Tree Removal Guidelines

• Homeowners who live in the house must apply for a permit to remove a tree over 8 inches DBH that is not an invasive species.
• You only need to meet 10% of the full replacement or payment requirement.
  
  • Example: If the full cost is $600 per inch removed, you pay $60 per inch, or replant 10% in total tree size.
• A waiver application and a plan for tree removal/replacement are required.
• No permit is needed if:
  
  • The tree is dead, dying, or hazardous (requires documentation and approval from the Tree Warden).
  • The tree is under 8 inches DBH.
  • The tree is an invasive species under 24 inches DBH, except for Tree of Heaven (which is always allowed to be removed regardless of size).

Even if a permit is not needed, it’s a good idea to email trees@somervillema.gov to confirm before doing any work. Be sure to document the condition (photos, arborist assessments) BEFORE doing any work on it. You must provide proof that is is less than 8” DBH, invasive or a hazard. 

What You Need to Know About Private Tree Removal in Somerville

1. Removing a Dead, Dying, or Hazardous Tree
Any tree that is determined to be a hazard because it is a danger to public health or safety, a threat to life or property, or any tree that is severely damaged or poses a threat during an emergency such as a hurricane, tornado, flood, etc., does not require a permit for removal.

• No permit needed, but you must document the hazard with photos and get approval from the Tree Warden. Contact the Tree Warden by emailing trees@somervillema.gov or calling 311 (or 617-666-3311 from a cell phone).

Emergency removal:
If a tree poses an immediate safety risk, remove it right away to protect people or property.

• Take photos of the tree and the hazard.
• Notify the Tree Warden immediately and provide proof of hazard.
• If you don’t provide valid proof, it may be considered an illegal removal.

2. Removing a Healthy, Non-Hazardous Tree

• If the tree is 8 inches or more DBH and is not hazardous or invasive, you must apply for a removal permit.
• The permit application must include:
  
  • A site plan showing the location, DBH, and species of all trees. The plan must also identify which ones you want to remove.

Possible permit waivers:

• Owner-occupied 1-, 2-, or 3-family homes (proof required): You will need to replace 10% of tree caliper inches or pay 10% of the replanting mitigation fee into the City’s Tree Fund.
• Financial or other hardships. 

3. Trees That Do Not Require a Permit

• Hazardous or emergency trees (still need Tree Warden approval)
• Trees less than 8 inches in diameter
• Trees that are invasive species under 24 inches diameter, except for Tree of Heaven (which is always allowed to be removed, regardless of size). See invasive species tab.

Applying for a Waiver 

You can request a waiver from replanting trees or paying into the Tree Fund if:

• You meet certain conditions (see below), or
• You have another valid reason (must be explained in detail).

The Tree Warden has up to 30 business days to review your request once a complete application is received.
 

Who Can Apply for a Waiver?

Owner-Occupant Waiver

• You qualify if you own and live in a 1-, 2-, or 3-family home.
• You still need to apply for a Tree Removal Permit and submit a plan.
• If approved, you pay 10% of tree replacement costs/ replace 10% caliper inches.
• Proof of residency must be shown (through the City’s Residential Tax Exemption).

If You Move or Sell the Property:

• Move Out (within 18 months): The waiver is canceled. You must either:
  
  • Replant all the removed tree inches, or
  • Pay the full amount to the Tree Fund (within 30 business days).
• Sell the Property (within 18 months):
  
  • New owner must apply for a new permit within 30 business days.
    
    • If they live there, they may apply for a new waiver.
    • If they do not live there, they must pay the full cost.
  • Failure to apply on time = $300 per day fine.

Other Valid Reasons for a Waiver:

• Caring for the tree(s) causes financial hardship.
• The cost or replacement requirement is unreasonably high.
• The tree poses a risk now or in the near future.
• Other reason (must explain in detail).

1. Go to: www.somervillema.gov/citizenserve
2. Click the Citizenserve icon.
3. Choose "Apply for a Permit" under the Permitting by Building Department and Engineering Department section.
4. Log in or create an account.
5. Select "Tree Removal Permit" from the Application Menu.
6. Fill in all required fields (*red asterisk).
7. In "Work Description", briefly explain the tree removal.
8. In "Address of Parcel #", enter your address and click “Find Address”.
   
   • If it doesn’t match exactly, it can be fixed after submission.
9. Upload any supporting documents (can be uploaded later if needed).
10. Click Submit.

What is DBH?

DBH means Diameter at Breast Height—the width of a tree’s trunk measured 4.5 feet above the ground. This is a standard forestry measurement.

How do I measure DBH?

Use a flexible tape or string to measure the circumference of the trunk at 4.5 feet high. Then divide that number by 3.14 to get the diameter.
Example: Circumference ÷ 3.14 = DBH
Watch a video on how to measure DBH

I already hired someone to remove my tree. What now?

• No permit needed if:
  
  • Tree is under 8 inches DBH
  • Trees is an invasive species and under 24 inches, except for Tree of Heaven (which is always allowed to be removed regardless of size).
• Contact the Tree Warden if:
  
  • Tree is dead, dying, or hazardous.
  • If there’s immediate danger, remove the tree, take photos and contact the Tree Warden as soon as possible. Email: trees@somervillema.gov or call 311.
• A permit is required if the tree is not hazardous or an invasive species. Do not have any work done until you get the required permits/waivers.

Can someone apply for me (like a landscaper or arborist)?

No. Only the property owner can submit a permit or waiver application.

I don’t know the type of tree I have. What do I do?

• Ask your arborist or contractor to identify it. You can find one through the Massachusetts Arborist Association.
• To check if it's an invasive species, use the "Invasive Species" tab on this website.

How long does the permit process take?

Once your application is complete, the Tree Warden has 30 business days to decide (as long as you’re not applying for a waiver).

What if the tree is dangerous or causing a hazard?

Trees that are dangerous, damaged, or a safety risk do not require a permit. 

• Take photos of the tree and the hazard prior to removal.
• Notify the Tree Warden immediately and provide proof of hazard.
• If you don’t provide valid proof, it may be considered an illegal removal.

How long is my tree removal permit valid?

Permits are valid for 6 months after being issued.

If you own but don’t live at the property, or you live in a building with 4+ units, the following rules apply:

• You must get a permit to remove any tree 8 inches DBH or larger, unless it’s an invasive species.
• Exemptions may apply for dead, dying, or hazardous trees, but Tree Warden approval is required.
• For each tree 8 inches or more DBH that is removed you must either:
  
  • Replant trees with a combined trunk diameter equal to what was removed, or
  • Pay $600 per inch tree removed into the City’s Tree Fund (as of August 2025), or
  • A combination of replanting and paying.
• You may request a waiver from the replanting/payment requirement if you’re facing financial or other hardship.
  
  • If your waiver is denied, you must replant or pay the required amount.

You do not need a permit to remove certain invasive tree species in Somerville.
These species are classified as “Invasive” or “Likely Invasive” by the 
Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group and appear on the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List.

Invasive species you may remove without a permit:

• Amur cork-tree (Phellodendron amurense)
• Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
• Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana)
• Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii)
• Norway maple (Acer platanoides)
• Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)
• Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Other prohibited species not suitable for replacement plantings:

These trees are also on the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List and may not be used to meet tree replacement requirements:

• Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
• European buckthorn (also called glossy buckthorn, Frangula alnus)