Oak Tree Removal in Boston, MA

Street trees are public shade trees protected by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 87 and can't be cut down without a public hearing and Tree Warden authorization. Requests go to the Tree Warden at Boston Parks and Recreation (trees@boston.gov) with a site plan. If approved, removal is at the requester's expense, plus a per-inch payment into the Fund for Parks and Recreation before the permit is granted.

Norway maple: very common; beetle host; surface roots Honeylocust: common street tree London planetree: large, durable street tree

Public shade trees need a Tree Warden permit and public hearing before removal.

Wind and wet snow break limbs across the city, especially on maples and pears.

Backyard trees are rigged and carried out through narrow side passages.

Triple-deckers and row houses on small lots, often with shared driveways, fences and overhead lines across yards. Street parking rules affect where trucks can work.