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AUGUSTA – The recent storm resulted in many fallen trees and branches, and the Maine Forest Service reminds those doing storm cleanup to be safe and also to help keep Maine’s forests healthy.
After power and other utilities have been restored, property owners are faced with the issue of what to do with storm-damaged trees. Project Canopy, a program of the Maine Forest Service, offers tips and guidance to property owners faced with questions about what to do with downed trees limbs, and branches.
TREES AND BRANCHES ON HOMES AND AROUND POWER LINES: Branches and trees on power lines should be dealt with by calling local power companies. Even if a hanging limb is clear of power and utility wires, homeowners should rely on professionals to assess the severity of the damage before trying to repair or remove the branch. Trees on homes and buildings should also be dealt with immediately.
INJURED TREES REQUIRING CLIMBING OR CHAINSAW WORK: Call a licensed arborist for help. Arborists are tree care professionals who are trained to assess and correct storm-damaged trees. They also have the experience needed to diagnose how much of a tree can or should be saved. Homeowners should be wary of those offering fly-by-night, emergency tree-cutting services. Always ask for proof of licensing, insurance and work references. Find more information about working with arborists in Maine at ww.maine.gov/dacf/php/arborist.
BE CAREFUL ABOUT MOVING DEBRIS: The Maine Forest Service reminds residents that woody debris created by storm damage may harbor insects or diseases that are harmful to forests. Moving that debris long distances can spread pests to new areas. Be aware that there are rules, known as quarantines, that impact transport of some woody storm debris:
* Movement of ash (fraxinus) from areas within the Emerald Ash Borer Regulated Area (www.maine.gov/eab). The restriction in this case extends to mixed hardwood chips.
* Movement of larch (larix, pseudolarix) from areas within the European Larch Canker quarantine.
* Movement of hemlock (tsuga) branch/top material from areas within the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid quarantine.
* Movement of pine from parts of Maine within the Pine Shoot Beetle quarantine to Washington and Aroostook Counties. Learn more about quarantines that affect woody storm debris at www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/quarantine_information.html Those who suspect they have found damage from an invasive insect such as emerald ash borer or Asian longhorned beetle should take photos and report it at www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/tree_ailment.html.
PHOTO: The tunneling in this broken tree in Massachusetts was caused by Asian longhorned beetle (R.Childs, UMass Extension photo)
