Tree Protection in Lynn, MA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Lynn, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Lynn issues no permit for removing trees on private property — the city has no private-tree ordinance. Permits apply only to public shade trees: under MGL c.87 §3, the tree warden must issue a written permit and hold a public hearing before any is removed.
Lynn Tree Removal Permits
Some RestrictionsMassachusetts General Laws, Chapter 87, Section 3 (Public Shade Trees)
public shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the tree warden or his deputy, even if he be the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit in writing from said tree warden, nor shall they be cut down or removed by the tree warden or his deputy or other person without a public hearing
Heritage & Protected Trees
Lynn maintains no formal heritage- or specimen-tree registry. Notable trees are protected only if they are public shade trees, which fall under the tree warden's control and the public-hearing requirement of MGL c.87. Large private trees have no special local protection.
Lynn Heritage & Landmark Trees
Some RestrictionsMassachusetts General Laws, Chapter 87, Section 3 (Public Shade Trees)
public shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the tree warden or his deputy, even if he be the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit in writing from said tree warden, nor shall they be cut down or removed by the tree warden or his deputy or other person without a public hearing
Tree Replacement Requirements
Lynn imposes no ordinance requiring residents to replant trees they remove from private property. Replanting happens through the city's own urban forestry and DPW planting programs, and residents can request a new street tree, rather than through a mandatory replacement rule.
Lynn Tree Replacement Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Essex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lynn city rules.
Tree Protection in Essex County →