YardCareDirectory

Massachusetts Tree Removal Permit Requirements

LOCAL RULES VARY

No statewide permit, but Massachusetts towns have strong authority and most regulate trees near public ways through the town tree warden system.

Issuing authority: Town tree warden (every Massachusetts town has one by law)
Permit Fee
$25–$100 in most towns
Processing Time
7–21 business days
Protected Species
4
City Rules Listed
3
Protected Species in MA
American ElmWhite OakAmerican BeechEastern Hemlock
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in Massachusetts jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Private property trees away from public ways
  • +Dead and diseased trees
  • +Hazard trees certified by arborist

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

Boston, Cambridge, and many historic towns maintain notable tree lists.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

Removing a public way tree without tree warden approval is a criminal misdemeanor in Massachusetts. Fines $100–$500 per tree plus restoration costs.

Rules by City in Massachusetts

Boston

Street trees require city urban forestry approval. Private property trees over 8 inches DBH near public ways require notification.

Fee: $55 application feeBoston's Urban Forest Plan covers all 16 Boston neighborhoods.
Cambridge

Trees over 8 inches DBH on private property require permits. Heritage trees require additional review.

Fee: $100–$400 depending on tree sizeCambridge has an aggressive canopy coverage goal of 30%.
Brookline

All trees over 6 inches DBH require permits. Replacement required at 2:1 caliper.

Fee: $125 per treeBrookline Tree Commission reviews all applications.
Tips for Massachusetts Homeowners
  1. Under Massachusetts law, every town has a tree warden who oversees public trees. Contact your town hall to identify yours.
  2. Street-adjacent trees even on private property often fall under tree warden jurisdiction.
  3. Massachusetts towns can place preservation orders on private trees — get written clearance before any work near public ways.
HOA Consideration: Historic district commissions in towns like Concord and Lexington add a third layer of review for trees visible from public ways.
Find tree services in Massachusetts that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in Massachusetts