Everett, MA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearance over sidewalks
- Limbs lower than ten (10) feet are a nuisance
- Clearance over streets
- Limbs lower than fourteen (14) feet are a nuisance
- Dead limb presumption
- 50% or more without leaves in the growing season
- Public tree permit fee
- No tree permit application fee is charged
- Public tree administrator
- Tree Warden, a certified arborist appointed by the Mayor
- Maximum fine
- $300.00 per offense under Section 1-8
Summary
In the City of Everett, Massachusetts, Section 13A-62 makes any tree limb over a public sidewalk lower than ten (10) feet, or over a public street lower than fourteen (14) feet, a public nuisance. Dead or dying trees that could fall on a street, sidewalk or structure are a nuisance too, presumed dead at 50% or more without leaves.
(g) Public Peace and Safety – The following acts, omissions, places, conditions, and things are hereby declared to be public nuisances affecting peace and/or safety, but such enumeration shall not be construed to exclude other nuisances: ... (9) Tree Limbs – All limbs of trees which project over a public sidewalk less than ten (10) feet above the surface thereof and all limbs which project over a public street less than fourteen (14) feet above the surface thereof. (10) Dead Trees – All dead or dying trees and tree limbs, which are so situated that the tree or limb could fall on a public or private street, alley, sidewalk, parking lot, house, garage, playground equipment or other structure. A tree limb shall be presumed to be dead or dying if 50% or more of the tree or limb does not have leaves or other growth consistent with the on it during the growing season;
Full Breakdown
The Everett City Council, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, set the clearance numbers in Section 13A-62(g)(9): limbs that project over a public sidewalk less than ten (10) feet above the surface, and limbs that project over a public street less than fourteen (14) feet above the surface, are public nuisances affecting peace and safety. Section 13A-62(g)(10) adds dead or dying trees and tree limbs situated so they could fall on a public or private street, alley, sidewalk, parking lot, house, garage, playground equipment or other structure. A limb is presumed dead or dying if 50% or more of the tree or limb lacks leaves or other growth during the growing season.
Enforcement runs through Chapter 13A. A director can respond to a field observation or reliable complaint with a warning, a citation, or a notice and order to correct that requires the trimming or removal, and if the owner does not act the City can abate the condition and charge the costs as a lien (Sections 13A-6, 13A-39 and 13A-53). Section 13A-62 declares these conditions nuisances regardless of whether the tree stands on private or public land, and the dead tree rule names private streets and private property as places a falling tree can threaten.
City-owned trees follow Chapter 17. Under Sections 17-123 and 17-124, the Tree Warden, a certified arborist appointed by the Mayor, administers the division for public trees and public shade trees. Section 17-126 requires a tree permit for any project in which a public tree will be removed, damaged or disturbed, including pruning, and no tree permit application fee is charged. A resident should not prune a city tree without that permit. The Tree Warden can prescribe protective measures in writing before work starts.
Violations & Fines
A violation is penalized under the Section 1-8 general penalty of not more than $300.00 per offense, with each day treated as a separate violation. A citation is payable or appealable within twenty-one days (Section 13A-24). If a notice and order to correct is ignored, daily penalties run for thirty days and then double (Section 13A-44), and the City can bill its abatement costs as a lien against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must tree branches be over an Everett sidewalk?
When does Everett treat a tree limb as dead?
Can I trim a city street tree myself?
Who enforces limb clearance in Everett?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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