Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Somerville vs Wakefield
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Somerville, MA and Wakefield, MA?
Somerville and Wakefield have similar restriction levels.
Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
The Somerville Tree Preservation Ordinance (2020) requires a permit to remove any significant tree on private property and mandates replacement or fee-in-lieu payments to the tree fund.
View full Somerville rules →Wakefield, 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 Wakefield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Wakefield |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | 2020-9 Tree Preservation | - |
| Trigger | 6 inch DBH or greater | - |
| Mitigation | Replacement or fee-in-lieu | - |
| Public trees | MGL c.87 hearing required | - |
| Illegal removal fine | Up to 300 dollars per day | - |
| Public Trees | - | Tree Warden + hearing |
| Newton Private | - | Permit over 8 in DBH |
| Cambridge Private | - | Permit over 6 in DBH |
| Illegal Removal Fine | - | Up to $300 per diameter inch |
| Wetlands Buffer | - | 100 ft = conservation review |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerville FAQ
Can I remove a tree in my yard?
Only with a permit from the Tree Warden if the tree is 6 inches DBH or larger.
What if the tree is dead?
Submit certified arborist documentation with your permit application. Hazard trees are approved more easily but still permitted.
Wakefield 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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