Springfield, MA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Age threshold
- 75 years or older
- Size threshold
- 3-foot diameter (DBH)
- Applies to
- Public and private property
- Permit standard
- Endangers persons/property, diseased, or damaged
- Appeal body
- Park Commission (hardship)
Summary
Springfield, Massachusetts bans cutting or removing any tree 75 years or older, or three feet or more in diameter, without a City Forester permit, even on private land.
SIGNIFICANT TREE: Any tree which is 75 years old or older, or which has a DBH of three feet or more on public or private property. ... It is unlawful for any person to cut, trim, prune or remove, in whole or in part, any significant tree, even if such person is the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit, in writing, from the City Forester, and only to the extent of the terms and conditions of such permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 368 of the Springfield, Massachusetts code defines a 'significant tree' as any tree 75 years old or older, or with a diameter at breast height of three feet or more, on public or private property. Section 368-6 makes it unlawful for anyone, including the property owner, to cut, trim, prune, or remove a significant tree in whole or in part without a written City Forester permit, and the permit only covers what its terms allow. The City Forester may grant a permit only on a preponderance-of-the-evidence showing that the tree endangers persons or property, or is diseased or damaged. A property owner denied a permit can appeal to the Park Commission on hardship grounds.
Violations & Fines
Cutting, trimming, or removing a significant tree without a permit is fined up to $500 per violation, or up to triple the tree's value under MGL c. 242, § 7, under § 368-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut down a large old tree on my own property in Springfield, MA?
What counts as a protected 'significant tree' in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts tree protection overview
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