Participate in the Public Tree Ordinance Process

Here you can find information on public meetings related to trees and tree removal hearings.

Page Sections

The Urban Forestry Division oversees street trees. These are defined as public shade trees that are protected by Massachusetts General Law: Chapter 87. The law has been in effect for over a century. It extends protections to public shade trees and governs their removal.

Public Meetings Related to Trees

Public Meetings

Upcoming Meetings

There are no meetings scheduled at this time.

Documents Relating to Past Public Meetings

Meeting Name	Meeting Date	Associated Documents
Check back later for Arborist Reports from past meetings.

Ways to Participate in a Public Meeting

During an online meeting, members of the public may submit any comments or questions by “raising their hand”, or by typing in the chat box.

You can also provide public testimony before the meeting by sending an email to trees@boston.gov.

(Please put “[Location] Tree hearing” in the subject line).

Tree Removal Hearings

Tree Hearing Process

If you want to have a public shade tree removed for construction or another reason, please read this guide on the application process.

Upcoming Tree Removal Hearings

Tree hearings are scheduled for the first Thursday of each month starting at 10 a.m. If the first Thursday of the month is on a holiday observed by the City of Boston, the Tree Removal Hearing will be held on the second Tuesday of that month.

There are no tree removal hearings scheduled at this time.

Ways to Participate in a Tree Removal Hearing

During the online hearing, members of the public may submit any comments or questions by “raising their hand”, or by typing in the chat box. You can also provide public testimony before the meeting, by email or mail:

BY EMAIL:

trees@boston.gov (Please put “[Location] Tree hearing” in the subject line)

BY MAIL:

Tree Warden, Boston Parks and Recreation Department
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd floor
Roxbury, MA 02118

Related Information

Urban Forestry Division

Find information on tree care, latest news, and more!

Request a Tree Removal Hearing

If you need to remove a street tree for construction or another reason, you must follow the process in accordance with Massachusetts General Law 87.

Public Notices

Find out about all upcoming City of Boston public notices and hearings.