Associated with the page Environment
Dream tree
Do you think your profile is more fruity or floral?
Are you a forest-dweller at heart, or do you prefer your trees more discreet?
Discover the tree of your dreams by completing the quiz specially developed for those in search of their forest soulmate!
Trees to dream of
Whether you’re a flowery or fruity type, or prefer tall trees or conifers, there are plenty of trees to suit your tastes and our climate. Here’s a list of different species that will add a beautiful touch of greenery to your landscape.
Click on the images to discover the main characteristics of these trees and conifers.
Profil forêt dans l’âme (Wide-spreading trees)
Fruit profile
Profil fleuri (Ornamental trees)
Shadow profile
Year-round green profile (Conifers)
3 myths and realities about urban trees
Despite information campaigns, many myths persist about trees in urban environments. Here are some common examples, followed by the real thing:
Fact: Roots don’t penetrate solid foundations. They seek out moisture and can infiltrate pipes or cracked foundations.
Fact: Roots do not split pipes, but can grow into existing cracks or leaks.
Fact: Topping weakens the tree, makes it vulnerable to disease and often requires felling. Brossard prohibits aggressive pruning techniques such as topping.
Topping: a banned practice in Brossard
Topping involves cutting off the top of a tree to reduce its height.
This has several adverse effects:
- Decrease in property value
- Increased risk of branch breakage
- Reduced resistance to disease and insects
- Appearance of rot on tree wood
Tips for choosing the right tree
1. Determine planting site and available space.
2. Select the tree according to criteria such as :
- Height and width at maturity
- Maintenance
- Fruit or flower production
- Light exposure
- Soil type
- Hardiness zone
- Tolerance to urban conditions
3. Check that the species is not restricted to Brossard (see zoning by-law REG-362).
4. Respect safe planting distances (near overhead wires, infrastructure, buildings, etc.).
5. Follow the planting instructions for your chosen tree or shrub.
Diagnosis of forest cover
Policies and plans
In 2009, Ville de Brossard adopted its Tree Policy to demonstrate the importance it attaches to trees in the urban environment. Since then, the city has implemented the following actions to promote the greening of the territory:
- Ensures optimal planting and maintenance of trees along streets and in parks;
- Every year, hundreds of trees are planted and numerous landscaping projects are carried out;
- Prune, fell and replace dead trees;
- Treating and monitoring trees affected by pests and diseases;
- Carries out inventories of trees on the territory;
- Develops a Urban Forestry Strategic and Intervention Plan to enhance forest cover on private and public properties;
- Distributes trees and shrubs to citizens as part of Arbor Day ;
- Adoption of a by-law(REG-362) concerning tree maintenance and cutting.
In April 2024, the City of Brossard adopted its very first Strategic and Intervention Plan for Urban Forestry. This new tool lays the foundations that will enable the city to define strategies and target priority actions to improve forest cover throughout the territory. At the end of the plan, the city is committed to planting 125,000 trees on its territory, i.e. one tree for every inhabitant.
The plan presents the main characteristics of the Brussel canopy, and lists the area’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. It also defines the City’s vision on the subject and offers an action plan to achieve three (3) main objectives:
1. Protect, maintain and enhance existing trees.
2. Encourage planting throughout the region.
3. Raise awareness, educate and encourage civic participation.
Arbor Day
Arbour Day is a civic activity that enables Brossard residents to purchase a quality tree at a reduced price. In addition to encouraging local planting, this initiative contributes to greening living environments and strengthening urban forest cover.
