FAQs

At Royal Tree Manatee, we recommend professional tree service and true pruning because it provides lasting benefits for both safety and tree health. Pruning helps preserve and improve branch structure, corrects weak or hazardous growth, and reduces the risk of falling limbs. It also gives our arborists the chance to inspect your trees more closely than they can from the ground. Most importantly, pruning removes dead, diseased, or dying branches, boosting the tree’s overall vitality and appearance. Regular pruning keeps your trees safe, strong, and thriving for years to come.

No. Regardless of whether it’s called “topping,” “heading,” “tipping,” or “dehorning,” removing large portions of a tree’s crown is not a proper pruning practice. It weakens the tree, encourages unhealthy growth, and can lead to long-term damage. At Royal Tree Manatee, our professional tree services focus on techniques that support the tree’s health and structure, never harmful shortcuts like topping.

Not at all. Moss is an air plant and doesn’t harm a healthy tree. It simply attaches to the bark and doesn’t draw nutrients from the tree itself. Unlike parasitic plants like mistletoe, which can spread and kill a tree, moss is non-invasive. The only concern is when it becomes so dense that it blocks sunlight and prevents photosynthesis. Quality tree services will focus on overall tree health, and excessive moss is usually just a sign to take a closer look at the tree’s environment.

Normal pruning removes some moss. It is natural to have some Spanish moss in your Florida trees. Moss can be handpicked or sprayed out, but the effort of removing moss could do more damage to your tree than any possible benefit, and also be very costly. If you have further questions, reach out to our tree services.

In our experience, every three years for shade trees. Please ask our tree service about your specific tree.

Yes! Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that steals essential nutrients from your tree, weakening it over time. If left untreated, it can eventually kill the tree. While pruning can help control its spread, tree removal companies may need to step in if the infestation is severe and the tree’s health is beyond recovery.

Filling holes or cavities in trees does more harm than good. It creates hidden spaces for moisture, fungus, and disease to accumulate and rot the tree from the inside. Reach out to our tree service for more information. 

Yes, the urban environment in Florida is the reason that it is always a good idea to fertilize your trees. Ailing trees or trees in decline may need additional fertilizer applications throughout the year. Contact Royal Tree Manatee if you need a tree service to fertilize your property's trees.

Not always, but for many trees, the answer is “yes.” It’s important to check with your local municipality or county to find out which trees are protected and what size limits apply. A professional tree service like Mid-Florida Tree Service, Inc can assist you in navigating the permit process and help ensure all necessary approvals are obtained before any work begins.

As the old saying goes, “when the pruners are sharp.” In other words, most trees can be pruned at any time of the year. However, there are exceptions—such as fruit trees, flowering varieties, and ornamentals—that benefit from seasonal timing. Quality tree services can help determine the ideal schedule for each type. According to TreePeople, strategically planting three trees around a single-family home can reduce summer air conditioning needs by up to 50%, making proper pruning and care not just a health measure for trees, but an energy-saving opportunity for homeowners.