Springfield's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Springfield, Massachusetts, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Trimming

Pruning or trimming branches on a public shade or city-owned tree in Springfield, Massachusetts requires a City Forester permit and a $25 fee.

Key details: Pruning permit fee: $25. Issuing authority: City Forester. Max fine: $500 or triple tree value. Chapter last amended: March 18, 2024.

Trimming or pruning a public shade tree without a permit is punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation, or up to triple the tree's appraised value under MGL c. 242, § 7, under § 368-8.

Compared to other cities, Springfield takes a harder line on tree trimming. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Springfield, Massachusetts requires a City Forester permit to cut, prune or remove any public shade tree, and gives extra protection to 'significant trees' 75 years old or wider than 3 feet DBH.

Key details: Permit authority: City Forester. Significant tree: 75+ yrs or 3+ ft DBH. Replacement ratio: 1 in. caliper per DBH in.. Max fine: $500 per violation.

Removing or pruning a public shade tree without a permit violates § 368-5C; cutting a significant tree without Forester approval violates § 368-6. Either draws a fine up to $500 per violation, or up to triple the tree's assessed value under § 368-8.

This is one of the stricter rules in Springfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Weed Ordinances

Springfield, Massachusetts sets no numeric grass-height limit; instead the Commissioner of Public Health can declare ragweed or other noxious growth a nuisance and order it removed from any property.

Key details: Height limit: none set numerically. Trigger: ragweed / noxious growth. Order type: written, by Health Commissioner. Noncompliance window: 5 days, then City removes it.

Article IV sets no fixed dollar fine; noncompliance with a written abatement order within 5 days lets the Commissioner of Public Health enter the property and remove the growth directly under § 327-28.

Springfield is more permissive than most cities when it comes to weed ordinances. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Springfield is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Springfield, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Springfield's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.