Trees & Grounds

Under the direction of the Tree Warden, the Highway Division contracts with a Tree Service Company to care for, remove, and plant public shade trees. The Highway Division is also responsible for traffic islands and various grounds including most of the land around Clay Pit Pond.

If you have questions or concerns to report, contact the Highway Division on Monday, 8 am to 7 pm; Tuesday through Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm; or Friday, from 8 am to noon at 617-993-2690. For emergency service during evenings, weekends, and holidays, call the Communications Center number at 617-993-2501.

Tree Hearings

As per Chapter 87 of the MGL, all trees within a public way or on the boundaries thereof shall be public shade trees.

Chapter 87, Section 3:...Public shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed, or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the Tree Warden or his deputy, even if he be the owner of the tree in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit in writing from said Tree Warden, nor shall they be cut down or removed by the Tree Warden or his deputy or other person without a public hearing and said Tree Warden or his deputy shall cause a notice of the time and place of such hearing.

Most public trees are planted along roadways, so if a resident is not sure whether a tree is public or private, the first step is to call the DPW office at 617-993-2680. We will research the status of a tree and respond back to the resident.

If a resident requests a healthy tree be removed, a request should be put in writing to the Tree Warden, c/o 19 Moore Street, Belmont MA 02478. The Tree Warden will make a determination and a public hearing will be held.

Invasive Insect Threats to Belmont

• Asian Longhorn Beetle
• Winter Moth
• Emerald Ash Borer
• Spotted Lanternfly

Donating a Tree

Interested in donating a tree? For more information see the Commemorative Shade Tree Program (PDF).