Massachusetts Statewide Rule

Massachusetts Heritage Tree and Scenic Road Protection

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts Scenic Roads Act protects trees and stone walls along designated scenic roads, requiring public hearing before any removal or alteration.

Key Facts

Statute: G.L. c. 40 Sec. 15C
Protected Items: Trees, stone walls
Hearing Required: Yes, planning board
Combined With: Public Shade Tree Law

Source: Massachusetts General Court

Full Breakdown

G.L. c. 40 Section 15C, the Scenic Roads Act, allows municipalities to designate roads as scenic. Once designated, no tree within the right-of-way may be cut or removed and no stone wall destroyed without prior written consent of the planning board after a public hearing with notice. The protection is in addition to public shade tree protections under c. 87. While designation is local, the procedural protections and statewide standard for hearings are dictated by state law and cannot be weakened by municipalities.

Violations & Penalties

Cutting or removal without planning board consent violates state law and exposes the violator to injunctive relief and replacement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a scenic road designated?

Town meeting or city council, on recommendation from the planning board, historical commission, or conservation commission, may designate any non-numbered road as scenic under c. 40 Section 15C.

Does the law protect trees on private property?

Only trees within the public right-of-way along scenic roads are covered. Trees fully on private land are not protected unless under separate local heritage tree bylaws.

Sources

G.L. c. 40 Section 15C

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a scenic road designated?

Town meeting or city council, on recommendation from the planning board, historical commission, or conservation commission, may designate any non-numbered road as scenic under c. 40 Section 15C.

Does the law protect trees on private property?

Only trees within the public right-of-way along scenic roads are covered. Trees fully on private land are not protected unless under separate local heritage tree bylaws.