[HISTORY: Adopted 8-26-1974 Special Town Meeting, Art. 15 (Ch. XI, §§ 7 and 8
of the Revised Bylaws). Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Town Tree Warden shall be responsible for all Town trees.
All persons other than the Tree Warden or his designated representatives
are prohibited from cutting trees located on Town property.
Abutters to Town property shall be notified in writing before
the Town removes any tree which is more than four inches in diameter
at breast height.
[Added 5-9-2016 ATM,
Art. 29]
A.
The purpose of the following provisions is to provide guidance for the installation and/or removal of trees and shrubs on property that is subject to Town jurisdiction, including but not limited to those that are on public parks and cemeteries and other publicly owned property, those that are within tree line easements created for street trees pursuant to subdivision approval regulation or condition, and those that are within or on the boundary of a public way as described in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 87, Shade Trees, Section 1.1.
B.
Management and replacement.
(1)
Existing trees and shrubs should be retained when possible.
(2)
Trees should be protected during construction activities.
(3)
Excavation, paving and similar disturbances should be avoided in
areas within the dripline of crowns of trees that are to be retained.
(4)
Newly planted trees should be watered and fertilized as needed. Mulch
should be used with plantings, to retain moisture and minimize weeds.
(5)
Planting of non-native trees and shrubs is discouraged.
(6)
Plantings under existing or proposed utility lines should not reach
a height greater than 25 feet.
(7)
New tree and shrub plantings should be from the recommended tree
and shrub list as established by the Town's Tree Committee and
on file with the Town Clerk. New trees and shrubs should be healthy,
insect free and undamaged.
Deciduous trees shall be at least two inches in caliper as measured
six inches above the root ball at time of planting. Deciduous trees
shall be expected to reach a height of 20 feet within 10 years after
planting. Evergreens shall be a minimum of eight feet in height at
the time of planting.
(8)
A tree that is cut down or that is destroyed by an act of nature
should be replaced with a tree of similar or the same species. The
replacement may be in a different location on public property, if
approved by the Tree Warden. Replacement by the Town is subject to
the availability of funding. The Town may accept donations for this
purpose.
