Prepare for Maine’s Storm Season: Protect Your Home and Property from Hazard Trees

The Maine coast is no stranger to powerful storms, bringing strong winds, heavy snow, ice, and torrential rain. We know first hand what it's like to be part of coastal communities as residents of Mount Desert Island, and every year we see hazardous trees cause serious property damage, blackouts, and destruction during storm season.

Our properties face risks from trees weakened by weather, age, or disease and often our properties face unique challenges like steep terrain, dense woods, rocky shorelines, and limited access that require skill and experience beyond standard tree work. Taking action before the next storm can make the difference between staying safe and dealing with costly damage.

What are Hazard Trees?

A hazardous tree is one that poses a risk to people, property, or structures due to instability, disease, or storm damage.

Common warning signs include:

• Root rot or visible decay at the base

• Severe leaning that has increased over time

• Broken or hanging branches

• Cracks or splits in the trunk or major limbs

When storms hit, these weakened trees are more likely to fail, often without warning. If you see unhealthy or damaged trees that are putting your property at risk, don't wait.

Step 1: Get a Local, Professional, Pre-Storm Assessment

As an ISA-certified arborist based right here on Mount Desert Island, we’re committed to helping our neighbors identify risks before they turn into emergencies.

A professional inspection before storm season may lead to:

• Pruning to remove dead or weak limbs

• Cabling and bracing to stabilize vulnerable trees

• Safe removal when a tree is beyond saving

We work to preserve trees when possible, but safety comes first, especially when people and property are at risk.

Step 2: Know Your Options... and your Needs

There are a lot of tree companies out there, and they don’t all offer the same services. Some focus on heavy machinery like bucket trucks and cranes, which can be the right choice for open, accessible spaces. Others, like our company, specialize in more technical work that requires climbing and rigging.

If your property has hazard trees close to buildings, overhanging roofs, or is tucked into landscape where machinery can’t reach, you’ll need a company with the skills, training, and equipment to do the job safely. This is where Bold Coast Tree Service stands out. We specialize in technical climbing and rope rigging, allowing us to access and remove trees in challenging locations that many other companies simply can’t handle.

Our Specialty: Technical Rigging and Tree Climbing

Using advanced climbing systems, ropes, pulleys, and controlled lowering techniques, we can carefully dismantle trees piece by piece, avoiding damage to your home, landscaping, and surrounding structures.

This approach is especially important for:

• Trees close to homes, garages, or sheds

• Overhanging branches above roofs, decks, or driveways

• Properties with rocky or uneven terrain and limited access

• Coastal sites with steep banks or shorelines

Because we live and work right here on Mount Desert Island, we understand the challenges of Downeast properties and tailor our approach to fit each location’s unique conditions.

Be Ready Before the Next Storm Hits

Storm season in Maine is unpredictable, but preparation can make all the difference. Whether you need a local hazard tree assessment, storm damage cleanup, or specialized climbing and rigging removal, Bold Coast Tree Service has the skills, experience, and local knowledge to keep your home safe.

Contact us today to schedule your pre-storm tree inspection and protect your property before the next big weather event.