Ultimate Guide to Trimming Southern Catalpa

Step-by-Step Southern Catalpa Trimming Techniques

Before you start, wear eye protection, gloves, and a hard hat, and inspect the tree for dead wood and weak unions. Check the area around the trunk for obstacles and ensure ladders or poles are stable.

Types of pruning cuts and why they matter

• Thinning cuts — Remove one branch to its point of origin or remove internal twigs along a limb to open the canopy. Why it matters: Southern catalpas often grow a dense, top-heavy crown; thinning improves airflow, reduces wind resistance, and encourages healthy growth structure.
• Heading cuts — Cut back to a bud or small side branch to shorten a limb or shape the tree. Why it matters: Can stimulate new growth and a fuller crown, but overuse can produce weak, clustered shoots; use sparingly to avoid an overly dense interior.
• Reduction cuts — Shorten a limb to a healthy lateral branch or bud to reduce size while preserving form. Why it matters: Helps control height and spread gradually without shocking the tree, which is especially useful for tall specimens with power lines or structures nearby.

Step-by-step DIY trimming process

1) Assess and plan your approach — Identify dead wood, weak unions, crossing branches, and any limbs that threaten the canopy’s balance. Decide which cuts are necessary this season and where to start.

2) Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood first — These are the safest and most obvious targets, and removing them reduces stress on the tree.

3) Tackle height and top growth gradually — For excessive height, make light reductions over successive seasons rather than one heavy cut. If the tree is young, preserve height control with small, regular top trims; for mature trees, target hazardous topwood in smaller steps.

4) Open up weak unions and crossing branches — Prune to create clean, well-spaced forks. For large limbs, use the 3-cut method (see Cutting technique) to prevent tearing and shear.

5) Thin the dense interior — Remove interior growth that blocks light and air from reaching the center of the crown. Favor cuts that maintain a natural, rounded silhouette and avoid removing more than a quarter of the canopy in a single session.

6) Balance, clean up, and evaluate — Step back periodically to compare sides of the crown, remove water sprouts and suckers, and fine-tune the overall shape. After each major cut, pause to assess the crown’s balance before continuing.

Young vs Mature Considerations

• Young Southern Catalpa trees — Focus on establishing a strong central leader and 2–3 solid scaffold branches. Prune gradually, favoring light cuts that guide upward growth without compromising trunk strength.
• Mature Southern Catalpa trees — Prioritize hazard and weight management. Remove only what’s necessary to reduce risk, and avoid heavy, crown-wide reductions that could stress the tree. Maintain a natural shape and prevent leggy, weak growth by selecting targeted thinning cuts.

Cutting technique basics

• Branch collar and angle — Always cut just outside the branch collar to protect the trunk and promote quick healing. Make clean cuts at about a 45-degree angle.
• 3-cut method for large branches —

1) Under-cut a short distance from the trunk to prevent bark tearing,

2) Make a top-cut trunkward to remove the majority of the limb’s weight,

3) Complete the cut just outside the branch collar on the remaining stub.

• Tools and technique — Use sharp hand pruners for small limbs, a pruning saw for larger branches, and disinfect blades between cuts to minimize disease spread. Do not leave large stubs; when removing, always finish at or just beyond the branch collar.

When to step back and evaluate

Take a deliberate pause after each major grouping of cuts to assess form, balance, and health. If the crown looks uneven, re-check the distribution of removal and aim for a natural, aerodynamic shape.

Last tip: After each major cut, step back to evaluate the crown balance before moving on.

Essential Tools for Trimming Southern Catalpa

With the right toolkit, trimming Southern Catalpa becomes safer, neater, and easier. The core tools below cover most pruning tasks you’ll encounter, from quick cleanup to moderate limb removal.

Hand Pruners / Secateurs

• Best for: clean cuts on small-diameter live wood and tight spots around the trunk or within the canopy.
• What it handles: generally up to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
• Species-specific tips: use bypass blades to avoid crushing delicate live tissue; keep blades sharp and snapping cleanly through wood. Wipe blades after use to prevent sap buildup and corrosion.

• Quick tip: use one-handed control for precision on delicate leaders and new growth; switch to loppers for thicker twigs when needed.

