Never cut main branches back to stubs. Many people mistakenly "top" trees because they grow into utility wires, interfere with views or sunlight, or simply grow so large that they worry the landowner.

Unfortunately, the topping process is often self-defeating. Ugly, bushy, weakly attached limbs usually grow back higher than the original branches.

Proper pruning can remove excessive growth without the problems topping creates. In addition, many arborists say that topping is the worst thing you can do for the health of a tree. It starves the tree by drastically reducing its food-making ability and makes the tree more susceptible to insects and disease.

The appearance of a properly pruned tree is like a good haircut: hardly noticeable at first glance

Mulch helps maintain healthy trees by insulating soil, retaining moisture, holding down weeds, preventing soil compaction, and keeping objects like lawn mowers away from the trunk..

The best time to apply mulch in established bed areas would be in mid-spring when the soil temperature has warmed up enough for sufficient root growth. If applied earlier, the mulch will keep the soil temperature lower and root growth could be delayed. Mulches should be applied 2 to 4 inches in depth over relatively clean, weed-free soils. Do not pile mulch more than 4 inches. Get rid of weeds before applying mulch. Keep mulch 12 inches back from the tree trunk.