Eradication of buckthorn: our achievements in 2025

In 2025, nearly 1,600 hours were devoted to eradicating buckthorn, an invasive plant native to Eurasia that hinders the regeneration of Quebec's woodlands and is found in abundance along the Coulée-Verte linear park.

These hours were spent cutting down, uprooting, and encapsulating the plant, as well as collecting debris, along the section between Tiffin Road and Brixton Avenue. Employees then planted trees and shrubs to revitalize the woodland.

As we began planting trees and shrubs, Hydro-Québec carried out its own clearing work on the section of Coulée-Verte located at Brixton Avenue. Shrubs and low-growing trees were planted in this area to promote future harmony between the wooded area and the electrical grid.

Coming in 2026

Work will continue in 2026. The treated area will first be monitored to remove new shoots, adjust the geotextile fabrics, and maintain the new plantings. Some 320 hours are planned to complete this work. We will then begin felling and planting work on the second section of the Coulée-Verte to complete the mandate entrusted to the Forestry team, to which members of the Réseau écocitoyen and the City's summer interns have contributed greatly over the past two years. We thank them warmly for their efforts.

Despite these colossal efforts, the Forestry team will remain vigilant, as buckthorn fruits can remain in the soil for up to 10 years.