Oak Tree Removal in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots; cities such as Providence manage street trees and require permits to work on them. Work in coastal areas may fall under Coastal Resources Management Council rules, so check before cutting near the shoreline or coastal wetlands.

Red, black and white oak: dominant natives; moth-killed trees Norway maple: common street tree; decay with age Red maple: common in wet areas

Late summer–fall: Hurricane season Winter–spring: Nor'easters and wet snow

Repeated defoliation killed or weakened many oaks.

Coastal wind and surge topple trees and break crowns.

Big trees close to houses and lines need careful rigging.