Rhode Island Public Shade Tree Trimming Statute

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-2, public shade trees in any street, highway, or public right-of-way may be substantially trimmed only with the written permission of the tree warden. Routine maintenance trimming by utility companies is governed by § 2-14-7, which allows necessary line-clearance work but requires advance notice and coordination with the tree warden. Improper trimming damaging tree health is treated as injury to the tree under § 2-14-9. Municipalities adopt their own standards consistent with the statewide framework. Trimming privately owned trees on private property is not state-regulated, but trespass and nuisance laws apply to neighbor disputes.

Substantial unauthorized trimming of a public shade tree is treated as injury under § 2-14-9, with penalties up to triple the tree's appraised value plus repair costs.