CHAPTER 41 OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF CITIES, TOWNS AND DISTRICTS           

Section 106 Tree warden; appointment; term           

Section 106. If the town provides by vote or by-law that the tree warden shall be appointed, such appointment shall be made by the board of selectmen. The term of such appointment shall be for three years.
In any city or in a town which exceeds ten thousand inhabitants and which provides by vote, by-law or by ordinance that the tree warden shall be appointed, such appointment shall be made by the mayor, with the approval of the city council or by the board of selectmen. In such city or town, the tree warden shall exercise the duties of tree warden and of insect pest control. Such tree warden shall be qualified by training and experience in the field of arbor culture and licensed with the department of food and agriculture in accordance with the provisions of section ten of chapter one hundred and thirty-two B. The term of such appointment shall be for three years.

While the new law does not apply to municipalities under 10,000, the committee recommends the following:

Population Under 10,0000

A. Certified Arborist

B. Three (3) years supervisory experience in commercial or municipal tree care

In addition, the committee also suggests that in some instances, particularly in the case of smaller towns, that a consulting Tree Warden might be considered. The idea of a joint appointment might also be explored. That is, a single qualified individual might be able to serve several small adjoining

communities. The committee also recommends that even the smallest communities should have their trees inspected by a qualified Tree Warden annually for hazards that could affect the public way or the health of our community forests. Failure to do so could become a very expensive
liability for communities.

For More Information...

Website for MA General Laws:

http://www.state.ma.us/legis/laws/mgl/mgllink.htm