The removal of trees from private property in City of Newton is regulated by City Ordinance. As of March 1, 2024 a permit is required to remove all trees that have a trunk diameter of six inches and greater. The application for a permit can found online through the City's permitting portal here. 

The tree canopy of the City of Newton is a valuable resource that is critical for the well being of the City residents, visitors, and businesses. Trees mitigate the effects of climate change, improve air quality, habitat for wildlife, and improve the physical and mental health. The preservation of tree canopy and the planting of replacement trees is key in enhancing the quality of life and the environment of the city; to protect public health against climate change impacts such as heat, drought, and flooding; to preserve the character of wooded and natural areas; to reduce energy consumption; to protect air quality; to baffle noise; to preserve and enhance habitat for wildlife; to reduce topsoil erosion; to protect and increase property values; and to enhance the overall city.

The City has established The Tree Preservation Ordinance as a means to protect the tree canopy. This ordinance establishes a procedure that requires all property owners to apply for a permit prior to removal of any tree with a trunk diameter of six inches or larger to ensure review by the Tree Warden and compliance with the established standards for the replacement of trees and the protection of existing trees. A permit is also required any time construction is to take place regardless if trees are involved or not.

The purpose of this page is to provide information regarding the permit process.

A copy the Tree Preservation ordinance can be found here.

Application Information

Any time a tree (6” trunk diameter of greater) is to be removed or any time exterior construction work is to take place a Tree Permit must be applied for and issued prior to any work starting. There are three types of permits related to private trees. Listed below are the types of permits.

Tree Permit Application – Construction: This permit application is for any instance where exterior work is to take place. This can include the removal of trees or no removal of trees. The filing fee for this permit application is $150.

Instructions for completing this form can be found here.

Tree Permit Application – Exemption Form: This permit application is ONLY for trees being removed that are located on a single- or two-family residential occupied lot where no exterior construction is presently underway or planned to take place during the 24 months from the date of the permit application and the tree(s) is between 6 inches and 39 inches in trunk diameter. There is no charge for an exempt tree permit application.

Tree Permit Application – Non-Construction: This permit application is for any instance where no construction is to take place and trees are to be removed from a lot that is not an occupied single- or two-family residential lot. This permit is also to be used when the removal of trees from a single- or two-family residential occupied lot is to occur where a trunk diameter of the tree(s) is 40 inches or greater. The filing fee for this permit application is $150.

SEARCH FOR AN EXISTING PERMIT 

Forms for Attachment

There are several types of documentation that may be required as part of the permit applications, depending on the application type. Below are the forms. 

Tree Removal Form – This form is required any time a tree or trees are to be removed regardless of permit application type.

Arborist Form – This form is a requirement of the Tree Permit Application - Contruction and Tree Permit Application - Non Construction. All fields on the form must be completed, including the signature line. The form must be completed by the Certified Arborist that has reviewed the trees and the project. This form is  (updated 3-28-24)

ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form – This form is required any time a Tree Permit Application – Construction or Tree Permit Application – Non-Construction is submitted and there are trees that the applicant wishes to remove that meet the criteria outlines in the Arborist Form. This form is to accompany the Arborist Form. Additional Information regarding this form can be found here.

Tree Preservation Ordinance Replacement/Payment Table, 2024

Per the Newton Tree Preservation Ordinance the removal of trees from private property requires an approved permit. Under certain circumstances the removal of trees may require replacement. An applicant can choose to plant replacement trees on site, make a payment to the City in lieu of planting, or a combination. This document outlines the current replacement requirements and payment requirements if choosing to make a payment in lieu of planting.

Tree Save Area

Tree Save Area is defined as the area within the drip line of a tree, or the area within a radius around the tree trunk of 1.5 feet for every inch of DBH, whichever is greater. Except as provided in a tree permit, construction activities within the Tree Save Area of a Protected Tree, including those on adjoining lots, are prohibited.  Activities include, but are not limited to, excavation, trenching or grading, storage of materials or equipment, passage of heavy equipment within the Tree Save Area and spillage of chemicals or other materials, which are damaging to trees.

Construction within the Tree Save Area is allowed as long as the trees to remain are protected, and the approved tree protection plan is being implemented under an approved Tree Permit. Please see this document for further information. 

Tree Protection Plan Information 

City Ordinance allows construction to take place on a lot where trees are located or adjacent to trees on other lots, including in the Tree Save Area.  However, construction activities may only take place with an approved Tree Protection Plan as part of an approved Tree Permit.

Please see this document for further details on Tree Protection Plans.

If you would like the Tree Warden to review a draft protection plan prior to submitting with tree permit or specific questions about developing the plan please email urbanforestry@newtonma.gov. 

Finding a Qualified Arborist

Reputable Certified Arborists can be found, and their credentials verified, via the Massachusetts Arborists Association and/or the International Society of Arboriculture: 

Massachusetts Arborists Association: https://massarbor.org

International Society of Arboriculture: https://www.treesaregood.org/

Another resource for finding qualified arborists is the American Society of Consulting Arborists.  Their directory can be found here.

List of Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborists - Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist is only needed when a tree is being evaluated for risk.

List of Companies that have submitted Tree Protection Documents for tree permit applications. 

Other helpful information regarding managing impacts to trees during construction can be found at the links below:

Avoid Damage During Construction

ISA’s Best Management Practices for Construction near Trees

Best Management Practices - Managing Trees During Construction, Third Edition

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not addressed on our FAQ page, or elsewhere on this page please contact us a urbanforestry@newtonma.gov. We plan to update these question as we receive more.

All City ordinances related to trees can be found here.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer