All tree removals are regulated by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 87, the Public Shade Tree Law of Massachusetts.
The first step is for the Department of Public Works to determine whether or not the tree belongs to the Town or is on private property. Requests can be made by submitting a DPW Public Service Request Form. If the tree is located on publicly owned land, the Department reviews and assesses what they think should be done regarding the tree. If it is determined that the tree should be removed, then the DPW schedules a public hearing. To object to the decision to remove the tree, an appeal must be made to the Board of Selectman.
However, if deemed by the Tree Warden to be an imminent hazard, the tree will be removed without a public hearing for public safety reasons.