List of sections
Choosing my trees | Before buying my trees | Buying my trees | Picking-up my trees | Planting and maintaining my trees
Choosing my trees
Our trees measure, on average, between 1 m and 3 m (depending on the species), to which must be added ± 30 cm for the height of the pot when they are distributed. It can however happen that depending on the varieties and the years, they are larger or smaller than expected.
View the datasheets of the trees to see their average height at maturity.
The roots also allow the tree to anchor itself in the ground, the large woody roots stabilize the tree and the absorption function is performed by the rootlets.
Any mutilation, removal or asphyxiation of the roots must be prohibited. So, stripping or backfilling of soil around an established tree should be avoided, as the first soil horizons are concentrated in absorption roots.
In an urban environment, the classification of root systems is rather theoretical because these systems evolve according to the characteristics of the environment (presence of a water source, the shape of the planting pit, presence of strong prevailing winds, presence of a physical obstacle, etc. .) and thus move away from their typical architecture.
As a guide, here are three main types of rooting for trees:
– Pivot root: Mainly in conifers;
Consisting of the main root, plunging vertically into the soil as well as less vigorous lateral roots.
– Shallow roots: Horizontal roots with short vertical pivots. The surface used is extensive, but shallow.
– Deep roots: Horizontal, oblique and vertical roots. The surface used is more or less extensive, but deeper.
Tree roots are often blamed for many failures in urban infrastructure. They seek moisture in the ground. However, the soil near a foundation tends to be dry (little rain falls nearby and the foundation gives off heat).
Most of the roots will therefore move away from the foundation or grow parallel to it. They also don’t have an affinity for concrete (which is too dry and alkaline) and tend to run away from it. So they won’t infiltrate cracks in the foundation, let alone create new ones.
As for pipes, some trees that need water may find their way through cracks or holes. A good rule of thumb is not to plant trees within 3 meters of underground pipes, depending on the species.
In addition, some cities prohibit the planting of certain water-hungry trees, such as cottonwoods, large willows, and silver maples, or require that they be planted at a great distance from the pipes.
For more information, visit
https://arboquebec.com/blog/6/les-racines-darbres-les-problemes-legende-urbaine-ou-la-realite
https://jardinierparesseux.com/2015/10/28/quand-un-arbre-pousse-trop-pres-dune-maison/
https://espacepourlavie.ca/racines-darbres-et-fondations-dimmeubles
The growth rate given is only an indication. This speed is relative: it is first used to compare the trees with each other. Of course, some plants will grow more or less quickly than indicated by the tool, depending on the species or the environment in which they are planted. To be more precise, fast-growing trees take up space quickly. On the other hand, they generally have a softer or more flexible wood and have a shorter lifespan.
For more information, visit the Hydro-Québec or AFSQ website.
We try to offer you rapid-growth trees among our selection. View the datasheets of the trees to see which ones are.
Fruit trees are classified into two broad categories: self-fertile and self-sterile.
More informations in the advices section
A self-fertile species can produce fruit by self-fertilization. In other words, it means that the pollen of a tree can fertilize the flowers of the same tree or the same variety. These trees can be planted alone and still produce fruits.
A self-sterile tree can NOT produce fruit by self-fertilization. The pollen of a tree can NOT fertilize flowers of the same variety. It is essential to have in its vicinity, another variety of the same species to allow fruit production. For example, two apple trees of the same variety cannot pollinate.
It should be noted that, even for a self-fertile species, it is better to plant another variety nearby for better production.
The minimum age a fruit tree has to be in order to yield fruits varies from the tree itself and the variety. In most cases, trees sold as part of A Tree for My Neighborhood have already reached this age. In fact, many trees carry flowers at the time of delivery (spring) or fruits (fall).
It is recommended to remove flowers and fruits for the first two years to help the development of the tree. It will use less energy to produce its fruits and will instead focus on developing its roots system deep in the soil.
More informations in the advices section
To find out which tree matches your land and its sunshine, view the datasheets of the trees.
Several search criteria, including sun exposure, will help you make the best choice.
For a confined space, it is best to choose a tree of small deployment. More information is available in each tree datasheet documentation.
View the datasheets of the trees to find out which trees match your land best.
A tree for my neighbourhood doesn’t work as a commercial tree nursery. When you come to pickup your tree or when it is delivered to you, you cannot choose it. We give/deliver as people come to pick it up.
Before buying my trees
Unfortunately, it is not possible. The City of Montréal, the Government of Canada and some of the Suburban Municipalities gives financial contributions for the trees to be planted on the island of Montreal.
The trees must be planted on the Island of Montreal, at the address provided during the purchase.
It is not possible to plant in the sidewalk extension since they are public property. The trees must be planted on your private property.
It is possible only with written authorization from your landlord.
We suggest that you consult the measurement tools provided by Hydro-Québec.
Also, View the datasheets of the trees, where is specified the required space according to the characteristics of the selected tree.
All the trees offered as part of A Tree for My Neighbourhood can be planted on the Island of Montréal. For more specific information regarding the by-laws, please refer to your borough or city.
The type of rooting is an interesting indication that is not always sufficiently taken into account when choosing a tree. Indeed, a plant whose rooting is superficial and powerful is not recommended near a house or a terrace, for example. However, it can be satisfied with thin soil.
