The MA Public Shade Tree Law (MGL Chapter 87) requires Tree Warden approval for pruning any public shade tree. All 54 Middlesex municipalities appoint a Tree Warden with legal authority.
Tree trimming in Middlesex County is strictly regulated by the Massachusetts Public Shade Tree Law, MGL Chapter 87. Under this law, every city and town must appoint a Tree Warden who has exclusive legal authority over public shade trees, defined as trees in public ways or on the boundary of public ways. No person may cut, trim, or remove a public shade tree without written permission from the Tree Warden, and for trees over 1.5 inches diameter, a public hearing is required before removal. Violations can carry fines up to $500 per tree plus restitution for tree value, which can exceed $10,000 for mature specimens. Trees on private property are generally the owner's to trim, but trees near power lines fall under utility easement rules (Eversource, National Grid). Branches overhanging a neighbor's property may be trimmed to the property line under common law, but cutting beyond is actionable trespass. Middlesex towns like Newton, Brookline (Norfolk), Cambridge, Lexington, and Arlington actively enforce Chapter 87.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle tree trimming.
See how Arlington's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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