Geneviève Sergerie Forest

Pruning vs. Tree pruning: All the differences

August 23, 2023 by Geneviève Sergerie Forest

Taking care of the trees on your property is one of your responsibilities as a homeowner or commercial building owner.

When a tree is threatening and poses a safety risk to passers-by, it’s your duty to take the necessary steps to prevent anyone from being hurt.

Are we talking about pruning or trimming?

In this article, we clarify the issue for you.

Pruning definition

Pruning is an old term no longer really used in arboriculture. It has now been replaced by pruning.

The only time we can use the term correctly is when we’re talking about cutting the gourmands.

Gourmands are secondary branches that develop on the main branches of a tree.

It’s best to cut them back, as they unnecessarily deplete the tree by redirecting sap to these new branches.

In the case of
fruit trees
the gourmands are not productive and you won’t get any new fruit from these branches. That’s why they need to be pruned.

Following pruning, your tree will gain in vigor, as its energy and sap will no longer be used to grow gourmands.

The pruner is the person who removes the suckers from a tree, but like the term pruning, it’s no longer used today. The correct term is ” pruner”.

So if you use the term “pruning”, the only operation carried out on the tree must be the removal of the suckers.

Otherwise, we use the term “pruning”.

Pruning definition

Pruning is therefore the exact term used by professionals. The
International Society of Arboriculture of Quebec
(SIAQ) defines pruning as “the technique of trimming, reducing or removing branches, twigs, shoots, roots, flowers or fruit from a plant”.

There are many reasons to carry out pruning work, and there are different types of pruning.

When a tree, or some of its branches, become a danger to the safety of others, this is called safety pruning.

Attention

Note that to ensure that your pruning work is safe, you need to use the services of a professional pruner.

The people who work in this profession have undergone appropriate training, enabling them to carry out pruning using the right techniques and, above all, in complete safety.

The different types of pruning

Safety pruning

Probably the best known, safety pruning allows you to cut dead branchesWe’ll even take care of any branches damaged by strong winds or diseased branches, to prevent them from breaking off themselves and injuring someone or damaging a structure, which could get you into trouble.

Thinning pruning

If a tree is overshadowing your property, but you don’t want to cut it down, you can ask a specialist to carry out thinning pruning. Certain branches will be skilfully trimmed to allow more light into your home.

Sanitation pruning

Following a visual inspection of your tree, you’ve noticed that it seems to be in poor condition? Sanitation pruning removes dead or diseased branches before they become a safety problem. This can also prevent disease or insect pests from spreading further.

Directional pruning

Tree pruning: is it a good idea to do it yourself?

Well, no! You shouldn’t be pruning a tree yourself, unless, of course, you’re a tree pruner yourself.

Arboriculture is a complex field, and only those with the right training can call themselves arborists, tree trimmers or tree climbers.

If you attempt to carry out pruning work, there are a number of risks involved.

Risks associated with pruning work

1- You could be electrocuted if you try to cut a branch too close to a Hydro-Québec power line. If you notice that a tree or a large branch is threatening the electrical network,
you absolutely must contact a professional
.

By filling out our form, you’ll quickly receive 3 free quotes from a licensed arborist.

You don’t want to be one of the statistics we hear about serious injuries or deaths resulting from reckless maneuvers too close to a power line. Fill in our form and let a real specialist take care of it.

2- You could be seriously injured if you don’t know how to handle a chainsaw properly. Using a chainsaw at the top of a tree can result in the loss of a limb, and you want to avoid this type of injury at all costs.

3- You could seriously injure or even kill another person. If the work is not clearly indicated, a passer-by may be in the wrong place at the same time as a huge branch falls.

It’s essential to mark out a zone on the ground to prevent accidents.

4- You could damage your tree. Without the necessary technical knowledge to prune your tree properly, you could make poor cuts that could further damage your tree.

After all, your tree is alive and kicking, and if you cut it down unnecessarily, you run the risk of a disease spreading, even though your tree was once healthy.

Arboricultural trades

If you love the outdoors, and working outdoors doesn’t scare you, perhaps you could consider a career in arboriculture?

Whether you’re an arborist, a tree pruner or even a tree climber if you’re not afraid of heights, there are various training courses available in the provinces to enable you to specialize in this field.

