Worcester County, MA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Massachusetts has no statewide heritage tree law — protection depends on location and local bylaw. Worcester County has no countywide program because county government was abolished in 1998. All public shade trees (trees in public ways, town commons, parks) are protected under MGL c. 87 §§1-9 regardless of size or age — removal requires a Tree Warden hearing with posted notice and public comment under MGL c. 87 §3. 'Pine tree' protection along public ways under MGL c. 87 §3A applies to specified ornamental/shade pines. A handful of Worcester County municipalities have adopted local 'significant tree' or 'landmark tree' bylaws — Shrewsbury, Westborough, and Northborough are examples — typically triggered by trunk diameter thresholds (24+ inches DBH for maples/oaks, less for other species) or designation by local conservation or historical commissions. The Town of Harvard (Worcester County) and several others have notable heritage trees protected by vote. Private-property heritage trees generally have NO protection in Worcester County unless a local tree bylaw applies. Massachusetts champion trees are tracked by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Big Tree Program but inclusion does not confer legal protection. Trees within 100 ft of wetlands get Wetlands Protection Act protection regardless of species.