, you might be better off cutting the tree down and planting a smaller variety.

Correct pruning is the best thing you can do for your tree.