Your Portland, Maine Davey Tree Office

We proudly provide professional tree care services throughout Portland and the surrounding communities.  

Our team regularly works in Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, Windham, and Yarmouth, offering expert tree trimming and pruning, shrub care, tree removal and planting, tree inspections, and plant health care. If you’re not sure whether we service your area, just give us a call — we’re happy to help. 

In Portland, the best time to prune most trees is during late winter to early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning during this dormant season helps trees heal quickly, reduces stress, and lowers the risk of disease or pest infestation. 

To reduce the risk of Oak Wilt, avoid pruning oak trees during periods when picnic beetles are active and can spread the disease. Consult your arborist for the recommended pruning window specific to your area.

In Portland, some of the most common tree pests and diseases include Spongy Moth, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, and Bagworms. Here are signs and symptoms of how these pests and diseases can affect your trees. 

• Spongy Moth: Infestations weaken trees, making them vulnerable to other issues. Complete defoliation within a year can be fatal to conifers and hardwoods.
• Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Hemlock needles discolor and drop early, weakening the tree as twigs and branches die. Severe, untreated HWA infestations can be fatal.
• Bagworms: Heavily bagworm infested trees may be completely defoliated. Evergreens often fail to regrow, and affected branches may die.

A Plant Health Care (PHC) Program is a proactive, year-round plan to keep your trees and shrubs healthy and pest-free. Our certified arborists focus on prevention and early detection by monitoring soil health, nutrients, insects, and disease. Based on your property’s needs, we create a customized care plan that may include fertilization, pest management, pruning, and soil improvement. 

Yes! Mulching around trees helps retain soil moisture, reduce weeds, improve soil nutrients, and regulate root temperature. Without mulch, tree roots must compete with grass for water and nutrients, which can slow growth and weaken the tree. Learn more about the benefits of mulching in our blog.

For best results, apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Proper mulch installation is essential for the long-term health of your trees and plants.