What to Do When a Tree Comes Down in a Storm in Downeast Maine
By Born Free Tree Care, LLC – Emergency storm clean up and hazard tree removal from Bangor to Machias, MDI, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, and Blue Hill.
Downeast storms can be brutal. One night of wind, snow, or ice is all it takes for a spruce, pine, or maple to come down across your driveway, on your camp, or near your power line.
If you wake up and find a tree on the ground—or worse, on your house—here is what to do next to stay safe and get help fast.
1. Put Safety First: Stay Away from Downed Lines and Tensioned Wood
Before anything else, assume all downed lines are live. If a tree is touching or near power lines:
- Stay far back
- Keep children and pets away
- Call your utility company immediately
Do not try to move or cut any part of a tree that is on or near wires. As a licensed Maine utility arborist, even I coordinate with the utility in certain situations.
Also watch out for tensioned branches and trunks. Wood under load can snap or roll suddenly when cut, causing serious injury.
2. Check for Structural Damage and Leaks
If the tree hit your home, camp, garage, or shed, check for:
- Roof penetration or collapsed areas
- Broken windows or doors
- Water leaks inside
Take photos of any damage for insurance purposes. If the structure is unstable, leave the building until it can be professionally assessed.
3. Document the Damage for Insurance
Before any major clean up begins, take clear photos and short videos from several angles. Capture:
- The tree and where it landed
- Any damage to structures, vehicles, fences, or power lines
- Address or property features that show where it happened
Most insurance companies for properties in Bangor, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Blue Hill, and Machias will want visual evidence, especially if they are reimbursing for removal or repairs.
4. Call a Professional Tree Service for Storm Clean Up
Storm-damaged trees are unpredictable and dangerous. Even if you own a chainsaw, large cleanups are best handled by trained professionals with the right equipment.
Born Free Tree Care, LLC offers storm clean up and emergency tree service across Downeast Maine. I climb when needed, use rigging to control removals, and work methodically to keep you and your property safe.
5. Understand What the Tree Service Will Do
When you contact a tree service, ask:
- Will you clear the driveway or access areas first?
- Will you remove the tree from the structure without causing further damage?
- Is brush chipping and log removal included?
- Can you provide documentation for my insurance company?
I always explain the plan before starting, especially when a tree is on a roof or close to power lines.
6. Decide What to Do with the Remaining Wood and Stump
After the immediate hazard is cleared, you can choose whether to:
- Keep logs cut to firewood length
- Have brush chipped and hauled away
- Schedule stump grinding later
We can include these options in your quote so you know exactly what is covered in your storm clean up.
7. Plan for Future Storms
Once the immediate emergency is over, it is a good time to look at other trees that might pose a risk in future storms. Trees along long driveways from Bangor to Machias, around camps on MDI, and in exposed coastal locations often need pruning or hazard removal to reduce future problems.
A tree assessment by an ISA Certified Arborist can identify potential risks before the next storm season.
Need Storm Clean Up or Emergency Tree Service in Downeast Maine?
If a tree has come down on your property, I know you want it dealt with quickly and safely.
Contact Born Free Tree Care, LLC for storm clean up and emergency tree service across Downeast Maine, including Bangor, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, MDI, Blue Hill, Machias, and surrounding communities.
