Heritage & Protected Trees: Boston vs Revere
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Boston, MA and Revere, MA?
Boston and Revere have similar restriction levels.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
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.
View full Boston rules →Revere, MA
Suffolk County
Massachusetts Public Shade Trees over 14 inches circumference (~4.5" diameter) receive heightened protection under MGL c. 87 §3. Boston does not maintain a separate heritage-tree registry but manages landmark trees on public land through Parks & Rec.
View full Revere rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Revere |
|---|---|---|
| Registry | No formal registry — notable trees tracked | - |
| Public Tree Law | MGL c.87 protections apply | - |
| Specimen Size | Typically 14+ inches DBH | - |
| Replacement Ratio | 2:1 to 3:1 caliper inches | - |
| Historic Trees | Boston Common, Public Garden | - |
| State Threshold | - | 14 in circumference (MGL c. 87 §3) |
| Removal | - | Public hearing required |
| Boston Landmarks | - | Emerald Necklace specimens |
| Timber Trespass | - | Triple damages (MGL c. 242 §7) |
| Authority | - | Tree Warden + BLC (historic) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Does Boston have a heritage tree program?
Boston does not have a formal heritage tree registry, but the Parks Department tracks notable trees and all public shade trees are protected under MGL c.87. Exceptionally significant trees receive heightened protection during development review.
What happens if a developer needs to remove a large tree in Boston?
Development projects reviewed by the BPDA must survey trees and attempt to preserve specimen trees (14+ inches DBH). When removal is unavoidable, replacement at 2:1 to 3:1 caliper inch ratios is typically required.
Revere FAQ
Is there a Boston heritage tree registry?
Not a formal city registry, but MGL c. 87 §3 automatically protects public shade trees over 14 inches circumference with mandatory public hearing before removal. Major specimens in the Emerald Necklace and Common receive enhanced Parks Department care.
What's the penalty for cutting down my neighbor's tree?
Massachusetts' timber trespass statute (MGL c. 242 §7) allows triple damages — three times the restoration or timber value. For mature shade trees valued by arborists at $10,000-$50,000, judgments routinely reach $30,000-$150,000. Plus tort damages.
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