Loppers

• Best for: medium-sized limbs that are out of reach for hand pruners, providing leverage for clean cuts.
• What it handles: typically 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
• Species-specific tips: choose bypass loppers for a clean, bark-friendly cut on live wood; avoid twisting or tearing the wood at the cut. Longer handles reduce strain on your back, but maintain steady control to prevent slipping.

• Quick tip: position the cut just outside the bud collar or lateral branch to encourage proper healing.

Pruning Saw

• Best for: branches that are too thick for pruners or loppers but still accessible from ground level or a stable stance.
• What it handles: roughly 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) in diameter, with some saws handling a bit larger.
• Species-specific tips: curved blades reduce binding in live wood; use smooth, deliberate strokes and let the saw do the work rather than forcing it. Keep the teeth sharp and free of debris for efficient cutting.

• Quick tip: for elevated cuts, stabilize the branch with one hand (gloved) very close to the cut to prevent splintering.

Pole Saw / Pruner

• Best for: tall trees or high limbs that you can’t reach safely from the ground.
• What it handles: effective for 1–4 inch (2.5–10 cm) branches from height; use caution on thicker limbs.
• Species-specific tips: maintain a steady, controlled cut from a secure position; avoid forcing the blade through live wood at full extension. A pole saw with a curved blade helps prevent pinching on live wood.

• Quick tip: never compromise stance or footing—do not stand on ladders when operating a pole saw from the ground; secure yourself with a sturdy foothold.

Safety Gear

• Gloves, eye protection, helmet, and sturdy footwear are essential. They prevent cuts, eye injuries from flying chips, head injuries from falling limbs, and slips on uneven ground. Sap and wood dust can irritate skin and eyes, so protective gear is worth the investment for every session.

Tool Maintenance

• Sharpening: keep pruners, loppers, and saws sharp; a sharp edge makes cleaner cuts and reduces tissue damage.
• Cleaning / sterilizing between cuts: wipe blades with a clean cloth and use isopropyl alcohol or a diluted bleach solution between cuts, especially when moving from diseased or damaged wood to healthy tissue. This helps prevent spreading disease in Southern Catalpa, which can be susceptible to canker and other pathogens.
• Storage: dry blades after use, oil moving parts lightly, and store in a dry, organized rack to prevent rust and dulling.

When to Call Professionals

• Branches larger than 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in diameter, especially if multiple cuts are needed.
• Work near power lines or on very tall, mature Catalpa where risk of limb failure or falls is high.
• If the canopy requires significant weight removal or there are structurally compromised limbs, professional arborists have specialized gear and training to complete the job safely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trimming Southern Catalpa

Keep these pitfalls in mind as you plan your pruning—each misstep can undermine health, form, and long-term vigor.

Topping

What it is: Removing the top portion of the crown or cutting a main leader back indiscriminately.

Why it's harmful for Southern Catalpa: Catalpas grow quickly and rely on a strong central leader. Topping destroys natural structure and prompts a burst of weak, cross-stem sprouts that are prone to breakage in storms.

Consequences: Weak, top-heavy limbs; heavy pruning wounds that stay open; reduced aesthetic form and increased maintenance.

Alternative: Instead, lower height gradually with a series of careful reduction cuts just outside the branch collar, maintaining a balanced crown and strong scaffold branches over several seasons.

Over-pruning / Heading cuts

What it is: Removing large portions of crown or making aggressive heading cuts that remove wood back to a short stub.

Why it's harmful for Southern Catalpa: The tree responds with vigorous, unstructured sprouts that may grow unevenly and compromise strength.

Consequences: A bushy, weak canopy; brittle structure; more frequent future pruning needs.

Alternative: Use thinning cuts to remove whole branches back to a living limb or trunk, keeping an open, rounded shape. Avoid removing large sections in a single session.

Flush cuts

What it is: Cutting flush against the trunk or a major branch without leaving a collar.

Why it's harmful for Southern Catalpa: No proper callus formation means the wound heals slowly or not at all, inviting decay and disease entry.

Consequences: Decay pockets, pest access, and potential trunk decline over time.

Alternative: Always cut just outside the branch collar to leave a natural callus zone. For large removals, use a back-cut first to reduce tear-back, then final cut just outside the collar.

Stub cuts

What it is: Leaving a stub where a branch is removed.

