Managing tree and branch debris

Hydro‑Québec carries out vegetation control near medium‑voltage power lines to prevent serious accidents and damage to the power grid. Debris from tree‑cutting and pruning operations is sometimes left on‑site to enrich biodiversity, in accordance with environmental best practices.

Is debris collected or left where it is?

Debris can either be collected or left where it is, depending on the nature of the operation and the type of wood and tree.

Unscheduled operations

In the case of an accident or a weather event resulting in an outage, such as an ice storm, Hydro‑Québec will prune or cut down trees as needed to restore power promptly and secure the area.

Hydro‑Québec or a company it hires will carry out the work at no charge to the tree owner. The debris is always left on‑site.

Worker in a lifting device cutting a tree branch during an ice storm

Scheduled operations

When Hydro‑Québec plans vegetation control activities to maintain the power grid and prevent outages, the debris is handled in different ways, depending on the type of wood and tree.

  • Merchantable wood
     The parts of trees that have commercial value (a diameter of more than 10 cm) are cut at different lengths and left on-site for the property owner to use as they wish.
  • Ornamental trees
     These are trees that are grown for aesthetic or practical reasons–for example, to serve as windbreaks or sound barriers. Their leaves and branches are chipped and sent to a recovery centre, at no cost to the owner.
  • Non‑ornamental trees
     Debris from non‑ornamental trees, usually found in natural (unlandscaped) environments, is left where it is. Trimmings are either spread over the ground or piled into small mounds. Work on this type of tree is carried out at no cost to the owner.
Employee in a tree cutting a branch near power lines

Disposal options for tree and branch debris

Owners are responsible for disposing of tree and branch debris, as would be the case if the trees had been damaged by wind gusts or freezing rain. Here are some appropriate disposal options.

  • Municipal waste collection

    Several municipalities and boroughs offer a service to collect branches and green waste. You can dispose of your debris according to their collection procedures and schedules.

  • Eco‑centre

    You can take your branch debris to the nearest eco‑centre so that it can be recycled in an ecological and sustainable way.

  • Fuel

    Do you have a fireplace or wood stove? Use the debris as fuel. This is both a practical and an environmentally friendly option, provided you comply with the regulations in effect in your municipality.

  • Other resources

    Some municipalities have partnerships with wood reclamation organizations or wood selling companies that can collect the debris for you–a win‑win solution!

Most common situations

This is how debris is handled in the four most common situations.

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Tree debris is good for biodiversity

Tree debris has a role to play in preserving biodiversity. Whether the trimmings are chipped or not, they can be scattered over the ground. As the debris decomposes, it enriches the soil with organic matter and contributes to the carbon cycle.

When piled into small mounds called windrows, debris provides a sustainable habitat for wildlife and invertebrates. Dead wood from large‑diameter trees promotes the germination of certain plant species and can help retain water and control erosion.

Learn about Hydro‑Québec's biodiversity strategy and initiatives

White-throated sparrow nesting on a snag
When trees that are compatible with the power system are preserved and branches are piled into mounds, they become an attractive habitat for the white‑throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). This species can find food and shelter in the mounds and can even nest there.

Frequently asked questions

Further reading