Tree removal permits in Worcester County are municipally administered. MGL c. 87 protects public shade trees β 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 β 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 β 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 β particularly affluent MetroWest suburbs including Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, Grafton, and Southborough β 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 Β§40) prevents tree cutting within 100 ft of wetlands without Conservation Commission approval. Scenic roads designated under MGL c. 40 Β§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 Β§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.
Worcester, MA
Worcester enforces quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 7 AM on weekends under the city's Excessive and Unreasonable Noise ordinance. ...
Worcester, MA
Worcester regulates construction noise under its noise ordinance. Construction activities generating excessive noise are restricted during quiet hours. Permi...
Worcester, MA
Worcester addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance and animal control regulations. Dogs creating persistent noise that disturbs neighbors consti...
Worcester, MA
MGL c. 90, Β§22C β abandoned vehicles on public ways tagged after 72 hours, may be towed. Worcester Police and DPW enforce. City also has an 'Unregistered Veh...
Worcester, MA
Worcester regulates parking of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential areas. These vehicles should be stored on private property and are s...
Worcester, MA
Worcester requires vehicles to be parked on approved hard surfaces. Driveway construction or modification requires permits. Vehicles may not be parked on fro...
See how Worcester'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.