Northeast region
Tree removal and tree care in Maine
Maine's tree risk comes from ice and wind: the January 1998 ice storm damaged forests across much of the state, and nor'easters and heavy wet snow still bring down tall white pines and spruces onto homes and lines. Browntail moth caterpillars, whose toxic hairs cause rashes, have also made some oak and fruit trees a nuisance near homes in central and coastal Maine.
White pine is Maine's state tree and its most common large yard tree. Mature pines over houses can lose large limbs in snow or wind, and shallow-rooted spruce and fir tip over in saturated soil. Coastal properties also take salt spray and wind on exposed points.
Browntail moth outbreaks have spread inland from the coast over the last decade. The caterpillars' hairs cause skin rashes and breathing problems, so pruning infested branches in winter, while the webs are visible, is a common job. Emerald ash borer was confirmed in Maine in 2018 and is spreading.
Reviewed and updated
Maine's ice and snow legacy
In January 1998, days of freezing rain coated trees across much of Maine, breaking crowns over millions of acres and leaving many homes without power for weeks. Ice storms on that scale are rare, but smaller freezing-rain events and heavy, wet snow still break pines and birches every winter.
Trees damaged in past storms often carry old breaks and decay. If a big tree near the house has a history of losing limbs, it's worth an assessment.
Maine tree rules and shoreland zoning
- Maine has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots, but shoreland zoning rules limit tree cutting near lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and the coast.
- The Maine Forest Service tracks browntail moth and emerald ash borer and offers guidance for homeowners.
Sources (checked 2026-10-04)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Ice, snow, moths and ash borer
Ice storms
Freezing rain loads crowns; the 1998 storm damaged millions of acres.
Nor'easters and wet snow
Heavy snow and wind break pines and tip spruce and fir.
Browntail moth
Toxic caterpillar hairs make infested trees near homes a health nuisance.
Emerald ash borer
Confirmed in 2018; untreated ash will decline.
Pines, spruce, maples, oaks and birch
- White pine
- Huge yard trees; limb breakage in snow
- Red spruce and balsam fir
- Shallow roots; tip in wet soil
- Sugar and red maple
- Ice damage; common shade trees
- Red oak
- Browntail moth host; long-lived
- White and gray birch
- Bend and break under ice
Maine services by risk
After ice and nor'easters.
Browntail web pruning and pine limb reduction.
For pines leaning over homes.
For ash killed by emerald ash borer.
Maine's working calendar
Winter is browntail web season and a good time for planned removals on frozen ground. Spring is mud and storm cleanup, and fall is the last window to address risky pines before snow.
- Winter
- Ice and nor'easters; browntail web pruning
- Spring
- Snowmelt reveals breakage; saturated soil
- Fall
- Early storms; good time to remove risky pines
Browntail moth around the house
- Look for white, silky webs at branch tips in winter.
- Prune webs before caterpillars emerge in spring.
- Wear long sleeves, gloves and eye protection.
- Hire a crew for webs above ladder height.
Maine tree questions
Can I cut trees near the water on my Maine property?
Only within shoreland zoning limits. Cutting near lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and the coast is restricted, so check with your town's code enforcement officer first.
How do I deal with browntail moth webs in my trees?
Prune and destroy the webs in winter while they're visible, wearing protection. High webs need a crew with a lift or climber.
Should I remove a big white pine next to my house?
Not automatically. If it's healthy, removing deadwood and reducing heavy limbs may be enough; cracks, decay or a lean toward the house point to removal.
Is emerald ash borer in Maine?
Yes, since 2018. Ash near homes should be treated or planned for removal.
When is the best time for tree work in Maine?
Late fall through winter for most planned removals and browntail pruning; spring brings soft ground and storm cleanup.
How much does tree removal cost in Maine?
Large pines near houses cost more because of rigging. See the tree removal cost guide.
Need tree help in Maine?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.