Rhode Island Public Shade Tree Trimming Statute

Under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 2-14 (Tree Wardens), all trees within a public way are public shade trees under the jurisdiction of the municipal tree warden. Sections 2-14-5, 2-14-7, and 2-14-8 give the warden care and control and govern removal and pruning, which require posted notice and, on objection, a public hearing. Utility line-clearance work must follow approved practices coordinated with the warden. Trimming privately owned trees on your own property is not state-regulated, but injuring a tree on another's land without permission is penalized under Section 11-44-2, and trespass and nuisance law applies to neighbor disputes.

Injuring or removing a tree on public grounds or another person's land without permission is penalized under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 11-44-2 by up to triple the damages or $1,000, plus up to one year imprisonment.