Massachusetts Public Shade Tree Law and Trimming Rules

Under Chapter 87 of the Massachusetts General Laws, all trees within a public way or on the boundary thereof are deemed public shade trees and fall under the jurisdiction of the local tree warden. The statute requires public hearings before removal of any public shade tree of one foot or more in diameter. Private property 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 permission from the tree warden. Utility companies must follow notification procedures under Chapter 87, Section 14 before pruning around lines.

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.