Removals

The removal of public shade trees is governed by Massachusetts General Law (MGL) and may only be removed with the consent of the City’s Tree Warden. In general, only trees that are deemed dead, dying or hazardous are removed. The United States Department of Agriculture’s How to Recognize Hazardous Defects in Trees defines a “hazard tree” as a tree with structural defects likely to cause failure of all or part of the tree, which could strike a ‘target’. A ‘target’ can be a person, vehicle, building, or a place where people gather such as a park bench, picnic table, street, or backyard. If the Tree Warden determines a tree should be removed, the tree will be posted as to the date on or after when the tree will be removed. If someone objects to the removal the tree, the removal assessment will be reviewed again in compliance with MGL before it is placed on the removal list. Work will be completed based on priority. Once a tree is removed, a stump will be left and the location will be placed on the stump removal list. Once the stump is removed the area will be loamed and seeded. If the site warrants, it will be placed on the tree replacement list.

Below are a list of public trees currently on the removal list (removal notices will be posted for at least 2 weeks before a tree will be removed)

Trees to be Removed on or After 2/26/2024