Trimming a tree on your own Hampshire County lot needs no permit. But any tree within a public way is a public shade tree under MGL c.87, and it cannot be cut or trimmed without the town tree warden's written permit and, for removal, a public hearing.
Massachusetts draws a sharp line. Under MGL c.87 §1, all trees within a public way or on its boundaries are public shade trees, and §3 bars anyone, even the abutting owner, from cutting, trimming, or removing them without a written permit from the municipal tree warden and, for removal, a posted public hearing. Every Hampshire County town and the city of Northampton appoints a tree warden who holds this authority; there is no county tree office. Trees standing wholly on private property are a different matter and are generally not regulated, so a homeowner may prune their own yard trees freely. Utility-line clearance is coordinated with the tree warden.
Cutting or trimming a public shade tree without the tree warden's written permit violates MGL c.87 and exposes the person to fines and liability for the tree's appraised value. Pruning trees on your own land carries no state penalty.
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See how Hampshire County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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