Springfield, MA Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

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.

B. The City Forester shall grant such permit only upon a showing by a preponderance of the evidence that the continued present state of such tree endangers persons or property or is diseased or damaged.

C. Each person shall be responsible for ascertaining the age and diameter (DBH) of any tree prior to such person cutting, trimming or removing same.

D. A person who is aggrieved by the provisions of this section may apply directly to the Park Commission for a permit to cut, trim or remove, in whole or in part, any significant tree which is otherwise protected under this section so long as such Commission, in the exercise of its discretion, is satisfied that such applicant would sustain a hardship, financial or otherwise, which outweighs any detriment to the public interest that would result in the application of this section. For the purpose of this section, "hardship" is the loss of an advantage. It may include, but is not limited to, a monetary advantage or the advantage to put property to a particular use.