Public shade trees in Bristol County are protected by MGL c. 87 §3 — removal requires Tree Warden approval and public hearing. Private-property tree-removal rules vary by municipality.
Massachusetts protects public shade trees (those within the public right-of-way or on public land) under MGL c. 87 §3. Removal of any public shade tree in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, or any Bristol County municipality requires written permission from the local Tree Warden. Trees 1.5+ inch diameter at breast height (DBH) on public land trigger a public hearing under MGL c. 87 §4 with notice published and posted. Private-property tree removal is generally not regulated statewide but some Bristol County towns (Dartmouth, Westport, Fairhaven) have adopted local tree-protection bylaws for trees over a specified DBH (6-12 inches typical). Wetlands buffer zones under MGL c. 131 §40 restrict tree removal within 100 feet of wetland resources. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees qualify for expedited review.
Unauthorized removal of public shade tree: fine equal to tree value under MGL c. 87 §6, often $500 to $10,000+. Replacement planting at 2:1 or 3:1 ratio. Wetlands violations: MassDEP enforcement with daily fines.
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See how Bristol County's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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