Written by Stacy Welner | 03 May 2010

After last winter's devastating windstorm, which toppled countless mature spruce and other trees throughout town and caused massive power outages and property damage, it seems that the most seen commercial trucks on Harpswell roads are logging trucks. As loads of timber exit town, it looks like Harpswell could be a future site for an episode of the History Channel's Axe Men.
Several of these storms accompanied by unrestricted severe wind off the ocean produced gusts and microbursts capable of felling trees in windrows, which are visible throughout the islands and peninsula. Harpswell Neck resident and commercial wharf owner, Malcolm "Laddie" Whidden reported a gust in excess of 90 mph on his wind meter during one such storm.
The storm damage to many of our trees came in several ways, blow-down, stem failure, crown twist and branch failure. Also exacerbating the problem is Harpswell's shallow soil, which does not allow trees to develop a deep root system.
The first and most severe damage occurs when the main stem or central trunk of the injured tree, splits off or is broken. Larger, mature trees are most susceptible to this damage. Strength of the remaining stem is reduced immediately according to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service.
There are steps a property owner can take to repair and prevent future damage. According to Jeff Gillis, owner of Welltree Tree Care Specialists, every tree on the property should be addressed. Special attention should be given to those trees that are still standing. The root system should be inspected for movement and damage. "If it doesn't look right, ask," he notes. Safety is a major concern for him. Trees that are leaning or resting against another are under extreme tension, and cutting them can cause a sudden release of energy, which can be extremely dangerous to a non-expert.

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