Tree removal in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Two insects account for many of the dead trees standing in Cape Elizabeth. The comprehensive plan documented winter moth ravaging oaks in the southern part of town and spreading toward Mitchell Road and Fort Williams Park, and the town's 2024 tree alerts report that many dead oaks remain on private woodlands and open spaces. Emerald ash borer is now found throughout town and usually kills an ash within about three years of infestation.
The same alerts reminded residents that severe weather the previous winter and spring caused considerable tree damage, and recommended a follow-up inspection in fall once the leaves are down.
When a takedown involves the town
A tree on private land is usually the owner's decision, but three situations bring in another party. Trees in public areas, including roadside treelawns, need a Tree Warden permit, and a removal permit generally requires a comparable replacement tree. The Tree Warden can also have private trees that endanger public safety pruned or removed, after notice to the owner. And in the shoreland district, removals count toward the 40 percent cap on tree volume in a 10-year period.
Inside a shoreland buffer strip, when removing storm-damaged, diseased, unsafe or dead trees leaves a cleared opening, the ordinance requires that opening to be replanted with native tree species unless new growth is already present.
Permit requests for work on public trees go to Public Works at least two business days before the job. In an emergency that requires immediate pruning or removal, the ordinance allows the work to proceed as long as the Tree Warden is informed within two business days.
Brush, stumps and the Recycling Center
The town Recycling Center accepts brush and wood waste under its fee schedule, up to the equivalent of two pickup loads a day, but it does not take stumps. Every removal starts with an honest assessment of the tree and its surroundings and a free on-site estimate; the tree comes down and the brush is hauled away, and large or hazardous takedowns are quoted case by case.
Ash deserves particular attention. With emerald ash borer reported throughout Cape Elizabeth, an ash already in decline beside a house, driveway or road is worth assessing sooner rather than later, and the fall inspection the town recommends is a natural time to do it.
Dead · Storm-Damaged · Hazardous
How we handle tree removal
When a tree has to come down, we start with an honest assessment and a free on-site estimate, then remove it — unwanted, dead, storm-damaged or hazardous — and haul the brush away. Large or hazardous takedowns are quoted case by case.
See the full tree removal service page or everything we do in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Tree Removal in nearby towns
- Tree Removal in South Portland
- Tree Removal in Scarborough
- Tree Removal in Portland
- Tree Removal in Westbrook
- Tree Removal in Falmouth
More services in Cape Elizabeth
- Hardscaping in Cape Elizabeth
- Retaining Walls in Cape Elizabeth
- Landscaping in Cape Elizabeth
- Landscape Design in Cape Elizabeth
- Planting & Garden Beds in Cape Elizabeth
- Hydroseeding, Sod & Turf in Cape Elizabeth
- Lawn Aeration & Overseeding in Cape Elizabeth
- Fall Cleanup & Leaf Removal in Cape Elizabeth
- Commercial Mowing & Cleanups in Cape Elizabeth
- Excavation & Land Clearing in Cape Elizabeth
- Septic Systems in Cape Elizabeth
- Tree & Shrub Services in Cape Elizabeth
Sources for the local facts on this page
Free Estimates
Tree Removal in Cape Elizabeth? Let's talk.
Tell us about your property and we will walk it with you — free estimates, straight answers, stonework guaranteed to hold its lines.
Mon–Sat 7:00am – 5:00pm · Based in Cumberland, Maine