Participate In The Public Tree Ordinance Process
Here you can find information on public meetings related to trees and tree removal hearings.
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.
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Have questions? Contact:
URBAN FORESTRy Division
Community Meetings Related to Trees
Community MeetingsDorchester Park Pathways Tree community Meeting
Tuesday, September 17, 6 -7:30 P.M.Join to review the trees proposed for removal in order to accommodate new accessible routes and pathways in Dorchester Park.
| Meeting Name | Meeting Date | Associated Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Check back later for Arborist Reports from past meetings. |
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 (MGL 87)
Tree Removal HearingsIf you want to have a public shade tree removed for construction or another reason, please read this guide on the application process.
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 Thursday of that month.
Below are the hearings that are currently scheduled:
Tree removal hearing: FENWAY/Kenmore
Thursday, November 7, 10 -10:30 A.M.The request is for the removal of two (2) Pear trees measuring 8 inches DBH (diameter at breast height) and 6 inches DBH in order to make the entrances to 700 Commonwealth Avenue and the access walkway from Hinsdale Mall and Cummington Mall, ADA compliant.
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
Dorchester, MA 02118
| Quarter Date | Tree Hearing Report |
|---|---|
| April-June 2024 | Tree Hearing Quarterly Report |
| July-September 2024 | Tree Hearing Quarterly Report |
| more to come! |
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.
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Have questions? Contact:
URBAN FORESTRy Division
