Forestry

Responsibilities

The Forestry Division maintains over 7,000 street trees with the City's urban forest. This Division handles street tree pruning, tree planting, and removal of dead street trees under the guidance of the Tree Warden.

Public Shade Trees

Under Massachusetts General Laws, every city and town is required to have a Tree Warden. The Tree Warden enforces the Public Shade Tree Law (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 87) in Watertown, including the planting, care, maintenance, and removal of public shade trees. 

The Public Shade Tree Law defines all trees within a public way or on the boundaries thereto as public shade trees. If it is doubtful whether the tree is within the public way, it shall be taken to be within the public way until the contrary is shown. Public shade trees cannot be cut, trimmed or removed without a prior written permit from the Tree Warden after a public hearing has taken place. 

The removal of public shade trees requires a public hearing with the Tree Warden. The City of Watertown does not remove public shade trees without good reason. The City will not remove trees because they drop leaves, fruit, or acorns, because it has grown too large or shades a private lawn, or because it is not conveniently located. 

If you wish to remove a public shade tree, you must submit a written request to the City’s Tree Warden including your name, address, the location of the tree, and the reason for removal. A public hearing will be scheduled, and the Tree Warden will make the ultimate decision to approve or deny the removal request.