Everett, MA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Everett, MA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Everett Tree Warden, appointed by the Mayor
- Application fee
- None charged
- Permit validity
- 90 days, extendable by written request
- Survey deadline
- Not less than 21 days before the application
- Removal without permit
- Fine of two times total DBH removed
- Stop work violation
- $300, each day a separate offense
Summary
In the City of Everett, Massachusetts, a tree permit from the Tree Warden is required for any project that will remove, damage or disturb a significant tree, a public tree or a public shade tree, including pruning, digging and soil compaction in the critical root zone. No application fee is charged, and an issued permit is valid for 90 days.
(a) A tree permit shall be required in the case of any project where any applicable significant tree(s) or any public tree(s) or any public shade tree(s) will be removed, damaged, or disturbed including pruning, digging, or through the compaction of soil due to the passage or parking of vehicles or equipment within the critical root zone of the tree(s). (b) No tree permit shall be required for the removal or disturbance of any significant tree(s) located wholly on a lot not owned or managed by the City except in the case of any project which requires a special permit per Appendix A, Section 3 of these Revised Ordinances or a site plan review per Appendix A, Section 19 of these Revised. Ordinances.[1] ... (c) No tree permit application fee shall be charged. ... (f) Any tree permit issued by the Tree Warden shall be valid for 90 days from issuance. The Tree Warden, following an email or written request by the applicant, may extend the length of the permit for any length of time, as they deem necessary and appropriate.
Full Breakdown
Tree removal in the City of Everett, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is governed by Division 3, City Tree Ordinances, of Chapter 17, added 3-24-2025 by Ord. No. C0087-25. Section 17-123 puts administration in the hands of the Tree Warden, and Section 17-124 requires the Tree Warden to be a certified arborist appointed by the Mayor.
Section 17-126(a) requires a tree permit whenever a project will remove, damage or disturb an applicable significant tree, public tree or public shade tree. Disturbance includes pruning, digging and compaction of soil from the passage or parking of vehicles or equipment within the critical root zone. Subsection (b) exempts significant trees located wholly on a lot not owned or managed by the City, except where the project needs a special permit under Appendix A, Section 3 or a site plan review under Appendix A, Section 19 of the ordinances. No application fee is charged under subsection (c).
Before the permit stage, Section 17-125 requires a tree survey for any project needing a building permit, special permit or site plan review, or any project that touches public trees. A self-certified survey is allowed only where no public tree is affected and no special permit or site plan review is needed. Otherwise the survey lists genus, species, height, DBH and critical root zone, covers trees removed from the lot up to five years earlier, is signed by a certified arborist and reaches the Tree Warden not less than 21 days before the application.
Once issued, the permit lasts 90 days, and the Tree Warden can extend it on an email or written request. The Tree Warden can prescribe written protective measures, and the owner commits to comply with the permit, mitigation plan and tree protection plan. Section 17-127 requires a mitigation plan when a permit allows removal: replacement trees or a payment into the tree replacement fund created by Section 17-122, subject to Tree Warden approval. Subsection (h) of Section 17-126 lets the Tree Warden waive the division during an emergency such as a tornado, windstorm or flood.
Violations & Fines
Section 17-130(h) fines a tree removed without a permit at two times the total DBH of the trees removed, with no reduction allowed. Continuing work after a stop work order, failing to replace a tree or pay into the fund past the permit timeframe, and breaking a permit condition each carry $300, and daily continuation counts as a separate offense. Vandalism to a tree is up to $300. Citations can also issue under MGL c. 40, § 21D at up to $300 per day, and the City can seek an injunction in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tree permit to remove a tree on my own lot in Everett, Massachusetts?
How much does an Everett tree permit cost and how long does it last?
What happens if a tree is removed without a permit?
Who issues tree permits in the City of Everett?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle tree removal & heritage trees.