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
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 →Lexington, MA
Middlesex County
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 →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Belmont | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Public Trees | Tree Warden + hearing | Tree Warden + hearing |
| Newton Private | Permit over 8 in DBH | Permit over 8 in DBH |
| Cambridge Private | Permit over 6 in DBH | Permit over 6 in DBH |
| Illegal Removal Fine | Up to $300 per diameter inch | Up to $300 per diameter inch |
| Wetlands Buffer | 100 ft = conservation review | 100 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.
Compare other topics
See how Belmont and Lexington compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool