Tree Care: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Do you have trees on your property and are wondering if you should have them inspected? Leaves falling too early, brittle branches, or a trunk that looks different are signs that warrant attention. This guide outlines best practices for caring for your trees and explains when to call a professional.
Key points to remember
- An assessment by a tree care professional is the first step before any tree care is performed.
- Pruning and trimming serve different purposes, but both contribute to the tree’s health and safety.
- Guy wires are particularly useful in Quebec, where weather conditions are harsh.
- Euthanasia is a last resort, but sometimes it is the safest option.
- Entrusting the care of your trees to a certified professional means protecting your property and your loved ones.
Why Trees Need Care All Year Round
A healthy tree doesn’t seem to need any attention. Beneath the bark, in the soil, and throughout the seasons, however, several factors influence its vitality. Diseases, invasive insects, and damage caused by severe weather can weaken a tree without any visible signs to the naked eye.
Quebec’s harsh winters and strong winds put constant strain on trees. Regular maintenance helps ensure their longevity and prevent accidents before problems arise.
According to the Quebec government, certain invasive insects, such as the emerald ash borer, are closely monitored because of the considerable damage they cause to trees, which is why early detection is so important.
What are the signs that a tree needs attention?
Some changes are easy to spot if you know what to look for. A tree that loses a lot of leaves as early as spring, unusual spots on the trunk, or a noticeable decrease in fruit production —each of these signs warrants an inspection.
A tree care professional examines the trunk, branches, base of the trunk, and leaves to assess the tree’s overall condition and detect the presence of invasive pests. It is this assessment that guides the necessary care, rather than taking action blindly.
The main tree care services an arborist can provide
Pruning involves cutting specific branches for a specific purpose: to improve appearance, strengthen the structure, or ensure safety. Pruning, on the other hand, focuses on removing dead, fragile, or damaged branches, balancing the tree’s crown to reduce the risk of falling branches. Both practices are common in urban areas, where trees coexist with infrastructure and pedestrians.
Bracing involves installing cables around the trunk or branches to support the tree and keep it upright. In Quebec, where ice storms and strong winds are common, this measure can prevent serious damage.
Tree surgery allows for the treatment of cankers and wounds directly on the tree, or for cutting roots that are choking the trunk. These targeted procedures require specialized expertise and precise tools.
When should culling be considered?
| Situation | What It Means | What it means |
| The tree is seriously diseased or dead | Care can no longer save it | Felling is recommended |
| The tree is in the wrong place | It is obstructing traffic or damaging structures | Felling and stump removal |
| The roots lift the soil | Risk to pedestrians and vehicles | Professional assessment |
| Branches are threatening a house | Danger in strong winds | Emergency pruning or tree removal |
What You Can Do Now
If your trees haven’t been inspected in over a year, spring or fall are good times to have them checked. Take the time to examine your trees closely and note anything that seems different. If something catches your eye, consulting an arborist will give you a clear picture of the situation without you having to diagnose the problem yourself.
For trees located near a house, a fence, or power lines, it’s not to wait. These are the areas where a poorly pruned branch or a weakened tree can cause the most damage.
Prevention: The Best Investment for Your Trees
A tree that is planted correctly from the start—in the right location and in the right type of soil—requires much less maintenance later on. Avoid damaging the trunk with a lawn mower or string trimmer: these repeated small cuts open the door to disease. And an annual inspection remains the most effective way to prevent problems before they get out of hand.
Well-maintained trees, a well-protected property
Taking care of your trees means taking care of your property. A healthy tree is an asset; a neglected tree can become a hazard. With regular monitoring, the vast majority of problems can be detected early and addressed without major intervention.
Hiring a professional isn’t a waste of money—it’s an informed decision to protect what you’ve built.
Need some advice about your trees?
If you’re unsure about the condition of your trees or would like to schedule maintenance, our team can assess the situation with you and recommend the next steps based on your needs.
Contact us for answers to your questions.
FAQ
For small, low-hanging branches, yes. But for work at heights, on diseased trees, or near power lines, a certified arborist is recommended. Improper pruning can permanently weaken the tree or create a risk of it falling.
An annual inspection is ideal, especially in the spring. It helps identify winter damage, emerging diseases, or insect pests before they cause significant damage to the tree or property.
No, but it is recommended if you want to landscape the area, plant something else, or prevent the stump from becoming a breeding ground for fungi or insects. Your arborist can advise you based on the location and your plans.
No. Support cables are generally temporary, installed to support a growing or weakened tree. An arborist periodically assesses whether the cables need to be adjusted or removed based on the tree’s growth.
A dormant tree should show active buds in the spring. If the bark is peeling, if fungi are growing at the base, or if the buds do not open, a professional diagnosis is the most reliable way to confirm the problem.
