Massachusetts protects all trees within public ways as public shade trees, requiring tree warden hearing and posted notice before removal statewide.
G.L. c. 87 establishes that all trees within a public way or on the boundaries are public shade trees under the control of the local tree warden. No public shade tree larger than one and one-half inches in diameter at breast height may be cut, trimmed, or removed without written permission from the tree warden after a public hearing held under c. 87 Section 3. Notice must be posted on the tree at least seven days in advance, and the warden may impose conditions including replacement.
Unauthorized cutting of a public shade tree is punishable by fines up to $500 per tree and treble damages under G.L. c. 242 Section 7.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces numerical decibel limits: 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at residential receptors, with a 5 dBA penalty for tonal or impulsive sounds.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge treats persistent barking as a noise violation under Chapter 8.16 and an animal nuisance under Chapter 6.04; owners of chronically barking dogs fac...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge banned gas-powered leaf blowers in 2024, requiring all landscapers and residents to switch to electric models, with time and decibel restrictions r...
Cambridge, MA
Outdoor music events in Cambridge require a one-day entertainment license from the License Commission, with end times typically capped at 10 PM on weeknights...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces strict industrial and commercial noise limits: 60 dB days and 50 dB nights at residential property lines, aligned with MassDEP Policy 90-001.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge reserves designated EV charging station spaces for actively charging electric vehicles only, and new large developments must provide EV-ready parki...
See how Cambridge's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.