Tree work rules in Massachusetts

Massachusetts doesn't license arborists or tree care work. Its forester license expressly doesn't apply to arborists, tree wardens or utility foresters unless they practice forestry.¹

Massachusetts bars zoning from prohibiting or unreasonably regulating forestry (silviculture) on parcels of 5 acres or more, or 2 acres with a set level of sales. Town tree bylaws are otherwise not limited: Newton requires a permit to remove a private tree 6 inches DBH or larger, with replanting or a payment into a fund.²

If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.

In Massachusetts equipment, tools and materials must stay 6 feet from overhead lines unless the line is guarded by barriers or de-energized. A line is moved only by arrangement with its owner.^3-5

The Massachusetts one-call law doesn't name stump or root removal, though its definition of earth removal is broad. Call 811 before a stump is ground or dug out, and the one-call center can say whether your job needs a locate.⁶

Spraying trees for hire with general-use pesticides in Massachusetts needs an Applicator License from the Department of Agricultural Resources, and restricted-use work for hire needs Commercial Certification. The category for trees is 36, Shade Trees and Ornamentals.⁷