Tree removal permits in Worcester County are municipally administered. MGL c. 87 protects public shade trees — removal requires Tree Warden hearing. Worcester requires permits for public shade and park trees. Private property tree removal is less regulated.
Tree removal in Worcester County is governed by a mix of state and municipal law. MGL c. 87 (the Public Shade Tree law) protects all trees within public ways and on public property — the City of Worcester's Tree Warden (within the DPW & Parks Forestry Division) must hold a public hearing before removing any public shade tree, with notice posted on the tree. Private property trees are generally NOT regulated in Massachusetts the way they are in California or Florida — there is no statewide tree ordinance, and most Worcester County municipalities do not require permits to cut down a tree on your own land. Worcester city private-property trees generally do not require removal permits. However, several Worcester County towns — particularly affluent MetroWest suburbs including Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, Grafton, and Southborough — have adopted local Tree Protection bylaws for trees over 6-12 inch DBH with permit, fee-in-lieu, or replacement requirements triggered by new construction or removal. The Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131 §40) prevents tree cutting within 100 ft of wetlands without Conservation Commission approval. Scenic roads designated under MGL c. 40 §15C require Planning Board review for tree cutting. State forests and conservation land have separate DCR rules.
Illegal removal of public shade tree: MGL c. 87 §6 criminal penalty up to $500 plus replanting. Tree cutting within wetlands buffer without approval: MassDEP and Conservation Commission enforcement up to $25,000/day plus restoration. Scenic road tree removal without approval: $100-$500 municipal fine.
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