To work as a tree trimmer, you need to complete a 915-hour vocational diploma (DEP).

During this training, you’ll learn how to analyze each situation correctly, how to climb trees safely, how to handle tree-trimming equipment safely, and much more.

This training is offered at the following locations:

How do I choose the right pruning company?

Don’t just rely on the price you’ve been offered. Chances are, if you contact different contractors, you’ll get quite different prices.

Should I choose the most expensive bidder? Or go for the one that offers you the best price?

Listen carefully to each person you talk to.

Beautiful, good, inexpensive and paid cash? Are you sure this contractor has insurance in case he damages anything on your property? Does he really have the skills to carry out the work?

The price is exorbitant, as you are told that most of your tree will have to be pruned to make it safe again? Beware! Professional pruners know that drastically cutting down a tree can damage its health.

A competent tree trimmer will take the time to understand your needs, while taking care of the health and preservation of your tree. He’ll take the time to explain the steps needed to ensure your tree’s good health, while taking care of the safety of the surrounding environment.

It’s best to choose a contractor who’s a member of the SIAQ, so you can be sure he has the skills you need for the pruning job you’ve requested.

To ensure you receive quotes from specialized contractors, fill out the form on this page.

Soumissions Arbre takes the time to check out every company that wants to become a partner, because what we want most of all is for you to receive top-quality service.

In less than 2 minutes, you send us your information and we send you your 3 free quotes in less than 48 hours. Don’t worry, it’s simple and there’s no obligation on your part.

You can then compare the prices of the 3 bidders in your area, as well as the opinions of former customers. You’ll also have the chance to talk to each of the entrepreneurs to understand their company values.

No stress, no pressure. You take the time to do your due diligence, and if you like a contractor, you hire him.

This ensures that you hire a professional with the right values in the right place.

Fruit trees – Best species and prices

August 14, 2023 by Geneviève Sergerie Forest

Fruit trees - Best species and prices

There are many advantages to having a fruit tree in your own backyard. Growing your own fruit is a great source of pride, and you’ll have access to tasty, fresh fruit of excellent quality.

Some species of fruit trees grow very well in Quebec, despite our particular climate. Opt for a species that is hardy enough for your region to ensure that it will survive the winter.

Some species, such as avocado, banana and lemon trees, are not compatible with Quebec’s harsh winters.

Apple, pear and plum trees, on the other hand, are species that adapt perfectly to Quebec’s climatic conditions.

Let’s discover together the best species of fruit trees to plant in your garden.

Fruit trees: the best-known species

The pear tree

Different varieties of pears can be grown with ease in Quebec. Before settling on a particular species, make sure you know what conditions it needs to flourish.

If you have limited space available and can only plant one tree, you’ll need to opt for a species that is self-fertile, i.e. able to pollinate itself.

Self-sterile species, on the other hand, require the presence of another pear cultivar nearby to ensure pollination and fruit harvesting.

Sunlight is of vital importance to the proper growth of a fruit tree.

Generally speaking, pear trees need full sunlight for optimum growth. The height of a mature pear tree is usually 10 meters.

Harvesting and storage

Pears can be harvested from mid-August to September. Some of the latest species will be grown at the end of September.

It’s best to pick them when they’re not fully ripe, as they don’t ripen well on the tree, ripening from the inside out.

A few days or even weeks after picking, the pear tends to become softer, juicier and tastier.

Shelf life varies from one species to another: while some, like Krazulya, can be kept for only one or two weeks after harvesting, others, like Southworth, can be kept until February.

Did you know that?

A pear tree can live up to 200 years!

Best pear tree species
Variety	Years before fruiting	Pollination	Harvest	Conservation	Hardiness zone
Nova	7 years	Self-fertilizing	Mid-September	A few weeks	4
Julienne	7 years	Self-fertilizing	Mid to late September	4 months	3
Krazulya	4 to 5 years	Self-sterilizing	Mid to late August	1 to 2 weeks	3a
Southworth	7 years	Self-fertilizing	Early September	1 month	3
Patten	7 years	Self-sterilizing	Late September	3 months	3
Lorraine	7 years	Self-fertilizing	Early September	1 month	4

The apple tree

It’s no secret! Apples grow very well in Quebec, making them ideal for home cultivation.

