Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 87: Public Shade Tree Act
Chapter 87 of the Massachusetts General Laws defines public shade trees, grants local tree wardens the power and the duty to protect them, establishes standards for planting, pruning and removing them, and provides penalties for violating the standards.
Trees within or on the boundaries of a public way are defined as public shade trees to which Ch. 87 applies. It also applies to trees planted by the tree warden on private property within 20 feet of a public way with permission from the property owner.
Local tree wardens are responsible for the care and protection of public shade trees and for enforcing the provisions of Ch. 87. No person may plant, trim, cut, or remove a public shade tree without the tree warden’s permission. No person, including the tree warden, may remove a public shade tree greater than 1½” in diameter without a public hearing.
The best way to learn about Ch. 87 is to read it in full. Go to https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter87.
Chapter 87 of the Massachusetts General Laws defines public shade trees, grants local tree wardens the power and the duty to protect them, establishes standards for planting, pruning and removing them, and provides penalties for violating the standards.
Trees within or on the boundaries of a public way are defined as public shade trees to which Ch. 87 applies. It also applies to trees planted by the tree warden on private property within 20 feet of a public way with permission from the property owner.
Local tree wardens are responsible for the care and protection of public shade trees and for enforcing the provisions of Ch. 87. No person may plant, trim, cut, or remove a public shade tree without the tree warden’s permission. No person, including the tree warden, may remove a public shade tree greater than 1½” in diameter without a public hearing.
The best way to learn about Ch. 87 is to read it in full. Go to https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter87.