No Massachusetts statute forces one-for-one tree replacement, but Essex County communities recover tree value when a public shade tree is destroyed. Chapter 87 sets a forfeiture up to $500, and abutters can claim damages when a town removes a public tree.
Massachusetts imposes no general replacement-tree mandate, so lost private yard trees need not be replaced. For public shade trees, chapter 87 protects value two ways: section 6 punishes unlawful cutting with a forfeiture of up to $500 to the city or town, and section 3 lets an abutter who objects to a removal recover damages under chapter 79. Several Essex towns add local bylaws requiring replacement plantings or payment into a tree fund for public trees taken during development.
Destroying a public shade tree brings a forfeiture up to $500 under section 6 plus liability for replacement value; town bylaws may add planting or fund payments.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Essex County's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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