Why it's harmful for Southern Catalpa: Stubs dry out or rot and become entry points for diseases and pests.

Consequences: Dieback around the stub, decay spreading into the branch union, and an unsightly, unhealthy wound.

Alternative: Remove all cuts back to a living branch or trunk, making the cut flush with the collar. If the branch is large, do a two-stage approach to minimize tearing.

Lion-tailing

What it is: Removing interior branches and leaving only outer, exposed growth, producing a sparse interior.

Why it's harmful for Southern Catalpa: Catalpas rely on an airy yet well-branched interior for strength, pest control, and even shade distribution.

Consequences: Reduced airflow and light inside the canopy, increased risk of disease, and an uneven, weak crown.

Alternative: Thin selectively across the interior to open the canopy evenly. Aim for balanced distribution of removal so you maintain a sturdy, well-ventilated crown without exposing bare limbs.

Pruning at the wrong time

What it is: Shaping or heavy cuts during the wrong season or at times of peak stress.

Why it's harmful for Southern Catalpa: Improper timing can remove flower buds, reduce vigor, or stress the tree during heat or cold swings.

Consequences: Fewer blooms, slower recovery, and higher susceptibility to pests and disease.

Alternative: Plan pruning during dormancy or, for flowering goals, just after bloom. Do light year-round shaping in late winter; reserve major cuts for after flowering or early fall to minimize stress.

Using dull or dirty tools

What it is: Pruning with blunt blades or tools that aren’t clean.

Why it's harmful for Southern Catalpa: Ragged cuts heal slowly and imperfectly, leaving wounds vulnerable to rot and pathogens.

Consequences: Increased healing time, higher disease risk, and more extensive repairs later.

Alternative: Sharpen blades before you start; sanitize tools between cuts and after finishing. Keep tools clean and ready for precise, clean cuts.

When Is the Best Time to Trim Southern Catalpa?

Practical pruning starts with timing that minimizes stress and supports healthy growth.

Primary pruning window for most Southern Catalpa: Dormant season—late winter to early spring before bud break. This timing reduces stress, promotes cleaner wound healing, and makes it easier to see the tree’s natural structure. Wounds close more quickly when the tree isn’t actively growing, and the risk of disease or pest entry through large cuts is lower. Plus, you’ll have a clear view of form before new growth starts.

Best overall time for Southern Catalpa

• Dormant-season pruning (late winter to early spring, before buds push): best balance of safety, healing, and visibility.
• Benefits: cleaner cuts, faster callus formation, and easier assessment of structure and height before the growing surge.

Quick pruning steps in the dormant window

1) Do a careful walkaround: identify dead, damaged, or crossed limbs and note any weak unions or rubbing branches.

2) Start with dead and diseased wood: remove it back to healthy tissue.

3) Correct structural issues: clear crossings, reduce dense clusters, and shape for a balanced crown.

4) Finish with a light lift or reduction if needed: avoid heavy reduction that removes important canopy mass.

5) Make clean, angled cuts just outside the branch collar; avoid leaving stubs.

6) Clean tools between cuts to minimize spread of any infection.

Acceptable alternatives

• Light corrective pruning in summer: OK for small dead twigs, low-hanging branches, or minor clearances, but avoid large cuts during heat or drought.
• Immediate pruning for hazards: Dead, damaged, or hazardous branches should be removed right away, regardless of season, to reduce risk.
• If you prune in summer: target cool, overcast days and water well afterward to support recovery.

Times to strictly avoid

• Late fall: warmer, wetter periods can spread fungal spores and lead to disease as the tree approaches dormancy.
• Active growing season with heavy cuts: heavy pruning during rapid growth can cause excessive bleeding and stress the tree.
• Summer heat or drought: large cuts in hot, dry weather increase stress and reduce healing rates.

Southern Catalpa-specific notes

• Bleeding sap: Southern Catalpa isn’t known for dramatic sap flow like maples, but you may see some sap on warm days after early-season pruning. Keep cuts clean and plan to seal only small wounds if necessary.
• Flowering impact: Catalpa flowers in spring; heavy pruning early can reduce next year’s blooms. Light maintenance is fine, but reserve major reductions if you’re aiming for robust flowering.
• Regional quirks: In milder coastal zones, buds can break earlier; in colder regions, wait a bit longer into late winter. Always align pruning with local climate and any regional advisories.

