Replacement planting is required when permitted public shade trees are removed under MGL c. 87. Some Bristol County municipalities set private-property replacement ratios through local bylaw.
MGL c. 87 §6 requires the Tree Warden to assess the value of a removed public shade tree and collect payment for replacement. Standard municipal replacement ratios in Bristol County run 1:1 to 3:1 depending on the size and species of the removed tree. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper requirements, typically 1.5 to 2.5 inch caliper at planting. Approved species lists favor native New England hardwoods (red oak, white oak, sugar maple, tupelo) and climate-adapted species; invasive species from 333 CMR 1.03 are prohibited. Replacements planted on the same property where space allows, or fee-in-lieu paid to the municipal tree fund. One- to two-year maintenance guarantee ensures establishment. Dartmouth and Westport have formal tree-fund programs.
Failure to replace: $250 to $1,000 per tree plus required planting under MGL c. 87 §6. Fee-in-lieu non-payment: collected as a property lien under MGL c. 40 §58.
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See how New Bedford's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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