3 rules for unincorporated Bristol County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Public shade trees in Bristol County are protected by MGL c. 87 §3 — removal requires Tree Warden approval and public hearing. Private-property tree-removal rules vary by municipality.
Heritage and specimen trees in Bristol County receive enhanced protection under local bylaws and MGL c. 87. Historic districts and conservation land have added restrictions.
MGL c. 87 §3 — Cutting of public shade trees; public hearing; damages to fee owner
Section 3. Except as provided by section five, public shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the tree warden or his deputy, even if he be the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit in writing from said tree warden, nor shall they be cut down or removed by the tree warden or his deputy or other pe...
Replacement planting is required when permitted public shade trees are removed under MGL c. 87. Some Bristol County municipalities set private-property replacement ratios through local bylaw.
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