Tree management in Bristol County is handled at the municipal level. Each town has a Tree Warden responsible for public shade trees under MGL Ch. 87. Property owners may trim branches extending over their property line. Some towns like Attleboro have adopted specific tree protection ordinances.
Massachusetts has strong public shade tree protections under MGL c.87 §§1 to 12. Public shade trees along roads require tree warden consent for removal or significant trimming. Bristol County’s tree warden manages public trees. Some municipalities have additional protected tree bylaws for significant private trees. Routine trimming generally doesn’t require permits. Trees overhanging property lines: owner can trim branches to the property line. Development projects must address tree impacts.
Unauthorized removal of public shade tree: $500 to $5,000+ (MGL c.87 §6). Replacement planting may be required.
Bristol County, MA
Amplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate o...
Bristol County, MA
New Bedford and Fall River ban on-street overnight parking during declared winter snow emergencies. Taunton has no blanket overnight ban but enforces posted ...
Bristol County, MA
EV charger installations in Bristol County require electrical permit under 527 CMR 12. Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code (780 CMR Appendix 115....
Bristol County, MA
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunto...
Bristol County, MA
MassWildlife (MGL ch. 131 §5A as amended) prohibits intentional feeding of black bears statewide. Bristol County cities restrict feeding of deer, turkeys, an...
Bristol County, MA
Bristol County is not in a high wildfire-hazard zone like western states, but DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control enforces MGL ch. 48 §13 open-burning rules. F...
See how Bristol County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.