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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Belmont vs Lexington

How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Belmont, MA and Lexington, MA?

Belmont and Lexington have similar restriction levels.

Belmont, MA

Middlesex County

Heavy Restrictions

Removing public shade trees in Middlesex County requires Tree Warden approval and a public hearing under MGL c.87. Many towns also regulate private tree removal through local tree bylaws.

View full Belmont rules β†’

Lexington, MA

Middlesex County

Heavy Restrictions

Removing public shade trees in Middlesex County requires Tree Warden approval and a public hearing under MGL c.87. Many towns also regulate private tree removal through local tree bylaws.

View full Lexington rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBelmontLexington
Public TreesTree Warden + hearingTree Warden + hearing
Newton PrivatePermit over 8 in DBHPermit over 8 in DBH
Cambridge PrivatePermit over 6 in DBHPermit over 6 in DBH
Illegal Removal FineUp to $300 per diameter inchUp to $300 per diameter inch
Wetlands Buffer100 ft = conservation review100 ft = conservation review

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Belmont FAQ

Can I cut down a tree on my own property?

Check your town bylaw. Cambridge, Newton, Weston, Lincoln, and others require permits for private tree removal over certain sizes.

What happens if I cut a tree without a permit?

Fines can reach $300 per diameter inch plus appraised tree value, which for a mature oak may exceed $20,000.

Lexington FAQ

Can I cut down a tree on my own property?

Check your town bylaw. Cambridge, Newton, Weston, Lincoln, and others require permits for private tree removal over certain sizes.

What happens if I cut a tree without a permit?

Fines can reach $300 per diameter inch plus appraised tree value, which for a mature oak may exceed $20,000.

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