Public shade trees are one of the most valuable assets in a city, and they provide a multitude of benefits to our community. In recognition of the importance of our public trees, our City and State have laws focused on their protection and preservation.
MA Shade Tree Law
Massachusetts has the oldest public shade tree law in the United States, dating all the way back to 1899. This law mandated that all towns within the Commonwealth must have a Tree Warden, which remains in effect to this day. MA General Law Chapter 87, known as the “Shade Trees” Law, provides great protection to our public shade trees, and was significantly ahead of its time in recognizing the importance of our public trees and taking steps to protect them.
Springfield City Tree Protection Ordinance
Along with MA General Law Chapter 87, Springfield has taken further steps to strengthen the protection of our public shade trees by passing a local tree protection ordinance. Springfield City Code Chapter 368, “Tree Protection” expands on the State law and provides clearer definitions and guidance around the rules and protections for our City's trees.
Shade Trees and Significant Trees
Our tree laws focus on two main classes of public trees:
1. Public Shade Trees
All trees within a public way or on the boundaries thereof including upon adjoining land at a distance not exceeding 20 feet from the layout of such public way for the purpose of improving, protecting, shading or ornamenting the same; provided, however, that the written consent of the owner of such adjoining land shall first be obtained.
2. Significant Trees
Any tree which is 75 years old or older, or which has a DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) of three feet or more on public or private property.