The apple tree prefers full sun. Make sure you find an ideal spot for it to grow and produce. At maturity, apple trees reach a height of 7 metres.

Even if the apple tree is self-fertile, it will always offer better production if accompanied by an apple tree of another variety.

For example, September Ruby and Sweet Sixteen are self-fertile, but will produce higher yield s if they are close to a pollinator.

Harvesting and storage

Apples can be harvested from mid-August to the end of October.

While it’s best to harvest some species without delay to avoid softening, as is the case with Railroad, some species, such as Collet, gain in flavor after a period of frost, so don’t harvest them too early.

Many varieties can be stored in a cool place for several months and will still be delicious to bite into.

Other apples have a poor shelf life and tend to soften quickly if left on the tree too long, or if not eaten quickly after picking.

So it’s best to process them before they go bad. Juices, compotes, pies and croustades are some of Quebec’s favorite ways to transform them.

Did you know that?

An apple tree can live for over 100 years!

Best apple tree species
Variety	Years before fruiting	Pollination	Harvest	Conservation	Hardiness zone
9-22 End	5 years	Self-fertilizing	Mid-September	Low	1
Collet	3 to 4 years	Self-sterilizing	Late September to mid-October	10 weeks	3b
Fall Red	5 years	Self-fertilizing	Mid to late September	3 months	2
Goodland	3 years	Self-fertilizing	Mid to late August	4 to 5 months	3
Railroad	5 years	Self-fertilizing	Mid to late September	Low	4
September Ruby	4 to 5 years	Self-fertilizing	Early to mid-September	4 to 5 months	2a
Sweet Sixteen	5 years	Self-fertilizing	Early to late October	4 to 5 months	3b

The plum tree

Plum trees don’t just give you tasty fruit when you pick them. At flowering time, around mid-May, you’ll witness a spectacular bloom that will please your eyes as much as your nose.

Indeed, the pretty, fragrant white flowers are splendid and will give you a second reason for wanting to plant plum trees in your yard.

Unlike apples and pears, plums are smaller trees. Height at maturity varies between 3 and 5 meters, depending on the variety.

Like the fruit trees mentioned above, plum trees need full sun to develop properly.

As most plum trees are hybrid species, it will be necessary to plant a black plum or American plum to ensure pollination and fruit production. But since the plum is a smaller fruit tree, it’s easier to plant another species on your land without feeling overrun.

Harvesting and storage

Plums are an early fruit, harvested from August to September.

Delicious to eat when freshly picked, you’ll need to allow for some processing because it’s a fruit with a short shelf life. The Alderman variety has a slightly longer shelf life, but even so, you’ll need to process it to avoid losing your crop.

Think about cooking them in compote, jelly, jam or even syrup.

Best plum species
Variety	Years before fruiting	Pollination	Harvest	Conservation	Hardiness zone
Alderman	2 to 4 years	Self-sterilizing*	Late August	Low	4
American	5 to 6 years	Self-fertilizing	August	Low	2
Brookgold	6 years	Self-sterilizing*	Mid-August	Low	2b
Grenville	6 years	Self-sterilizing*	Mid-August to early September	Low	3
Hardygold	3 to 5 years	Self-sterilizing*	Mid-August	Low	3
Black plum	3 to 6 years	Self-fertilizing	Late August	Low	2
Patterson	3 to 5 years	Self-sterilizing*	Late August to early September	Low	2b

*To ensure fruit production, these hybrid varieties need to be located close to black plums or American plums, which are excellent pollinators.

Fruit trees: lesser-known species

Serviceberry

The serviceberry is a small tree that reaches 4 meters at maturity. It produces dark-blue berries similar to blueberries.

Fruit can be eaten raw, but you can also process it in a variety of ways. You can use them in desserts such as pies, muffins and brioches, or transform them into jelly.

To make sure you can harvest the fruit, you’ll need to protect it from birds, which are fond of the berries and may well steal your crop.

You’ll need to protect the branches with nets. After flowering, place the nets on the tree if it’s still small, or on the branches once the tree has reached full maturity.

The saskatoon is an adaptable tree, so it can grow in full sun or part shade.

Aronia

Aronia is a shrub that produces small black fruits, also similar to blueberries. The maximum height of this shrub is 1.5 metres. It can be planted in full sun or part shade.