Influencing factors

• Local climate/region: Warmer, milder zones often permit earlier pruning; colder climates may push pruning toward mid- to late winter.
• Tree age/health: Younger trees tolerate shaping and thinning more readily; older trees benefit from gentler cuts and gradual management.
• Current conditions: Avoid pruning during drought, after a long dry spell, or during extreme weather. If conditions are unfavorable, postpone until recovery.

Signs your Southern Catalpa needs trimming soon

• Dead or diseased branches
• Branches that cross or rub together
• Excessive height or a weak, unbalanced structure
• Visible storm damage or broken limbs
• Sparse or uneven canopy growth

By sticking to the dormant-season window for the bulk of trimming, you’ll help your Southern Catalpa recover quickly, maintain good structure, and enjoy healthy growth with strong spring blooms. If you need to prune outside that window, keep the cuts small, focus on safety, and monitor for any signs of stress.

Southern Catalpa Trimming Tips for Different Regions?

Most common coverage map for Southern Catalpa

Regional climate shapes how we trim Southern Catalpa; use region-specific adjustments to keep the tree healthy and appealing.

Pacific Northwest

• Timing: prune during late winter to early spring (late Jan–Mar) while still dormant; avoid heavy pruning in wet periods to reduce disease pressure.
• Airflow and structure: thin selectively to improve airflow—remove interior crossings and crowded forks rather than a heavy overall cut.
• Aftercare: mulch around the root zone after pruning; water during dry spells but avoid overwatering after a trim; monitor for rust or canker symptoms.
• Frequency and scope: plan major structural pruning every 3–5 years, with light annual maintenance to remove dead wood.
• Regional caveat: in humid, wet winters, resist heavy summer pruning unless necessary for safety.
• City-specific note: Common in rainy Portland or Seattle? Check our Pacific Northwest city guides for more localized advice.
• Visual placeholder: Insert map of U.S. climate zones with Southern Catalpa highlights here.

Southwest (Desert Southwest)

• Timing: work in late winter (Feb–Mar) before the heat spikes; avoid pruning during peak summer heat or on hot afternoons.
• Size and water: keep the canopy lighter to reduce transpiration; opt for selective thinning rather than large removals to lower water demand.
• Aftercare: mulch to conserve soil moisture; water promptly after pruning during dry seasons; avoid synthetic wound dressings.
• Frequency and scope: perform light maintenance every 2–4 years; major shaping can wait 4–6 years if the tree is healthy.
• Regional caveat: avoid large cuts in drought-prone years; prioritize safety and structural integrity.
• City-specific note: Common in many arid towns? Check our Southwest city guides for localized tips.
• Visual placeholder: Photo of well-pruned Southern Catalpa in arid Southwest landscape.

Southeast

• Timing: prune after flowering in late spring/early summer to protect buds; avoid pruning during hurricane season and the hottest, most humid days.
• Airflow and shape: open the canopy to improve airflow, remove water sprouts, and trim back any weak leaders to reduce storm damage risk.
• Pests and disease: monitor for scale and aphids after trimming and address quickly; prune during dry spells to reduce fungal concerns.
• Frequency: light annual maintenance works well, with larger shaping every 3–5 years.
• Regional tip: in coastal humid zones, avoid pruning during wet spells to minimize disease spread.
• City-specific note: Common in coastal cities like Charleston or Savannah? Check our Southeast city guides for localized advice.
• Visual placeholder: Insert photo of a well-balanced Southeast Catalpa with open crown.

Midwest

• Timing: favor winter/dormant-season pruning (Jan–Feb) to minimize sap loss and disease risk; avoid pruning in soggy springs.
• Structure and safety: target removal of dead wood, rubbing or crossing branches, and thinning to a balanced crown that withstands ice and snow load.
• Pests and diseases: sanitize tools to prevent spread of cankers and rusts common in humid periods; monitor for signs of dieback after storms.
• Aftercare: mulch to stabilize soil moisture; water during droughts and after pruning in dry periods.
• Regional tip: avoid aggressive cuts during wet springs to reduce fungal pressure.
• City-specific note: Common in Chicago or Detroit? Check our Midwest city guides for localized advice.
• Eco tip: leave a few clean branches as wildlife habitat where safe, and reuse clippings as mulch around the tree.

