Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Brookline vs Holbrook
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Brookline, MA and Holbrook, MA?
Holbrook has fewer restrictions than Brookline.
Brookline, MA
Norfolk County
Brookline's Tree Preservation Bylaw (effective March 27, 2025) requires a Tree Impact and Removal Permit for removing protected trees (6+ inches DBH within 20 ft of property line) and for construction/demolition near such trees. Mitigation costs $500 per inch of diameter removed.
View full Brookline rules →Holbrook, MA
Norfolk County
Tree removal in Norfolk County is governed by state law (MGL c. 87 for public trees) and municipal bylaws. Public shade trees require a Tree Warden permit. Many Norfolk County towns also require permits to remove large private trees.
View full Holbrook rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Brookline | Holbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes for trees 6+ in. DBH within 20 ft of property line | - |
| Mitigation Fee | $500 per inch of DBH removed | - |
| Low-Income Exemption | Available for qualifying single/two/three-family owners | - |
| Contact | Engineering: engineering@brooklinema.gov | (617) 730-2088 | - |
| Bylaw Effective | March 27, 2025 | - |
| Public Trees | - | Tree Warden permit + public hearing (MGL c. 87) |
| Private Trees | - | Check town preservation bylaw (diameter trigger varies) |
| Fine (Public Tree) | - | Up to $500 per tree (MGL c. 87 §3) |
| County Rule? | - | None — state law and municipal bylaws |
| Replacement | - | Some towns require replacement planting |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Brookline FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Brookline?
Brookline's Tree Preservation Bylaw (effective March 27, 2025) requires a Tree Impact and Removal Permit for removing protected trees (6+ inches DBH within 20 ft of property line) and for construction/demolition near such trees. Mitigation costs $500 per inch of diameter removed.
What are the tree removal rules in Brookline?
Permit Required: Yes for trees 6+ in. DBH within 20 ft of property line. Mitigation Fee: $500 per inch of DBH removed. Low-Income Exemption: Available for qualifying single/two/three-family owners. Contact: Engineering: engineering@brooklinema.gov | (617) 730-2088.
Holbrook FAQ
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in Norfolk County?
Tree removal in Norfolk County is governed by state law (MGL c. 87 for public trees) and municipal bylaws. Public shade trees require a Tree Warden permit. Many Norfolk County towns also require permits to remove large private trees.
What are the tree removal rules in Norfolk County?
Public Trees: Tree Warden permit + public hearing (MGL c. 87). Private Trees: Check town preservation bylaw (diameter trigger varies). Fine (Public Tree): Up to $500 per tree (MGL c. 87 §3). County Rule?: None — state law and municipal bylaws.
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