If the rooting is deep – pivoting – it is preferable to opt for transplanting in mounds or very young subjects, because recovery is often more delicate. These trees also grow more harmoniously in relatively deep soils.
A tree or shrub that suckers a lot can spread quickly, filling a space faster, but it can become invasive.
For more information, visit the Hydro Québec website.
Hardiness zones are regions listed by Agriculture Canada according to their climate, based in particular on average minimum temperatures. They make it possible to classify plants according to their resistance to winter cold and to know the places where their growth will be satisfactory.
A lower hardiness zone value translates to greater cold hardiness. Thus, the hardiness zone of a species corresponds to the northernmost zone in which it is advisable to plant it. For example, a plant whose hardiness zone is 3b can be planted in all zones of equal or higher value (3b, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b).
Within an area, there may be more or less favorable climatic conditions, microclimates, which are due, for example, to better exposure to the sun or increased protection from the winds, or, on the contrary, to a factor superior wind chill.
Remember that it is generally the frosts that are the most damaging to plants, because they affect organs at a time when they are active.
For more information, visit the Hydro Québec website.
The indications on the exposure reflect the reaction of the plant to the sun. Light tolerance generally increases with age. However, plants suddenly exposed to the sun often react badly. The exposure criteria used in the tool are as follows:
Sun – more than 8 hours of sunshine per day;
Partial shade – 4 to 8 hours of sunshine per day;
Shade – 2 to 4 hours of sunlight per day.
For more information, visit the Hydro Québec website.
Buying my trees
No, the only restriction is the amount of space available on your property.
IMPORTANT: Your tree must be planted on the Island of Montreal, at the address provided during the purchase.
Information : the city of kirkland authorizes the purchase of 2 trees per household
Thanks to the support of the City of Montréal, the regular trees are priced at $25, $40 for fruit trees, $50 for coniferous and $65 for exceptionnal trees for citizens located in the City of Montréal. Some Suburban Municipalities, namely Kirkland, Côte-Saint-Luc and Pincourt, also support the program.
Citizens of Suburban Municipalities who do not support the program can purchase regular trees at $85, $100 for fruit trees, $110 for coniferous and $125 for exceptionnal trees.
The trees are not supported by most of the Suburban Municipalities.
Kirkland, Côte-Saint-Luc et Pincourt are the exceptions which, like the City of Montréal, they gives financial contributions for trees to make them accessible to their citizens at a low price of $ 25 to $ 65.
If you wish to exchange your tree for another species, we will refund your initial order and you will have to place a new order on the www.unarbrepourmonquartier.org website, subject to stock availability.
View Terms and conditions
Refunds are possible throughout the campaign but are no longer accepted after sales close.
To request a refund, contact us.
We strongly encourage you to plant your tree. Trees are living things that, once planted, can flourish. If the tree does not survive its first year, we will replace it through warranty activation. Contact us to find out more.
Yes, if the death of the tree is not due to negligence on the part of the owner, an act of vandalism or an extreme weather phenomenon (extreme cold, heavy rains, heatwave, etc.) we will replace it. To find out what to do, contact us.
View the diseases section
You can also consult the green pages of the botanical garden which are an excellent resource.
Otherwise please contact us.
Picking-up my trees
Several eco-quartiers are offering a delivery service, payable with your online purchase. In some instances, the delivery is free and mandatory. To learn more, visit our Pickup your tree page.
Several eco-quartiers are offering a planting service, payable with your online purchase. To learn more, visit our Pickup your tree page.
Tree pickup will take place around mid-June for the Spring campaign and mid-October for the Fall campaign. For all details, visit our Pickup your tree page.
At the time of delivery, the trees measure between 1 and 3 meters (sometimes more depending on the variety and year), to which must be added a ± 30 cm for the height of the pot. It is therefore normally possible to transport them in a car.
Please contact the organization in charge of the distribution of your tree to let them know. Visit our Pickup your tree page to find out their contact details.
Planting and maintaining my trees
The Planting your tree page is entirely devoted to this question. Our expert Dominique Labranche will guide you with photos and videos, where each step is very clearly detailed.
You can also download our planting instructions sheet there.
Our trees having already been inoculated with mycorrhizae, it is not necessary to add more during the planting.
Although it is recommended to plant it quickly, a tree can remain in its pot for a few weeks if it is protected from the sun (to prevent the roots from overheating due to the black colour of the pots) and if it is watered regularly. Daily watering may sometimes even be necessary for hot weather (soil dries out faster in a pot). It is not recommended to leave a tree in its pot during the winter, because its roots could freeze and this will cause the death of the tree.
No. The trees sold in the A Tree for My Neighborhood campaign are species that grow a lot of roots and need to be planted in the ground to survive.
Yes, this is the best time to plant a tree as the soil is moister. There are therefore fewer risks of dehydration and water stress.
Water regularly and generously during the first two years after planting, especially during periods of dry spells. Allow the topsoil to dry slightly between watering.
The addition of support is not mandatory but is strongly recommended when the tree is planted in a windy location or when it is large and worn to tip over on its side. See the Maintenance page for various maintenance tips.
It is best to install a tree guard in the fall. However, it is advisable to remove it in the spring and put it back the following fall. This protection is recommended for the first years of the tree’s life.
Still unanswered questions?
For more details on the services offered and the distribution of trees, visit the Pickup your tree page and contact the organization in charge of the distribution in you area.
For any other questions, contact us!