Norfolk County does not regulate tree trimming. Rules governing tree work near roads and utility lines are set by state law, each municipality's tree warden, and utility companies.
Norfolk County has no tree trimming ordinance. Massachusetts law (MGL c. 87) governs public shade trees — trees within or alongside public ways may not be cut, trimmed, or removed without a permit from the municipal Tree Warden. Private trees may generally be trimmed by the owner, with restrictions only when trimming involves street trees or work near utility lines. Utility easements give companies like Eversource authority to trim trees near power lines. Some Norfolk County towns have Tree Preservation bylaws restricting trimming of significant trees on private property. Contact your town's Tree Warden for rules on public trees.
Unauthorized cutting of public shade tree: MGL c. 87 §3 — fine up to $500 per tree. Municipal tree bylaws may impose additional fines.
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not regulate amplified music. Each municipality requires entertainment licenses or one-day amplified sound permits under MGL c. 140 §183A...
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not handle abandoned vehicles. MGL c. 90B §2 allows police to remove abandoned vehicles after 72 hours. Quincy, Brookline, and Weymouth t...
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not regulate chickens or livestock. Each town sets its own rules via zoning and board of health regulations. Suburban towns often restric...
Bellingham, MA
Bellingham follows the Massachusetts state framework for residential fire pits: cooking-only fire pits and grills are exempt from open-burning rules, but any...
Bellingham, MA
Bellingham allows residential open burning only during the Massachusetts state burn season — January 15 through May 1 — with a daily permit from the Bellingh...
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not license food trucks. Mobile food vendors need a common victualler license from each town plus a food service permit from the local bo...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Norfolk County.
See how other cities in Norfolk County handle tree trimming.
See how Bellingham's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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