Northeast

• Timing: prune in late winter to early spring, aiming after the last hard frost but before new growth begins.
• Shape and clarity: remove crowded or crossing limbs to form an open canopy that resists storm damage; light, selective thinning is preferred over heavy cuts.
• Pests and disease: inspect for borers and scale after pruning; sanitize tools to avoid spreading disease.
• Weather watch: be mindful of lingering late frosts that can set back new growth after pruning.
• Aftercare: apply a thin mulch ring, and monitor soil moisture through irregular spring weather.
• City-specific note: Common in cities like Boston or New York? Check our Northeast city guides for localized advice.
• Eco tip: mulch retreat and composting prunings where feasible, and consider leaving small cavities or snags for wildlife.

Insert map and photo placeholders as noted above where visually appropriate.

Insert map of U.S. climate zones with Southern Catalpa highlights here

Photo of well-pruned Southern Catalpa in arid Southwest landscape

Eco-friendly regional practice: wherever you prune, reuse clippings as mulch to conserve soil moisture and enrich the root zone, and consider leaving a few branches or snags to support birds and pollinators.

Care And Maintenance for Southern Catalpa

Watering

• Watering Tips:
• Young trees (0–3 years): water deeply 2–3 times per week during dry spells, soaking the root zone to about 12–18 inches deep. If rainfall totals meet or exceed 1 inch weekly, you can reduce frequency.
• Established trees: in prolonged dry periods, water deeply every 2–3 weeks. During hot summers, a weekly deep soak for a month or two can help, then ease back as conditions improve.
• Seasonal adjustments: in dry climates, increase irrigation during heat waves; in consistently wet climates, rely more on rainfall and avoid soggy soil. Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to deliver water slowly to the root zone.
• Signs to watch:
• Underwatering: wilting leaves, leaf curling, brown tips, stunted new growth.
• Overwatering: yellowing leaves, soft or mushy soil, persistent soggy feel.

• Quick tip: mulch helps soil moisture and reduces evaporation, supporting steadier watering.

Mulching

• Benefits:
• Improves moisture retention, reduces weeds, moderates soil temperature, and protects shallow roots.
• How to apply:
• Apply 2–4 inches of mulch in a broad ring around the tree, extending roughly 3–6 feet from the trunk. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and rot.
• Replenish as needed, especially after wind or seasonal changes.
• Best materials:
• Shredded hardwood, bark mulch, or well-rotted wood chips; you can mix in leaf mold or compost for a small nutrient boost.
• Species notes:
• Catalpa tolerates a range of soils, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk or letting it rise over the root flare, as this can promote rot on younger specimens.

Fertilization & Soil

• When/how to fertilize:
• Do a soil test every 2–3 years; follow the results. If growth is slow or leaves look pale in spring, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) per label directions, or work in well-rotted compost.
• In early spring, lightly feed. Avoid late-season feeding that could spur tender new growth susceptible to frost.
• Type:
• Slow-release granular fertilizer or high-quality compost/manure.
• Signs of nutrient issues:
• Chlorosis (pale leaves with yellow interveinal areas), stunted growth, sparse canopy, poor flowering.
• Southern Catalpa-specific considerations:
• Avoid excess nitrogen; it can drive lush foliage at the expense of strong wood and can invite pests. Aim for balanced nutrition and soil improvement rather than heavy feeding.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

• Common threats:
• Borers (look for small exit holes and fine frass in bark).
• Aphids (sticky honeydew, curled leaves).
• Fungal issues (leaf spots, powdery mildew, small cankers on branches).
• Oak wilt: not a catalpa disease, but nearby oaks can affect the landscape; monitor for canopy stress and ensure good airflow to reduce humidity around the tree.
• Prevention:
• Provide good airflow through the canopy; avoid overhead watering late in the day.
• Prune with clean tools and promptly remove or dispose of severely infested limbs.
• Keep the tree vigorous with proper watering and balanced nutrition to improve natural resistance.
• When to act or call pros:
• Heavy infestations, widespread dieback, oozing cankers, or uncertainty about the diagnosis should prompt a professional evaluation and a tailored treatment plan.

