Tree Protection in Boston, MA (2026)
5 verified tree protection rules for Boston, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Boston regulates tree removal through the Parks and Recreation Department and Zoning Code Article 38. Public shade trees and street trees cannot be removed without a public hearing and Parks Commissioner approval. Private property tree removal in development projects requires BPDA review and replacement plantings.
Boston Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Boston protects notable and heritage trees through the Parks Department's urban forestry program and the Public Shade Tree Law (MGL c.87). While Boston does not have a formal heritage tree registry, exceptionally large and historically significant public trees receive heightened protection. Development projects must identify and attempt to preserve specimen trees.
Boston Heritage and Specimen Tree Protections
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Boston requires tree replacement for public shade trees removed and for development projects that impact existing trees. The Parks Department manages the city's tree planting program and coordinates replacement plantings. Developers must provide replacement trees at ratios specified during BPDA review.
Boston Tree Replacement Requirements
Some RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Boston's Public Tree Protection Ordinance (Boston Code Section 7-4.7) protects all trees on city-owned property, requires replacement of removed healthy street trees with equivalent specimens, and is enforced by the Urban Forestry Division under the Parks Commissioner.
Boston Public Tree Protection Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
Boston Code Ch. 7-3 (Tree Preservation Ordinance, 2023) protects significant trees on private property over 20 inches DBH, requiring permits for removal and replacement plantings.
Boston Tree Preservation Ordinance Chapter 7-3
Some RestrictionsLooking for Suffolk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boston city rules.
Tree Protection in Suffolk County →