For City trees
- Do not attach bikes or other objects, insert nails and refrain from causing wounds in the bark;
- Decorate the base of the trees with landscaping plants to keep the soil humid;
- Report to the City of any disease problem, insects, of any danger or safety of the passers-by;
- Water newly planted trees in order to maintain their fast growth.
For private trees
- Before planting a tree on a property, we recommend to plant it in the right place by taking into account its maturity, the type of soil and preferably, to choose a rustic specimen, which is easy to adapt to our climate;
- For pruning work, check for professionals in the industry or ask your neighbours for a reference;
- Maintain the basins around the newly planted trees and water regularly;
- Make a regular visual tree inspection in order to detect a problem or disease.
Pruning Advice
Trees are pruned to remove dead and unproductive branches, to control diseases and to make trees structurally safe and balanced. The following tips will help you accomplish this objective without causing undue harm to your private tree.
If a public tree requires pruning, make a request by calling 514 428-4500.
Know when to prune your tree!
The best time to prune depends on the species. Prune maples and birches in June or July, fruit trees in March and other deciduous trees between January and April. Pruning of evergreens is not recommended, however if you must, the least damaging time is from May to June.
Keep your pruning tools sharp and clean
- Cuts should be made next to the branch collar, which is the swollen area where the branch attaches to the trunk, but make sure you do not cut into the collar. Cuts made in this fashion allow the tree to close the wound properly.
- Never prune out more than one quarter of the tree crown at a time. If your tree requires a lot of pruning, spread it out over several years.
Follow these simple steps when pruning trees:
- Prune out all diseased limbs ensuring the cuts are made well inside uninfected areas
- Remove all dead and dying limbs
- Remove branches that are obstructive or at face level when you are mowing the lawn
- Remove the smaller of any branches that cross over and rub one another
- Take out branches that disrupt the symmetry or natural shape of the tree crown