Tree Warden

The Tree Warden oversees the public shade trees protected by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 87. If a public shade tree requires trimming or removal and the tree is not deemed a hazard to the public, the Tree Warden must hold a Tree Hearing.

Tree Hearing

The Warden holds a tree hearing to notify the public of of why a tree or trees have been posted, answer questions and receive input from residents. If a resident is not convinced that the tree removal is necessary, they may object in writing.

The Tree Warden acts as a moderator in tree hearings where the request for removal comes from another party (such as Highway, the Light Department, or private citizen). The Warden states their risk assessment regarding the trees' health to provide important information to all concerned parties and to help make an informed decision on the trees' fate.

If someone objects in writing at the tree hearing to a specific tree or trees being removed, the Warden will bring the decision on those trees to the Selectboard. All interested parties, either for or against the removal(s), are expected to attend the Selectboard meeting to provide input on their position.

Dead White Ash Trees

The Tree Warden, working with the Highway and Light Department, has been marking dying/dead White Ash trees along town roads and highways. The trees are being killed by the Emerald Ash Borer. This insect has spread throughout Town. These trees are a hazard to the public and, in some instances, to private property. No Tree Hearing is held for these trees.

Can I post or put signs on Town trees?

Legally, you can not.

Can I prune Town trees that are impacting my property?

Yes, with permission from the Tree Warden.

Can I tap a Town-owned maple tree for sap?

Yes, with a permit from the Tree Warden.

How wide is the road or highway right-of-way?

Most numbered roads and some of the others (Ball Hill, Brook Station, Mountain, Leominster) have old county layout markers (granite square posts) which are marked WCH. These mark the edge of the Town’s property.

The way roads were measured back in the day were by rods. One rod is 16.5 feet long. Most secondary roads are 2 rods (33 feet) wide.

Note that the width of a road can vary along its length.

Consult the Highway Department for an exact width if you are concerned about setbacks or ownership of a tree.

Is the Tree Warden responsible for trees that aren’t on the roadside?

The Tree Warden does not have responsibility for trees in Town Parks, on the Common, or on other Town-owned land except for along public roads. However, the Tree Warden may, at the request of the Selectboard, evaluate and take appropriate action. If there is a tree to be removed, it is generally done along with a group of other trees in Town. We get better pricing if we avoid removing just a small number of trees.

What are the red “X” marks seen on Town trees?

These trees have been marked by the Tree Warden for removal. The Town then puts the tree removal work out to bid to private contractors.

Who gets the wood from trees the Town has removed?

The contractor is responsible for removal and disposal of the tree, including all wood and branches. If asked, the contractor may give away the wood. It cannot remain in the road right-of-way.

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