Tree Pruning & Removal in Geneva

Protecting your trees — and your property — with certified care

Trees are the backbone of any garden, but they demand respect and expertise. A branch overhanging your roof, a trunk showing signs of decay, or a tree outgrowing its space are situations that call for a trained professional, not a DIY attempt. Mon-paysagiste.ch, the gardening division of PluriServices Sàrl, provides certified tree care across Geneva canton and Western Switzerland.

The full range of tree services

Every tree tells a different story, and every intervention requires a different approach. Our team handles:

• Health pruning — removing dead, crossing, or diseased branches to restore airflow and light penetration within the canopy
• Crown reduction — carefully reducing the overall size of a tree that has grown too large for its location, without compromising its structural integrity
• Formative pruning for young trees — guiding early growth to develop a strong framework that prevents problems decades later
• Emergency interventions — storm-damaged limbs, split trunks, or trees threatening structures, addressed promptly and safely
• Complete tree removal — when a tree is dead, hazardous, or must make way for a construction project
• Stump grinding and extraction — clearing the site for new planting, lawn restoration, or landscaping

Why Geneva’s regulations matter

The canton of Geneva has some of Switzerland’s strictest tree protection laws. Any tree with a trunk circumference exceeding 80 cm (measured at 1 metre above ground) is protected and cannot be felled without authorization from the cantonal nature office (OCAN). Even pruning significant branches on protected trees may require notification.

Our team is thoroughly familiar with these rules. We handle the administrative side — permit applications, neighbor notifications, and commune consultations — so you do not have to navigate the bureaucracy yourself.

Safety and insurance: non-negotiable standards

Tree work is inherently dangerous. Our professionals are equipped with:

• Certified climbing harnesses and rigging systems for aerial work
• Directional felling techniques for trees near buildings, fences, or power lines
• Full professional liability insurance covering damage to neighbouring properties
• Personal protective equipment meeting Swiss SUVA workplace safety standards

As part of PluriServices Sàrl, we carry comprehensive business insurance that protects both our team and your property throughout every intervention.

Seasonal pruning guide for Geneva

Different tree species in Geneva require pruning at specific times to ensure optimal health and recovery:

• November–February (dormant season): Ideal for most deciduous trees — oaks, maples, lindens, birches. Clear visibility of branch structure and minimal sap loss
• Late January–early March: Fruit tree pruning — apple, pear, cherry and plum trees benefit from late-winter pruning before bud break
• June–July (summer pruning): Best for controlling vigorous growth on wisteria, lime trees and certain ornamental species. Also the recommended window for cherry trees to reduce bacterial canker risk
• Year-round: Dead, damaged or hazardous branches should be removed immediately regardless of season

Common tree species in Geneva gardens

The Geneva basin hosts a rich diversity of trees. Our arborists frequently work with plane trees, horse chestnuts, common limes, Atlas cedars, Lebanon cedars, magnolias, and various fruit trees. Each species has specific pruning requirements — for instance, plane trees tolerate severe pollarding, while magnolias should be pruned minimally to avoid die-back.

From request to clean site

1. Describe your situation — species, approximate height, proximity to structures, and what you need done. Photos are extremely helpful. We respond within 24 hours.
2. Free on-site assessment — our arborist evaluates the tree’s health, structural condition, and any regulatory constraints, then provides a detailed written quote.
3. Professional execution — the work is carried out safely, the site is left clean, and all wood and green waste is removed or processed according to your preference.

Techniques we use

Our arborists employ a range of professional techniques depending on the tree and the situation:

• Crown thinning: selectively removing 15–30 % of secondary branches to improve light penetration and air circulation without changing the tree’s overall shape
• Crown lifting: removing lower branches to increase clearance above lawns, paths or driveways — particularly useful in urban Geneva gardens where space is at a premium
• Pollarding: a traditional technique used on plane trees and limes, involving regular removal of all new growth back to established knuckle points. Common along Geneva’s lakeside promenades
• Sectional dismantling: for trees in confined spaces near buildings, power lines or fences, branches are removed individually using rigging ropes and lowered under control — essential for many Geneva properties where access is limited

Pricing overview

Prices include VAT, labour, and waste disposal. Exact quote provided free after on-site evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

When is the right season to prune trees in Geneva?

The dormant period from November through February is ideal for most deciduous species. Pruning during dormancy minimizes stress, reduces disease risk, and allows clear visibility of the branch structure. However, emergency pruning for safety — storm damage, cracked limbs — can and should be done at any time of year. Fruit trees in Geneva gardens are typically pruned in late January to early March.

How do I know if my tree needs to come down?

Warning signs include large cavities in the trunk, extensive fungal growth at the base (especially bracket fungi), significant lean that has developed recently, major root damage from construction, or more than 50% dead wood in the canopy. Our arborist can perform a detailed health assessment and give you an honest recommendation — removal is always a last resort.

What happens to the wood after a tree is felled?

You choose. We can cut the trunk into firewood logs and stack them on your property, chip branches into mulch for your garden beds, or remove everything for composting at an approved facility. Many clients in Geneva appreciate keeping quality hardwood for their fireplace — we are happy to prepare it.

Can you replant after removing a tree?

Absolutely, and we encourage it. Depending on the stump removal method used and the soil condition, a new tree can often be planted in the same location or nearby. Our team can recommend species suited to your garden’s conditions, and we handle the full process from selection to planting as part of our garden creation services.

Are your tree surgeons certified?

Yes. Our arborists hold recognized Swiss qualifications and receive ongoing training in climbing techniques, species-specific pruning methods, and safety protocols. They are also covered by SUVA accident insurance and our company’s professional liability policy.

Do I need authorization to prune a large tree on my own property in Geneva?

If the tree has a trunk circumference of 80 cm or more measured at 1 metre above ground, it is protected under Geneva cantonal law. Significant pruning (not just removing small dead branches) may require notification to OCAN (Office cantonal de l’agriculture et de la nature). We advise on the applicable rules and handle any necessary paperwork before starting work.

Why choose Mon-paysagiste.ch for tree care

• Certified arborists — qualified professionals with training in species-specific pruning techniques and Swiss safety standards
• Full regulatory knowledge — we navigate Geneva’s strict tree protection laws and handle permit applications on your behalf
• Complete service — from pruning and health assessments to removal, stump grinding and replanting, all managed under one contract
• Insured and equipped — comprehensive liability coverage and professional climbing and rigging equipment for safe work at any height