Norfolk County does not regulate trees. Public shade trees statewide are protected under MGL c. 87. Private tree removal permits exist in some Norfolk County towns (Brookline, Milton, Newton-adjacent) but not most.
Tree removal rules vary sharply across Norfolk County. The key statewide law is MGL c. 87 (Public Shade Tree Law), which protects any tree in or within 20 ft of a public way: removal requires a hearing before the town's Tree Warden. MGL c. 87 §3 criminalizes unauthorized cutting of shade trees. For private trees on private property, most Norfolk County towns have NO permit requirement — owners may remove trees at will. Exceptions with private tree ordinances include Brookline (General Bylaws Article 8.39 regulates removal of trees ≥18" DBH), Milton, and some wetland-adjacent parcels where tree removal triggers Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131 §40) Conservation Commission review. Scenic Road Law (MGL c. 40 §15C) protects trees along designated scenic roads.
No county enforcement. MGL c. 87 public shade tree violations: criminal under §6, up to $500/tree. Brookline Article 8.39: $300-$2,000/tree. Wetlands violations: up to $25,000.
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See how Brookline's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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