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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Protection threshold
Trees over 8 inches DBH
Chapter adopted
2008, Order No. 2008-048
Enforced by
City Arborist / Inspectional Services
Max fine
$300 per day of violation

Summary

Quincy has no landmark or heritage-tree registry: instead, Chapter 311 protects any tree over 8 inches DBH as a "significant tree," triggering City Arborist review before removal for development.

SIGNIFICANT TREE: Any tree or trees larger than eight inches DBH which are on a lot or which have been removed from the lot within one year prior to the submission of a tree study to the City Arborist.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4608810; v7 updated 2025-10-06; through 10-06-2025).

Full Breakdown

Quincy's Tree Protection ordinance (Chapter 311, adopted 2008) doesn't designate individual "heritage" or "landmark" trees the way some cities do. Instead it defines any tree over eight inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) as a "significant tree" and applies citywide, covering both public shade trees and qualifying trees on private lots in Quincy, Norfolk County. Once a lot has a significant tree, projects requiring a variance, special permit, or building permit must submit a tree study to the City Arborist before that tree can be disturbed or removed.

Violations & Fines

Working around a significant tree without an approved tree study, or violating a stop-work order, carries fines up to $300 per day, plus withheld certificates of occupancy, under § 311-10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Quincy have a heritage or landmark tree list?
No. Quincy protects trees by size, not individual designation: any tree over 8 inches DBH on a lot qualifies as a "significant tree" under Chapter 311, regardless of species or age.
Which trees are covered by Quincy's tree protection law?
Any tree larger than eight inches DBH on a lot, plus public shade trees in the right-of-way, are protected once a development project is proposed under Chapter 311.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Quincy

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Quincy rules

Compare Quincy to another location·View the Massachusetts tree protection overview

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