3 rules for unincorporated Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Tree removal permits in Worcester County are municipally administered. MGL c. 87 protects public shade trees — removal requires Tree Warden hearing. Worcester requires permits for public shade and park trees. Private property tree removal is less regulated.
Heritage tree protection in Worcester County is limited. Public shade trees are protected under MGL c. 87 regardless of age. Some towns (Shrewsbury, Westborough) designate 'significant' or 'landmark' trees. No statewide heritage tree law exists.
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...
Tree replacement in Worcester County is municipally regulated. MGL c. 87 §6 requires replacement of illegally removed public shade trees. Some Worcester County towns require replacement plantings for new construction. No statewide private replacement mandate.
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