Question 1

Is it true that you should never remove more than 20% of a tree’s branches, i.e. branches and foliage, each year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, indeed, for its healthy development a tree needs its foliage in order to be able to feed itself. Anything removed from a tree will weaken its structure. The tree will try to compensate for this through the growth of a large number of shoots and epicormic shoots, and in order to do so it will have to draw from its energy reserves. The results can be spectacular in the short term, but over the course of a few years serious problems can arise. The structure of the branches will be weak and potentially dangerous.

Question 2

When is the best time to prune ornamental trees?

Accepted Answer

In nature a tree doesn’t need to be pruned, so the less we prune it the better. Pruning can cause a number of problems, such as the introduction of fungi or other pathogens and the general disorganisation of the tree’s structure. Nevertheless, as an integral part of our lives trees often find themselves in environments that are poorly adapted to their size, and thus in these cases pruning or trimming becomes necessary. Trees which have been well chosen and well shaped need very little pruning, and dead, diseased, broken, damaged, weak or interfering branches, as well as stumps, epicormic shoots and (ground) shoots can be removed in no time. Pruning/cutting trees is easier during dormant periods such as early spring (before the blossom) or late autumn (about a month after the leaves fall), when their structure is still visible. It can also take place during vegetation season, but it must be avoided during heat waves or droughts. Pruning in very cold periods (January and February) is also possible forbidden. Some species have an abundant sap flow in early spring. These include birches (Betula spp.), maples (Acer spp.), walnut trees (Juglans spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), willows (Salix spp.) and linden trees (Tilia spp.). It is better to wait for a few leaves to develop before cutting these trees. Trees of the Rosaceae family (crab-apples, mountain ashes, hawthorn, etc.) are preferably pruned in the spring, as autumnal pruning can damage their cold hardening (preparation for winter).

Question 3

Do you have public liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

A very good question! We are happy to provide you with proof of insurance. This type of insurance protects you from the financial consequences that might result from any possible accidental damage that you may occur. Make sure you always ask for proof of insurance before a contractor begins work at your property.

Question 4

The branches of my tree are very close to medium-voltage lines. Who should I speak to?

Accepted Answer

Hydro-Québec is responsible for maintaining trees near medium-voltage lines. You can visit the Hydro- -Québec here to ask for a visit.

Question 5

Why call an arboriculturist?

Accepted Answer

Most people don’t know what an arboriculturist is and what their work consists of, largely because they deal with the maintenance of their trees themselves. As well as the risk of accidents and bodily harm, they can cause damage to property or injury/irreparable damage to the health of the trees themselves. Felling and trimming, particularly in the case of large trees, often involved risks and therefore should only be left to specialists who have the equipment necessary to work safely.

Question 6

Can I cut the branches of my neighbour’s tree without their permission if they are hanging over my land?

Accepted Answer

No. If your neighbour’s trees are hanging over your land you should first ask your neighbour to cut them themselves. If they refuse you should take them to court in order to force them to cut the branches. In order to do this, you must convince the court that the branches are seriously affecting the use of your land.

Question 7

Why are trees important?

Accepted Answer

• A mature tree can supply four rations of oxygen per day (Fondation canadienne de l’arbre – FCA).
• The average tree absorbs around 2.5kg of CO2 every year (CAF).
• During a growing season a sugar maple of around 30cm in diameter can absorb a large amount of heavy metals, including up to 60mg of cadmium, 140mg of chrome, 820mg of nickel and 5200mg of lead (University of Georgia).
• A healthy tree can capture 7000 airborne particles per litre of air (CFA).
• A mature tree absorbs 450 litres of water from the earth and then releases it as water vapour (FCA).
• The presence of a tree near houses or buildings can improve a building’s insulation capacity by up to 30% (Michigan State University, urban forestry).
• In a residential setting a tree can increase the market value of a house by more than 18% (US Forest Service).

Arbo-Ambiance

Arbo-Ambiance