Tree Protection in Springfield, MA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Springfield, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Springfield, Massachusetts bans cutting or removing any tree 75 years or older, or three feet or more in diameter, without a City Forester permit, even on private land.
Springfield Significant Tree Protections
Heavy RestrictionsSpringfield City Code § 368-2, § 368-6(A)
SIGNIFICANT TREE: Any tree which is 75 years old or older, or which has a DBH of three feet or more on public or private property. ... It is unlawful for any person to cut, trim, prune or remove, in whole or in part, any significant tree, even if such person is the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit, in writing, from the City Forester, and only to ...
Protected Tree Species
Springfield requires a City Forester permit before anyone, even the property owner, cuts, prunes, or removes a significant tree, defined as 75 years old or older, or three feet or more in trunk diameter, on public or private land.
Springfield Significant Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsSpringfield City Code § 368-6
It is unlawful for any person to cut, trim, prune or remove, in whole or in part, any significant tree, even if such person is the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit, in writing, from the City Forester, and only to the extent of the terms and conditions of such permit. B. The City Forester shall grant such permit only upon a showing by a prepond...
Parkway Planting
Planting a tree in the Springfield, Massachusetts tree belt or on other city-owned land requires a free City Forester permit before work begins.
Springfield Street Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsSpringfield City Code § 368-5E(3)
Any person seeking to plant a tree on City-owned land shall submit an application to the City Forester. Upon review, the City Forester may issue a permit for approved work to be completed. The permit may specify schedules, terms, and conditions. There shall be no fee for a public shade tree planting permit. (4) Stump removal on City-owned land. Any person seeking to remove a stump on City-ow...