Tree work from Grafton to Woonsocket
The Blackstone Valley runs across a state line, and a few tree rules change when you cross it. Tell us your town and what you need, and we'll work to connect you with a tree service that works in your part of the valley. Free, and it takes a couple of minutes.
Whose tree is it?
Massachusetts
Is the tree in or right beside the road?
- No: Most likely yours. A tree fully on your own land isn't a public shade tree, so the state's shade tree law doesn't apply. Some towns have their own tree bylaws, so it's worth a quick call to town hall.
- Yes or Not sure: It may belong to the town. Under Massachusetts law, every tree within the public way, or on its boundary, is a public shade tree. No one but the town's tree warden, or someone with the warden's permission, may trim, cut or remove it. Before one larger than 1½ inches in diameter comes down, the law requires a public hearing, with notice posted on the tree at least seven days ahead. A tree that endangers people on the road can be removed without waiting. Call your town's tree warden or public works department before anyone touches it.
Is the road a designated scenic road?
- Yes or Not sure: On a designated scenic road, road repair, maintenance, reconstruction or paving can't involve cutting or removing trees without the planning board's written consent after a public hearing. That hearing can be held together with the tree warden's. Your town's planning board keeps the list of scenic roads.
Is the tree near a pond, stream or wetland?
- Yes or Not sure: Ask your town's Conservation Commission before any work near water.
Rhode Island
Is the tree in or right beside the road?
- No: Most likely yours. A tree on your own land is generally yours to deal with. Rhode Island does require whoever does the work to be a licensed arborist. Check a license.
- Yes or Not sure: It may belong to the town. In Rhode Island, each town appoints a tree warden, who must be a licensed arborist or become one within six months. Before the warden removes a tree under the town's control, a notice has to be posted near it at least five days ahead, unless it's an immediate public hazard. Anyone who objects can appeal in writing and get a hearing. Call your town's tree warden or public works department before anyone touches it.
Is the tree near a pond, stream or wetland?
- Yes or Not sure: Ask your town hall before any work near water.
General information, not legal advice. Your town has the final say on trees it controls.
Ready for quotes?
A tree on a wire or on the house? Keep away from it and call 911 or your electric company before anything else.
What we take requests for
- Removing a tree, dead, damaged or in the way
- Trimming and pruning, especially over roofs, driveways and wires
- Storm cleanup after wind, snow or ice
- Stump grinding
Two things that differ by state
- Rhode Island licenses arborists. The state requires everyone who practices arboriculture to be licensed. How to check.
- Both states protect town trees, but the process differs. Whose tree is it?
About this site
BlackstoneValleyTreeQuotes.com is a request service, not a tree company. Sending a request is free for homeowners and property managers. No tree company pays us today. In the future, companies may pay to receive requests, which is how the site would stay free.