Common Tree Issues
SIDEWALK / TREE ROOT PROBLEMS*
*Please contact Public Works for all sidewalk issues:
207-874-8493
Sidewalk / tree root problems occur when surface tree roots contact sidewalk causing lifting or cracking. The majority of these problems exist in areas where large trees occupy small grow spaces and in areas where there is clay or compacted soils.
INTERFERING with road SIGNS
Pruning trees around traffic and regulatory signs and signals are a priority. We also prune trees for business signs, often with a caveat with the term ‘within reason’ of the amount of tree pruning and the distance.
Tree root / sewer lateral problems
Tree root / sewer lateral problems occur when old clay-tile sewer laterals fail and advantageous tree roots clog the drain. Requests are often made to remove the closest tree to the problem but the solution ranges from auguring the drain to installing a new PVC or plastic sewer lateral, this often can be sleeved through the existing pipe.
We recommend that residents with this problem check with the Public Works Wastewater Division and consult a plumbing contractor. Note: Trees are not removed to alleviate sewer drain problems. Tree / Sewer lateral problems increase at the time of year of root growth – just prior to Spring bud break (April) and in the Fall after leaf drop (November).
Vista Pruning
Portland is a great city with many fine views of Casco Bay, Western Mountains, Back Cove, city skyline and much more. Recent ‘hotspots’ for vista pruning include the Eastern and Western Promenades. We do generate pruning requests for vista pruning where we meet with residents to go over various options.
SQUIRRELS
These arboreal creatures often cause concerns for homeowners, especially in the Fall season. Tree pruning often seems to be a last chance, plausible solution that never seems to result in solving the rodent problem due to their adaptability of gaining access via gutters, overhead utility lines and other creative ways. Thus – tree pruning requests for squirrel-proofing tend to be low priority calls due to the ineffectiveness.
SHADE
Our urban tree canopy helps reduce temperature, however, we do receive requests that some trees are “too shady”. We do generate work orders to conduct ‘crown thinning’ pruning or crown lifting as needed – they tend to be low priority requests. Recommendations include using grass seed mixes and using woody & herbaceous landscape plantings that are ‘shade tolerant’.
Contact Us
-
PARKS OFFICE
212 Canco Road, Ste A
Portland, Maine
PH:207-808-5400
parks@portlandmaine.gov
Office Hours
8:00 am - 4:30 pm Mon- Fri
PARKS DIRECTOR
Alex Marshall
CITY ARBORIST
Jeff Tarling
trees@portlandmaine.gov
PARK RANGER
Timothy Stephenson
Office: 207-808-5454
Ranger Cell: 207-232-3721
DURING NON-WORKING HOURS
CONTACT PUBLIC SAFETY
(207) 874-8575
The mission of Portland Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department isto enhance the quality of life through people, parks and programmingwhile creating lasting memories for the citizens of Portland and its visitors.
Contact Us
-
PARKS OFFICE
212 Canco Road, Ste A
Portland, Maine
PH:207-808-5400
parks@portlandmaine.gov
Office Hours
8:00 am - 4:30 pm Mon- Fri
PARKS DIRECTOR
Alex Marshall
CITY ARBORIST
Jeff Tarling
trees@portlandmaine.gov
PARK RANGER
Timothy Stephenson
Office: 207-808-5454
Ranger Cell: 207-232-3721
DURING NON-WORKING HOURS
CONTACT PUBLIC SAFETY
(207) 874-8575
The mission of Portland Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department isto enhance the quality of life through people, parks and programmingwhile creating lasting memories for the citizens of Portland and its visitors.