Tree removal in Gray, Maine.

In Gray's shoreland zone, a hazard tree can be removed with a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer, who may ask for an evaluation from a licensed forester or arborist first. Within the shoreline buffer, if removal leaves a canopy gap larger than 250 square feet, a native replacement tree is required unless young trees are already growing there, and stumps may not be removed. For trees over eight inches in diameter, the officer may require more than one-for-one replacement.

Storm-damaged trees can be taken down without a permit after consulting the officer, as long as the area does not become new lawn and the stumps stay. If nothing regrows after one growing season, native seedlings must be planted at one per 80 square feet of lost canopy. A standing dead tree can come down without a permit or replanting under the same conditions.

Gray's transfer station accepts brush and tree parts, excluding root clusters, from residents for a small fee. Burning brush requires a state permit, is not allowed on Class 3 fire-danger days or higher, and is limited to evenings on weekdays. Our removals include hauling the brush off the property, so the homeowner does not have to deal with either.

On rural Gray lots, removals often happen near a private well, a septic field or overhead service lines. Our crews plan where each section lands and keep heavy equipment off the leach field, because compacting that ground can damage a working system.