Fall River, MA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Fall River, 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 required
- Yes, for public trees
- Issuing authority
- Board of Park Commissioners
- Replacement condition
- Tree or fee, Board's discretion
- Cost borne by
- Applicant
- Applies to
- Public trees only
Summary
Removing a public tree in Fall River, Massachusetts for construction requires a Board of Park Commissioners permit, and the Board may require the applicant to plant a replacement tree or pay into the City's tree fund as a condition of that permit.
No person, public utility, or other governmental agency shall remove a public tree for the purpose of construction without first filing an application and obtaining a permit from the Board of Park Commissioners in conjunction with the Urban Tree Commission and the Tree Warden. The Board of Park Commissioners, in conjunction with the Urban Tree Commission and the Tree Warden, may require replacement of a removed tree or financial reimbursement of a removed tree as a condition of the issuance of the permit.
(3) Such replacement shall meet the standards of size, species and placement as provided for in the permit issued by the Board of Park Commissioners in conjunction with the Urban Tree Commission and the Tree Warden. The person, business, public agency or property owner shall bear the cost of removal and replacement of all trees removed.
H.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under the Fall River Tree Ordinance, no person, utility, or government agency may remove a public tree, one growing on a street, park, or other public place in Fall River, Massachusetts, for construction without a permit from the Board of Park Commissioners, working with the Urban Tree Commission and Tree Warden. The Board may condition permit approval on replacing the tree or paying financial reimbursement into the City's planting fund. Replacement trees must meet size, species, and placement standards set in the permit, and the applicant bears all removal and replacement costs. This applies only to trees on City-owned land, not private trees.
Violations & Fines
Removing a public tree without a permit is enforced by the Board of Park Commissioners and Tree Warden, who may pursue legal action through Corporation Counsel; permit holders who miss compliance deadlines risk permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a public tree in Fall River?
Does this rule cover trees on my own private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle tree removal & heritage trees.