Somerville, MA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

2 bars pruning a public shade tree or city tree without a pruning permit from the tree warden. The application must be made in writing on the tree warden's form and must include the tree's location, species, and DBH, an indication of which branches are proposed for pruning or removal and their diameter at the point of cutting, and the rough percentage of live crown area to be removed. There is no fee to apply, and the tree warden or designee must review and respond within thirty business days of a completed submission.

Any pruning must be carried out by an arborist holding a current Massachusetts Arborist Association or International Society of Arboriculture credential and must conform to specifications the tree warden approves. The companion Sec. 1 backs this by requiring written consent from the tree warden before any public shade tree or city tree is removed, pruned, or otherwise damaged above or below ground, defining "damage" broadly to include unauthorized or improper pruning, breaking or tearing branches, wounding bark, excessive compaction within the critical root zone, and root breaking or unauthorized root pruning.

Outdoor construction activity within fifty feet of a public shade tree's trunk, or roof/siding work within ten feet, additionally triggers a tree protection plan requirement under Sec. 1(c).