It is the purpose of these regulations to provide standards
for the protection, preservation, resilience and improvement of Greenfield's
urban forest; provide for the health, safety and general welfare of
the residents by allowing appropriate shade and ornamental trees to
be planted within the public right-of-way; and to provide guidance
to the Town and its residents in planting, caring for, and removing
trees.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ANSI A300 standards are the generally accepted industry standards
for tree care practices. They are voluntary industry consensus standards
developed by TCIA and written by a committee called the "Accredited
Standards Committee (ASC) A300," whose mission is to develop consensus
performance standards based on current research and sound practice
for writing specifications to manage trees, shrubs, and other woody
plants.
Diameter of a tree trunk (in inches). For trees up to and
including four inches in diameter, the caliper is measured six inches
above the existing grade at the base of the tree. For trees larger
than four inches in diameter, the caliper is measured 12 inches above
the existing grade at the base of the tree.
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A professional arborist possessing current certification
issued by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and/or
the Massachusetts Arborist Association (MAA).
The average diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4'h
feet above mean ground level at the base of the trunk. If the tree
splits into multiple trunks above ground, but below 4'h feet, the
DBH is the average diameter of the narrowest point beneath the split.
If the tree has excessive swelling at 4'h feet, the DBH is the average
diameter of the narrowest point beneath the swelling.
A tree with a structural defect or disease, or which impedes
safe sight distance or traffic flow, or otherwise currently poses
a threat to life or property.
A solar collection system in which a permitting process has
been initiated or notice has been given to the Building Inspector
that the permitting process will be initiated within a specified time
line.
As defined in MGL c. 87, § 1, a public shade tree
is a tree within or on the boundaries of a public way other than a
state highway, such as a road, street, bike path, or walkway.
The Town of Greenfield.
Any self-supporting woody perennial plant which has a trunk
diameter of 1.5 inches or greater measured at a point 12 inches above
the ground level and which normally obtains a height of at least 10
feet at maturity.
The portion of the public way available for tree planting.
It is typically the area between the sidewalk and the edge of pavement.
The cut out in pavement on municipal walkways in which trees
are planted.
A permit issued to a resident by the Tree Warden or designee
that authorizes the planting of trees on Town property.
[Amended 9-19-2018 by Order No. FY 19-025]
Cutting down and taking away a tree.
The costs of tree replacement include the cost of a 2.5-inch
to three-inch caliper tree, planting, and soil as needed, set by the
DPW.
The agent of the Town having primary enforcement responsibilities
under this chapter and MGL c. 87, and charged with the responsibility
for approvals required pursuant to this chapter.
