Storm Cleanup & Emergency Tree Service in Downeast Maine
When a storm blows through and a tree comes down on your roof, across your driveway, or into your yard, you don’t just need a chainsaw—you need safe, professional emergency tree service.
Born Free Tree Care, LLC provides storm cleanup and emergency tree work across Downeast Maine, including Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, MDI, Blue Hill, Machias, and surrounding towns.
As a veteran owned business, ISA Certified Arborist, and licensed Maine utility arborist, we focus on getting you safe, clearing access, and handling damaged trees in a controlled, careful way.
If you’re dealing with storm damage right now, reach out and mention it’s an emergency so we know to prioritize your job.
When You Need Emergency Tree Service
Storms in Hancock and Washington County can bring heavy winds, snow, ice, and rain. You may need emergency tree service if:
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A tree or large limb is on your house, camp, garage, or outbuilding
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A tree is blocking your driveway or camp road so you can’t get in or out
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A large branch is hanging broken in the canopy, ready to fall
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A tree has snapped, uprooted, or split after a storm
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A damaged tree is suddenly leaning toward your home, camp, or power lines
Even if the situation doesn’t feel “911-level,” it can still be urgent—especially if access is blocked or more damage is likely with the next wind.
Our Storm Cleanup & Emergency Process
Every storm job is different, but the goals are always the same:
keep people safe, prevent more damage, and restore access.
1. Initial Assessment
When we arrive, we start with a quick safety assessment:
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Is the tree touching or near power lines?
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Is the structure stable enough to work around?
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Are there tensioned branches or trunks that could shift suddenly?
As a licensed Maine utility arborist, we know when the electric utility must be involved and will not work in unsafe conditions around live wires.
2. Making the Area Safe
The first priority is to reduce immediate risk, which might include:
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Removing or securing hanging limbs over driveways, roofs, or walkways
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Clearing enough debris to safely access your home, camp, or road
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Stabilizing the work area so full cleanup can proceed without surprises
In some cases, this may mean an initial “make safe” visit, followed by a scheduled return for full cleanup and detailed work.
3. Controlled Removal of Damaged Trees and Limbs
Storm-damaged trees are often twisted, split, or under load. We use:
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Climbing and rigging techniques to remove pieces slowly and safely
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Controlled cuts so trunks and limbs don’t shift unexpectedly
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Ropes and friction devices to lower pieces away from roofs, decks, and vehicles
This careful approach protects your property and prevents additional damage while we work.
4. Cleanup Options
We’ll discuss cleanup expectations with you so you’re not left with surprises. Options can include:
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Cutting and stacking larger logs
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Chipping and removing brush
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Hauling away wood, or leaving it cut to firewood length
For true emergencies, the first priority is always safety and access. Once that’s handled, we can adjust the cleanup level to match your budget and needs.
Common Storm & Emergency Situations We Handle
We routinely help homeowners and camp owners in Downeast Maine with:
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Trees or large limbs on houses, garages, and sheds
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Spruce and pine snapped or uprooted in high winds
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Trees fallen across driveways, camp roads, and private roads
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Broken tops and large hangers over parking areas and walkways
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Storm-damaged trees that now pose a serious hazard to people or property
If you’re not sure whether your situation counts as an emergency, reach out anyway—it’s better to ask and get some guidance than to guess.
Storm-Damaged Trees Near Power Lines
Storms and power lines are a dangerous mix.
As a licensed Maine utility arborist, we:
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Evaluate trees that have fallen into or near service lines
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Tell you when you must contact the electric utility before any work proceeds
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Work within safety standards and clearance rules around energized lines
Please do not attempt to remove branches or trees that are touching or near wires yourself. Even if they look harmless, they can be energized.
What to Do Before We Arrive
If it’s safe to do so:
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Keep people and pets away from the damaged area
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Do not walk under hanging or cracked branches
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Do not try to cut or move anything near power lines
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Take photos for insurance if you can do so safely
Your safety comes first. If you have any doubt, stay clear and wait until we’ve assessed the situation.
Service Area for Storm Cleanup & Emergency Tree Service
Born Free Tree Care, LLC provides storm cleanup and emergency tree service throughout Downeast Maine, including:
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Hancock County: Amherst, Aurora, Bar Harnor, Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Bucksport, Castine, Dedham, Deer Isle, Eastbrook, Franklin, Grouldsboro, Hancock, Lamoine, Mariaville, Mount Desert, Orland, Osborn, Otis, Penobscot, Sedgwick, Sorrento, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Sullivan, Surry, Tremont, Trenton, Verona Island, Waltham, Winter Harbor, and surrounding areas/towns.
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Washington County: Addison, Alexander, Baileybille, Beals, Beddington, Columbia, Columbia Falls, Cooper, Deblois, Dennysville, East Machias, Harrington, Machias, Machiasport, Milbridge, Steuben, and surrounding towns.
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Properties along the corridor from Bangor to Machias
If you’re close to these areas and not sure you’re in range, you’re always welcome to ask.