However, their rather distinctive taste is not appreciated by all: strong astringency, slightly sweet and slightly acidic. If you’re the type to enjoy dark chocolate, you’ll be more inclined to appreciate the taste of this berry.

Alternatively, you can turn it into jam and jelly or juice, mixed with other fruits.

The camerisier

The camerise is a small fruit that has been gaining in popularity in Quebec in recent years. It can be eaten as is or cooked in the same way as blueberries.

The mature shrub reaches a height of 2.4 meters. As it is a self-sterile species, it should be planted close to a cultivar with the same flowering period, to ensure pollination and the appearance of fruit.

It prefers to be planted in full sun, although it can tolerate a semi-shaded spot.

Blackcurrant

Blackcurrants, the fruit of the blackcurrant bush, are known for turning into delicious blackcurrant liqueur. It’s a small, sweet fruit that can be eaten as is, or made into jam or jelly.

The shrub can be planted in semi-shade or full sun, but does not tolerate heat very well. It will reach a height of 1.8 metres and can tolerate extreme cold, down to -42 degrees Celsius!

That’s why this fruit-bearing shrub can survive Quebec’s harsh winters.

Quince tree

The quince, whose fruit is the quince, is a shrub that prefers full sun and will reach 2 to 3 meters when mature. It blooms beautifully in May.

Although self-fertile, quince will produce more efficiently through cross-pollination.

Quince has a rather bitter taste when raw, but cooked, it will add a tropical flavor to your meals.

It has a delicious aroma and is a fruit of choice for jams and jellies, since it contains pectin, which facilitates solidification.

Fruit trees: little-known species
Variety	Price	Years before fruiting	Pollination	Harvest	Hardiness zone
Serviceberry	30$ à 35$	3 years	Self-fertilizing	July to August	1a
Aronie	22$ to 27$	3 years	Self-fertilizing	Late August to early October	3
Camerisier	15$ to 32$	2 years	Self-sterilizing	July to August	2a
Blackcurrant	22$ to 33$	2 years	Self-fertilizing	Mid to late July	3a
Cognassier	20$ to 30$	3 to 4 years	Self-fertilizing	Mid to late October	5

Fruit tree price

The price of a fruit tree will depend on its size at the time of purchase. You can buy a tree 30 to 60 cm tall for as little as $36.

A 60-90 cm tree will cost approximately $41. And a 90-150 cm tree could cost $46.

If you wish to buy a larger tree, over 150 cm, the price could vary between $80 and $180.

Shrub prices can also vary according to size. You’ll generally buy them smaller: from 30 cm up to around 90 cm. You can buy fruit bushes for between $15 and $35.

Price of a fruit tree
Height	Price
30 to 60 cm	36$
60 to 90 cm	41$
90 to 150 cm	46$
150 cm and over	80 and more

Before you buy a fruit tree, make sure youget the best advice on how to care for it. Some nurseries even specialize in species that are growing well in Quebec.

Fruit trees: maintenance and inspection

To make sure your newly acquired fruit tree stays in good health, it’s essential to maintain and care for it.

Inspect it! You can carry out the
health inspection
yourself, or have a specialist come to your home to take a look at the situation.

If you notice a problem during your inspection, contact a professional immediately. A certified arborist can advise you on how to care for your fruit tree to ensure its growth and production.

By filling in the form on this page, you’ll receive 3 free, no-obligation quotes.

Whether it’s a simple inspection or the pruning of your fruit tree, 3 experts will contact you to offer you the best price for their professional services.

Find your expert now by filling in our form! It’s fast and free!

Ask for your quotes.

Tree branch shredding – An ecological solution

April 26, 2023 by Geneviève Sergerie Forest

The latest storms to hit Quebec this winter caused a lot of damage and havoc. Several trees fell and branches were torn off.

Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to clean up after Mother Nature, but how do you get rid of fallen tree branches? By shredding them!

Chipping branches is an interesting option for getting rid of broken branches. A team will come to your site with a specialized machine that shreds branches to clear up clutter.

It’s an efficient, environmentally-friendly way to clean up your grounds, as the chips produced by the machine can be reused in a variety of ways. More on this later in the article.

Why mulch tree branches?

Branches that have fallen after a storm or strong winds are a nuisance and prevent you from enjoying your property to the full.

They can quickly become a source of worry and accident, especially if young children are playing nearby.

