Thanks for all the great questions after our first “Ask the Arborist.” I’m back with another round—focused on oak pruning safety, how to tell if a tree is risky, permits around the Twin Cities, and what a professional job site should look like.
Q1) “When is it actually safe to prune my oak tree?”
Short answer: during the dormant season—generally late fall through winter when insects that spread oak wilt aren’t active. Outside of dormancy, we avoid pruning oaks unless there’s an emergency (storm damage, broken/hanging limbs). If an off-season cut is unavoidable, we seal the wound immediately and follow strict sanitation practices. If you’re unsure about timing, send us a photo and your city—we’ll advise.
Q2) “How do I know if a tree is a hazard before it becomes an emergency?”
Here are the big red flags I look for during estimates:
- Cracks that run deep into the trunk or main unions
- Mushrooms or conks at the base (possible internal decay)
- Heaving soil or a tree that suddenly leans more than it used to
- Dead or dying branches in the upper canopy (“widowmakers”)
- Bark that’s sloughing off or new cavities in the trunk
- Branch unions shaped like a tight “V” with included bark
If you see one or more, it’s time for a professional risk assessment.
Q3) “Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my city?”
It depends. Many Twin Cities municipalities require permits for trees above a certain diameter, or for boulevard trees. Some HOAs have their own rules, too. When you book with us, we’ll help you confirm your city’s requirements and handle paperwork if needed. (Pro tip: if you’re selling your home soon, clear the removal/permit question early to avoid closing delays.)
Q4) “What’s the difference between ‘topping’ and proper pruning?”
“Topping” chops the canopy back to stubs. It’s harmful: it weakens the tree, invites decay, and creates hazardous regrowth. Proper pruning removes the right wood—dead, diseased, crossing, or structurally unsound—back to natural branch collars. The goal is health, structure, and safety, not just “shorter.” We also follow ANSI A300 pruning standards.
Q5) “Will your equipment tear up my yard?”
That’s a fair concern. Here’s what we do:
- Use ground protection mats where needed
- Leverage our CMC tracked aerial lift to access tough spots with minimal lawn impact
- Stage trucks thoughtfully and rake/cleanup thoroughly
- Offer stump grinding + light grade/seed on request
Most jobs leave the yard looking cleaner than we found it.
Q6) “How fast can you respond after a storm?”
For tree-on-structure or blocked driveways, we prioritize same-day emergency response whenever possible. We’ll triage over the phone, get photos/texts, and deploy safely. If utility lines are involved, we coordinate with the power company before we touch anything.
Q7) “Can you leave wood for my firewood stack—or take everything?”
Your call. We can:
- Full haul-away (debris, chips, stump grind if requested)
- Leave cut rounds (we’ll buck to manageable lengths)
- Chip-and-leave for garden paths (where appropriate)
Tell us how you use your yard—we’ll tailor the cleanup.
Q8) “What affects the cost the most?”
- Access (tight backyards, fences, overhead lines)
- Tree size & species (density, branch structure)
- Risk & complexity (cranes, rigging, nearby structures)
- Disposal (haul-away vs. leave) and add-ons (stump grinding)
We give transparent, written estimates and explain the “why” behind the price.
Quick Homeowner Checklist (Save this!)
- Schedule oak pruning in dormancy whenever possible
- Walk your yard seasonally—look for cracks, lean, fungi, and deadwood
- Ask your city (or us) about permits before removal
- Request proof of insurance and ask about ANSI standards
- Decide on cleanup preferences (haul vs. leave) before the crew arrives
Have a question for Ask the Arborist #3?
Send it our way! The more local and specific, the better—photos help.
Stay safe, care for your canopy, and I’ll see you in the next installment. – Erik
Erik Renstrom
For over a decade, Erik Renstrom, along with his company Renstrom Tree Service have been servicing the Minneapols / St. Paul area, helping home owners and businesses with their trees. Whether you have a tree that has fallen on your house or need storm damage cleanup, we are here for you, 24-7. Call Erik today! (651) 363-9616