Tree Warden FAQs

Legally, you can not.

Yes, with permission from the Tree Warden.

Yes, with a permit from the Tree Warden.

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.

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.

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.

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.