Swan's Island Tree Service

10/31/2025

A reminder with this storm, the change of seasons brings wind and snow and the possibility of trees across lines and houses.

My opinion as a multi-generational Islander and Maine licensed/insured utility arborist, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Reach out if you would like an assessment of the risk(hazard trees) to your property and a free estimate on removal and preventative maintenance.

10/14/2025

When Fall fishing ends, sightseeing charters have come to a screeching halt and the oysters are tucked away for the winter, it's back to the season of removing hazard trees and browntail moth nests. We utilize a boom lift, 12" chipper, stumpgrinder, small dump truck, boom trailer and grapple tractor. We can handle any size tree/shrub removal and/or trimming pruning project including fruit trees.

Performing the majority of our work in the colder months when trees are dormant helps to prevent damage to moss and soil as well as the trees we trim. Ticks are less active in the colder months so there is less chance we are exposed to Lyme Disease as well.

We leave as little impact as possible, apply for the necessary trees removal permits when required and leave a clean worksite when finished.

We are multi-generational year-round Swan's Island residents, Licensed and insured Utility and Landscape Arborist since 2008.

Call for free estimates- 207-479-6490

12/19/2023

2 Close calls

03/30/2023

Browntail moth nests removed from tall tree canopy. Sounded like a sack of potatoes hitting the earth.

03/14/2023

The filthy brown tail moth nests are not as prevalent in some locations this year, but some locations are absolutely loaded with them. They are still easily and safely removed but when it starts warming up this spring it will be too late until next winter again.

02/19/2023

Timber

02/19/2023

No, those aren't spy balloons, they are browntail moth nests waiting for late spring to hatch and make you scratch.
There is a noticeable reduction from the amount seen last winter, but let's keep them on the run before they emerge and munch your deciduous trees while shedding their toxic hairs.
Feel free to reach out if you would like an estimate to remove them for you. Between climbing, the extension loppers and the boom lift, we can reach most.

01/14/2022

As most of you know, the brown-tail moth infestation on Swan’s was extensive last year, and pictured here are some nests that are easily seen now that the leaves have dropped.
If there is a leaf hanging onto a fruit tree or a birch at this point, especially in the crown of the tree it likely is a brown-tail moth nest. They prefer those trees but will go into any deciduous tree if they are presented the opportunity. Rose bushes and leaf bearing shrubs are a favorite as well.
The best time to cut these nests out is from now til early spring. The longer you wait, the bigger the caterpillars grow and the more hazardous they are to deal with.

Be careful of powerlines! Removing branches within 15 feet of active powerlines can result in electrocution and death. Contact Versant power if you need to be disconnected from power to remove the nests.

If you remove them yourself, try to remove as little of the branch as possible and put the nests in a construction bag, seal up the end and despose of at the dump. DO NOT BURN unless you want some of the toxic hairs to become airborne and risk inhaling. The hairs remains toxic for 3 years.

Please do not spray pesticides to treat your trees, this can end up in your ground water and well and eventually on the shoreline. Most of the chemicals used are not organic and are toxic to lobsters and could contaminate clam flats. There are state ordinances that prohibit spraying within 250 feet of the shoreline and spraying also requires a state license to apply.

If you want us to remove any, please call or private message us. 207-479-6490

Thank you

12/25/2021

Safest time to eliminate filthy brown tail moth nests.

02/07/2021

Wet weather work

02/07/2021

01/05/2021

This removal was a really "Tight Rub" aka .

No room for a lift so it had to be climbed, the tree had a 30° lean to the "eastid" aka ,("right smack dab" aka , so the branches had to be slung to the "westid" aka

Good thing I work with a "smaght fellah" aka Josh.