August 26, 2024
In Quebec, we love our trees. And with good reason: they prevent heat islands, filter water, stabilize the soil, attract birds, reduce air pollution, prevent lung diseases, lower heating and cooling costs, create a peaceful environment and, above all, they beautify a property and increase its value. But trees require constant maintenance. Here are seven strategic tips for maintaining your deciduous and coniferous trees.
Proper maintenance is essential, as healthy trees will last longer. You will improve your property’s aesthetics and safety by preventing falling branches caused by snow and ice.
1. Know your species.
The best way to take care of your trees and shrubs is to know their species. If necessary, use the Tree Identification Tool from the Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Reserve, the Quebec app Branché, or a guide such as Arbres du Québec – Guide éclair, by Michael D. Williams (Éditions Broquet).
2. When to cut?
You must prune your trees to preserve their vigor, stimulate growth, keep pests away, prevent diseases, maintain their symmetry, and remove branches overhanging your home. But each species has its own characteristics. For example, conifers and deciduous trees should be cut during their dormant period (before buds open or after leaves fall in autumn), as birch, maple, walnut, and linden trees have an abundant sap flow in the spring. On the other hand, apple and mountain ash trees are pruned in early spring, as are young spruce, pine, and fir trees.
3. How to cut?
Avoid cutting more than half of the young shoots on conifers. Cut branches on deciduous trees that grow inward, rub against other branches, are broken, or obstruct passage. Avoid over-pruning fruit trees, as this causes the growth of many unproductive branches. Always cut close to the trunk or intersections. Eliminate suckers (the very small branches located on the trunk). In short: correct major defects while respecting the natural shape of the tree.
4. Maintaining your trees.
It is better to water your trees for long periods rather than for just a few minutes. Water that soaks into the soil encourages deep root growth. Water a newly planted tree three times a week during the first month, twice a week during the second, and once a week during the third, then twice a month in subsequent years (once a week in case of drought). You can also spread mulch over a one-meter radius (2 to 10 cm thick), leaving the soil bare for a width of 5 cm from the trunk (to keep insects away).
5. Think about the wires.
If your property is located near a power line or is subject to an easement for this purpose, be aware that Hydro-Québec will need to regularly prune vegetation to protect its wires (find out more by consulting the Hydro-Québec work map, these Q, or by calling 1 888 385-7252). Before pruning your trees, inspect the sky to avoid your ladder coming into contact with wires.
6. Prepare for winter.
Wrap the bottom of trunks with tape coated in a non-toxic rodent repellent or a tree guard sold in garden centers. You can also install a snow fence (plastic or wood) or a fabric cover to prevent damage caused by cold, de-icing salt, or the weight of snow.
7. Hire a professional.
To ensure optimal maintenance or to perform work at heights, which is often dangerous, you should hire professional arborists who have their own professional liability insurance.
To allow your trees to grow healthily and ensure your property is protected, they must be maintained every year.
Don’t forget the importance of good home insurance coverage for peace of mind. Contact your broker for information on your home policy or to request a new quote.
