Somerville tree removal permit: what the tree ordinance requires before you cut

Yes, Somerville requires a tree removal permit, even on private property. Under the City's Tree Preservation Ordinance, any healthy, non-invasive tree that measures 8 inches or more in diameter needs a permit before it comes down, plus replanting or a payment into the City's Tree Fund.

I run into this on decks, additions and backyard ADUs. Here is how the Somerville tree ordinance works and how I plan around it.

Which trees need a Somerville tree removal permit

The City's Tree Removal Guidelines say the ordinance was updated in May 2025 (Ord. #2025-05). Since 2019 it has covered private trees. You need a permit if the tree is:

• 8 inches or more DBH (diameter at breast height, measured 4.5 feet above the ground), and
• Not an invasive species, and
• Not dead, dying or hazardous.

To measure, wrap a tape around the trunk at 4.5 feet and divide the circumference by 3.14. All decisions are made by the City's Tree Warden or Deputy Tree Wardens.

Trees that don't need a permit

• Trees under 8 inches DBH.
• Invasive species under 24 inches DBH, such as Norway maple, black locust, Callery pear and sycamore maple.
• Tree of heaven, at any size.
• Dead, dying or hazardous trees, but you still need Tree Warden approval and documentation such as photos or an arborist's assessment.

Even when no permit is needed, the City suggests emailing trees@somervillema.gov first and documenting the tree before any work. You must be able to prove it was small, invasive or a hazard. In a true emergency, make it safe, take photos and notify the Tree Warden right away.

Replanting and the Tree Fund

For each permitted tree you remove, the City requires one of these:

1. Replant new trees whose combined trunk diameter equals what was removed.
2. Pay $600 per inch into the City's Tree Fund (rate as of August 2025).
3. A mix of both.

So on a 20-inch tree, the full payment would be $12,000, while a qualifying owner-occupant would owe $1,200. The owner-occupant waiver needs proof of residency through the City's Residential Tax Exemption. If you move out or sell within 18 months, the waiver can be canceled and the full amount may come due. Waivers for financial or other hardship can also be requested.

How to apply

Applications go through the City's online permitting system, Citizenserve, which you reach from the guidelines page:

1. Log in or create an account and choose "Apply for a Permit."
2. Select Tree Removal Permit.
3. Describe the work and enter the parcel address.
4. Upload a site plan showing the location, DBH and species of all trees, and mark the ones to remove.

Key facts from the City's FAQ:

• Only the property owner can apply. A landscaper, arborist or contractor can't apply for you.
• The Tree Warden has 30 business days to decide once the application is complete.
• Permits are valid for 6 months.
• Don't schedule the tree crew until the permit or waiver is in hand.

Street trees are a different process

The trees along the sidewalk are public shade trees, protected by state law (M.G.L. c. 87) and the City ordinance. Removing a healthy one requires a public hearing with posted and mailed notices. Per the same City page, removing or damaging one without permission brings a $500 fine per tree plus a mitigation payment of $1,800 per caliper inch. Never let a crew trim a street tree to make room for a dumpster or a lift.

Protecting trees during construction

The 2025 update added stronger construction rules. According to the City's announcement, contractors must follow a tree protection plan using industry-standard practices before work starts and keep it in place for the whole job. The Tree Warden can require changes.

On my jobs that usually means:

• Fencing off the root zone before demolition starts.
• No material stockpiles, washout or parked equipment under the canopy.
• Hand digging near roots for footings and trenches.
• Planning dumpster and crane spots away from trees. My Somerville building permit guide covers how this fits the rest of the paperwork.

A quick note on Cambridge

Next door, Cambridge has its own Tree Protection Ordinance with a lower threshold. Per Cambridge Public Works, any tree of 6 inches or more at 4.5 feet is a "Significant Tree" that needs a removal permit. The permit itself is free, but mitigation is required unless a special circumstance applies. Check the rules for your city before anything gets cut.

Need a hand?

I plan projects in Somerville, Cambridge and across Greater Boston with the trees, permits and access mapped out from day one. Book a free walkthrough and I'll send a written line-item budget, usually within 48 hours.

Planning work near Somerville? See the towns I work in, with local permit notes, and how I price work.

About the author

Mateus Magno founded Magno & Co in 2020. He is a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $5 million in projects across Greater Boston.

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