Other Routine Care

• Winter protection:
• In colder zones, young trees may benefit from light trunk wrapping for the first couple of winters; remove wrap in spring to prevent moisture buildup.
• Storm prep and recovery basics:
• After storms, inspect for broken or rubbing limbs; prune back to a healthy union with clean cuts and remove hazards promptly.
• Competing vegetation:
• Maintain a weed-free zone around the base (about 2–3 feet to start), thinning as the tree grows. This reduces root competition and pest hiding spots.
• Girdling roots and trunk damage:
• Look for roots that wrap around the trunk or root flare; carefully address small girdling roots or consult a pro for large or poorly accessible roots. Regular inspection helps keep the trunk strong and stable.

Benefits of Professional Southern Catalpa Trimming Services

Safety

• Tall, heavy limbs and proximity to power lines create significant risk for homeowners. Pros use proper rigging, ladders, and harness systems to trim without endangering people or property.
• Trimming around vehicle sites, sidewalks, and landscaping is done with careful planning to prevent collateral damage.
• Reduces the chance of accidental cuts that can injure you, your family, or your pets.

Expertise

• Certified arborists bring deep knowledge of Southern Catalpa biology, growth patterns, and pruning cuts that promote healthy regrowth.
• Early disease and pest detection is common with a pro’s seasoned eye, helping prevent problems from spreading.
• They understand species-specific traits like growth habit, bleeder symptoms, and storm-vulnerability, avoiding common DIY missteps.

Better outcomes

• Strategic pruning encourages stronger structure, better air flow, and balanced canopies, extending the tree’s life.
• Proper cuts minimize wound size and decrease disease entry points, leading to healthier regrowth.
• Pros address weak unions, large branch-vaults, and potential storm damage before issues escalate.

Proper equipment & techniques

• Access to professional-grade tools, sterilized pruners, and proper cutting angles ensures clean, accurate cuts.
• Techniques such as corrective thinning, crown reduction, and selective removal are tailored to Southern Catalpa without over-pruning.
• Cleanup is done with minimal stress to the tree, preserving essential energy reserves for recovery.

Insurance & liability

• Reputable tree companies carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation, giving homeowners financial protection in case of accidents.
• When you hire a pro, you’re generally not personally liable for injuries or property damage arising from the work.
• Verify certificates of insurance and licenses before scheduling to ensure full coverage.

Time & convenience

• Pros handle the entire workflow: assessment, pruning plan, execution, and debris removal.
• Efficient scheduling and skilled crews reduce disruption to your yard and daily routine.
• They can often complete complex tasks in a single visit, saving you multiple DIY sessions.

Long-term value

• Regular professional care can prevent emergencies, saving costly repairs and tree replacement later.
• Well-pruned catalpas often recover faster after storms and maintain a pleasing shape that enhances curb appeal.
• A healthy canopy supports property value and landscape design, especially in Southern neighborhoods with mature trees.

What to expect when hiring pros

1. Initial assessment: a tree health check, risk evaluation, and pruning plan tailored to your catalpa.

2. Pruning execution: targeted cuts to improve structure, remove hazards, and stimulate balanced growth.

3. Cleanup and disposal: thorough removal of brush and debris; composting or chipping options may be offered.

4. Follow-up guidance: recommendations for future maintenance and seasonal care.

Typical cost ranges

• For a standard Southern Catalpa trim, expect $200-$800 depending on size, location, and complexity. Higher costs apply to large/mature specimens or add-ons like cabling or specialty removals.
• When you factor in cleanup and ongoing care, the long-term value of hiring pros often outweighs DIY savings—especially for tall or storm-prone specimens.

Signs it’s time to call pros

• Branches larger than 4–6 inches in diameter crowd near structures, driveways, or power lines.
• The canopy appears lopsided or weighs heavily on one side.
• Visible disease, decay, or signs of pests (holes, staining, unusual thinning).
• The tree is exceptionally tall, top-heavy, or you’re uncertain about safe pruning angles.
• You’re planning a landscape update and want precise, professional pruning to support new design.

Hiring a certified arborist for Southern Catalpa care offers practical, reliable benefits you can trust. When you know what to expect and how to choose the right pros, you protect your tree, your home, and your time—and you’ll enjoy healthier, better-looking catalpa for years to come.