Here’s why it’s a good idea to chop up any tree branches that have fallen in your yard.

Picking up all the fallen branches on your property can be a long and tedious job. Why do it yourself?

Hiring a specialist company will free you from having to collect the branches yourself and transport them to a depot.

Save time and energy by requesting your free quotes now using our form. It’s free and without obligation!

Chipping the branches will also allow you to reclaim the space lost because of that pile of wood that’s been lying around for… how long already?

Your garden will look much neater, and you’ll finally be able to use that long-lost space for a pond, pergola or children’s play area.

You’ll be glad to have this long-abandoned piece of land back!

The branches will also eventually rot, making them attractive to a number of invasive species that will be delighted to make them their home. This is the case, for example, with carpenter ants.

They’ll have a merry feast with the branches left behind, and once the feast is over, guess where they’ll head next? Most likely in your home!

So a simple pile of branches can turn into much bigger trouble, so it’s best to deal with them before they decompose.

Hiring a company to chop up the branches on your property
will save you from having to hire an exterminator to get rid of unwanted critters, which can be a much more persistent problem.

How do I choose the right branch shredding company?

First of all, check with a number of companies that offer branch shredding services. Equipment must be adapted to your needs, and to the size of the branches to be shredded.

Some companies have shredders capable of shredding branches up to 9 inches in diameter, while others have more powerful machines capable of shredding branches up to 12 inches in diameter.

That’s why it’s important to mention these details when you request your quotes. In fact, you can get 3 free shredding quotes from companies in your area right here.

Comparing prices is also an important step when it comes to hiring a company. That’s why we offer a free comparison service that’s sure to save you money on chipping your branches.

Friendly advice from Tree Quotes

Also check that the company has liability insurance. This could save you from having to pay in the event of an incident or breakdown.

How do you reuse shavings from shredded branches?

When branches are shredded, they are ground into small chips. Although some companies send it all to composting sites, it is possible to dispose of it in other ways, giving wood residues a second life.

Depending on your wishes, you can ask the shredding company to leave the wood chips on site for you to reuse, or you can ask them to dispose of them completely.

To help you decide, here are some ideas for reusing wood chips:

Turn them into mulch for your plants.

Rather than buying mulch at a garden center, hardware store or nursery, take advantage of the waste produced by chipping your branches to add a layer of mulch to your flower beds or garden.

This will prevent rapid weed regrowth and keep the soil moist.
Produce compost.

By adding wood shavings to other organic matter, you'll soon have quality compost to use in the garden.
Secure your entrance in winter.

You can also replace the de-icing salt you spread on your driveway with the residue from chipping your branches.

In addition to being more environmentally friendly, wood chips won't damage your stairs or interlocking paving stones, unlike salt, which gradually damages the surfaces it comes into contact with.
Send them for processing.

If you don't want to keep the debris produced by shredded branches, you can ask the shredding company to dispose of them for you.

Some companies do business with processing centers where wood chips can be transformed into animal bedding or heating fuel (pellets).

Chipping tree branches is a sensible solution because it’s a wood processing method, and the waste produced can have another life.

It’s up to you to decide what to do with it!

Renting a shredder: a good idea or not?

It might occur to you to rent a shredder and do the job yourself. However, the Tree Quotes team does not recommend this alternative.

The teams who come to your home are well trained to work with this high-powered machine.

Don’t forget that some machines can shred branches up to 12 inches in diameter!

Accidents happen so quickly, and can result in very serious injuries. You’ll agree with us that it’s better to avoid taking such a risk, and to entrust this work to a real team of experts.

When it’s time to perform a dangerous task such as felling a tree or chipping branches, it’s best to call in tree-felling professionals to ensure a job well done, in complete safety.

Where can you find a branch shredding company near you?

It’s so easy! By filling in our form, shredding companies in your area will contact you and offer their services.

You can compare up to 3 free, no-obligation quotes!

Our form is easy to fill in and will only take 2 minutes of your time. In addition to saving money, you’ ll also save time, since you won’t have to contact several companies – the companies will contact you.

You’ll receive your free quotes within 24 to 48 hours, after which you can compare prices and services.

You can then choose from the companies we have suggested.

The Tree Quotes form is available at all times and offers you several services in one place. A great way to save money.