Trees are our allies. They reduce air pollutants by filtering the various gases such as CO₂ and dust. In addition, they help reduce ambient noise and regulate temperature, which helps to reduce heat islands. Trees evoke calmness, tranquility, peace, and offer a sense of privacy.

The absorption of greenhouse gas (GHG) is one of the most important benefits provided by trees. In fact, during photosynthesis, trees extract CO₂ from the atmosphere, which is the most prevalent greenhouse gas. It takes about 500 mature trees to absorb the amount of CO₂ generated by a typical car driven 20,000 km/year.

In 2002, tree and forest week gave way to an entire month for recognizing the benefits of trees and planting them. The month of May then became tree month that year.

During the month of May, several activities are organized to raise early awareness of the benefit of trees, including the “My Own Tree” campaign. This campaign allows new parents to obtain a tree shoot that will continue to grow along with the child. This is accompanied by a growth chart and a memory book, to be included in the baby book. For more information about this program, please consult the Ministry of Natural Resources website atwww.mrn.gouv.qc.ca .

To celebrate the arrival of a newborn in his or her municipality, the Ville de Deux-Montagnes offers citizens who are parents of a child that is less than a year old, a book and the choice of either a young 10 to 15 foot tree or a $100 subsidy for the purchase of reusable diapers.  To participate in this program, the parents of a newborn child, or child adopted within the last year, are required to fill out a form at the Deux-Montagnes Municipal Library (200, rue Henri-Dunant). Proof of residence and a birth certificate are required.

The City also holds Horticultural Day each year where citizens are given hundreds of boxes of annuals and perennials. Be there on May 25, from 9am to 1pm at the Municipal Garage which is located at   625, 20^e Avenue!

Did you know that Québec’s tree emblem is the yellow birch(Betula alleghaniensis Britton) or commonly known as “the cherry?” 

Most of the world’s birch is found in Quebec.It is mainly located in the southern forest in the southern areas of the province and situated among sugar maple, beech, and balsam fir.

The yellow birch can reach a height of 28 meters and an average trunk diameter of70 cm, making it the largest indigenous birch. Its golden bark frays into thin strips in adulthood. Its serrated leaves are single, alternate and striated, in the shape of a sharp and elongated tip egg. Its fruit are 2 to 3cm long catkins.

In the fall, we can admire the color of the foliage when it turns yellowish-orange.

 A Few Reminders:

•  Pruning  Trees is Forbidden

Pruning or cutting back is a practice that considerably reduces a tree’s width and height by cutting the top. The tree will begin to grow more vigorously after such a drastic cutting to quickly restore lost branches and leaves. This therefore creates a set of frail and weak branches.

This pruning technique is harmful to the tree since it carries the risk of breakage, increases the risk of disease and insect infestations, reduces life expectancy, as well as the aesthetic value of the tree. In the long run, pruning makes trees more dangerous, which is why it is important to abolish this pruning technique.

Here is an example of a pruned tree:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Pruning

Pruning trees can direct tree growth while retaining the natural shape of them. Pruning can be done from March to December and should be done without harming the health of the tree.

Here are the steps to follow to make a good cut:

1. Make a notch in the branch to avoid tearing the bark;
2. Remove the branch;
3. Cut the snag at a 30 degree angle, opposite to the one formed by the edge and the trunk. It is important not to cut too close to the trunk so as not to cut the callus ring;
4. Do not cover or paint the cut. The wound will heal faster naturally;
5. Avoid removing more than 20 % of a tree’s branches in the same year. Boughs include all branches, twigs and foliage.

 

• Municipal Regulations

Tree felling and pruning is prohibited in the City of Deux-Montagnes.  However, they may be authorized or allowed after obtaining an authorization certificate if the tree:

– is dead, has a mechanical weakness or is suffering from an incurable disease;

– is dangerous to public safety;

– caused damage to public or private property;

-affects the growth or well-being of surrounding trees;

– must absolutely be removed to conduct public work;

– must absolutely be removed to complete a construction project or authorized landscaping;

– must be replaced within 6 months by a tree that is a minimum 2cm in diameter to upper  body height;

– is a shade tree or ornamental planted on City property and for which you have received authorization to prune or fell from municipal authorities.

To obtain an authorization certificate or for any further questions, contact the Urban Planning Department at 450-473-4833.

 

DANGER – EXTREMELY HARMFUL INSECT

 

 

 

 

Emerald Ash Borer(Agrilus planipennis)

Adults are between 7 and 14 mm in length and are emerald green and copper colored.  They only attack ash trees. The adult population emerges from the bark in May and June. Females can then lay up to 65 to 90 eggs on nearby tree branches between mid-July and the end of July.

Galleries beneath the bark, the presence of fine sawdust at the foot of the tree, 3-4 mm D-shaped holes, appearance of shoots on the trunk and withering of the crowns are all signs that may indicate the presence of the emerald ash borer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you think you have observed suspicious signs of infestation in your ash trees, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or consult their website for more information:www.inspection.gc.ca/phytoravageurs

The City of Deux-Montagnes is installing EAB traps, not just to find the insect, but hopefully to not be able to detect it.  This terrible pest is unwelcome because it can kill ash trees at an incredible speed.  In fact, the ash population could completely disappear in a few years with the arrival of this insect.

By early detection of the potential invader through the trap network that has been installed, the City hopes to reduce the spread of this insect.  However, there is no permanent treatment method currently available.  Cutting down diseased trees and treating majestic trees with an insecticide may slow down future damage caused by the emerald ash borer.

Traps have been installed in strategic places, especially where the ash tree population is large. Ash trees represent approximately 15 to 20% of the City’s overall tree population in Deux-Montagnes.

 

 *For more horticulture tips, visit our website at www.ville.deux-montagnes.qc.ca/publication/conseils-verts/