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Massachusetts Statewide Rule

Massachusetts Public Shade Tree Law and Trimming Rules

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Massachusetts (2026)

Key Facts

Governing Law
MGL Chapter 87
Authority
Local tree warden
Hearing Required
Trees 1.5 inches diameter or more
Maximum Fine
$500 per tree
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Massachusetts General Court

Summary

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87 establishes statewide rules governing the trimming, pruning, and care of public shade trees, requiring a tree warden's authorization for cutting in public ways.

Section 5. Tree wardens and their deputies, but no other person, may, without a hearing, trim, cut down or remove trees, less than one and one half inches in diameter one foot from the ground, and bushes, standing in public ways; and, if ordered by the mayor, selectmen, road commissioners or highway surveyor, shall trim or cut down trees and bushes, if the same shall be deemed to obstruct, endanger, hinder or incommode persons traveling thereon or to obstruct buildings being moved pursuant to the provisions of section eighteen of chapter eighty-five.

Source: Massachusetts General CourtView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Chapter 87 of the Massachusetts General Laws, all trees within a public way or on its boundary are public shade trees under the jurisdiction of the local tree warden. Section 3 requires a written permit and a public hearing before cutting or removing any public shade tree one and one-half inches or more in diameter; only trees smaller than that may be removed without a hearing. Private owners may trim trees on their own land freely, but trimming or cutting public shade trees, including overhanging branches in the public right-of-way, requires the tree warden's permission.

Violations & Penalties

Unauthorized cutting or injury of a public shade tree under Chapter 87, Section 6 carries fines up to $500 per tree, plus liability for treble damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trim a public shade tree in front of my Massachusetts home?
No. Public shade trees in the right-of-way are under the tree warden's jurisdiction. You must request authorization before pruning or cutting branches, even those overhanging your property.
Does Chapter 87 apply to trees entirely on my private property?
No. Chapter 87 governs only public shade trees in or along public ways. Trees fully on private land are governed by local bylaws and common law nuisance principles.

Sources

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