General information
The City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux takes to heart the green heritage of the urban forest and has become involved to ensure the protection and management of its forests for future generations. The conservation of urban trees is imperative, as it contributes to the improvement of the air quality throughout the whole city and to the well-being of all citizens.
The City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux has adopted a Bylaw concerning the maintenance and protection of trees. It applies to private trees on front, side and back yards as well as public trees on curbs, in parks, green spaces and woodlands.
Tree maintenance
Private trees
Each property owner is responsible for maintaining the trees on their property. Maintenance and pruning work must not shorten the tree’s lifetime and must be performed in accordance with best practices.
Private trees on shared property lines
A tree is considered a shared tree when part of the base of the trunk is located on another property. All affected property owners are responsible for the tree and its maintenance.
Trees on public property or within the city’s right-of-way
Only the City is authorized to prune a public or shared tree.
In the case of a shared tree, where part of the base of the trunk is located on public right-of-way or any land owned by the City, please note that only the City is authorized to maintain or remove that tree.
If a shared tree or a tree owned by the City needs pruning, you can report it by submitting a request to the City by emailing arbo@ddo.qc.ca or calling 514-684-1010.
Pruning
The main objectives of pruning are to keep trees in good condition and to clear structures.
Each property owner is responsible for maintaining the trees on their property. Pruning cannot be done haphazardly: it requires expertise and specific techniques. When done properly, it protects the tree’s health and ensures the safety of the surrounding area—hence the importance of hiring a certified arborist. Consult the Société Internationale d’Arboriculture Québec (SIAQ) to find a tree care specialist.
Want to do it yourself? Be sure to follow the basic rules of pruning:
- Use clean, sharp tools
- Prune the targeted branches by cutting them back to a branch junction or removing the branch at the trunk (see diagram opposite)
- Remove dead, diseased, damaged, or obstructive branches
- Prune during the dormant season (late winter or early spring)
To learn about the proper pruning techniques for maintaining your trees, visit the SIAQ website: elagage-mature.pdf (in french).
Mistreatment
Maintenance and pruning work must not shorten the lifetime of trees.
The following practices are prohibited and subject to a fine:
- Topping
- Over-pruning
- Poisoning a tree
- Girdling the trunk
- Attaching anything—such as nails, signs, wires, lights, swings, or other items—that affects the health of trees and prevents the safe maintenance of trees.
Protection of trees during work
During construction, excavation, or landscaping work, any tree at risk of damage must be protected using the following protective measures:
- Protective fencing: Install a fence at least 1.2 m high around the tree, at a minimum distance equal to 8 times its diameter, measured 1.4 m above the ground.
- Trunk protection: Install wooden planks with rubber strips between the wood and the trunk, secured with plastic or steel straps.
- Branch protection: Protect or prune branches that are likely to be damaged before work begins.