Braced
Menu

Storm and tree damage in Boston

Arborists and roofers for storm damage.

100 pros in Boston

In Boston, a tree is not always yours to remove. If it stands on the street, the city requires you to follow the process under MGL 87, which includes a Public Tree Hearing request with a form and site plan sent to the city. After a storm, officials have said residents should contact 311 to report fallen trees, and power outages go through Eversource's online portal. Before you hire anyone for storm and tree damage, work out whether the tree is on private land or is a street tree, because that decides whether a hearing is needed first. Ask the company to say in writing who will handle any permission or hearing paperwork and what the quote covers. If limbs or trees are touching wires, Eversource advises staying clear of them and of anything they touch, so do not let anyone start cutting until the utility has dealt with the hazard. For branches hanging over your home, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance suggests cutting those that are dead, dying, diseased or broken.

Show
Show 80 more

Not yet verified. We checked that each one’s own website offers this work, but we haven’t contacted them yet. How a business gets listed

Know a good one we’re missing? Suggest one

What to know in Boston

Before you hire

  1. For a tree near power lines, call your utility first: only a utility-certified arborist should work within 3 m of the wires.

    Source: bchydro.com (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask which permits the job needs and who will get them; your municipal building department can tell you before work starts.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Boston

Can I hire someone to remove a tree in front of my Boston home?

If it is a street tree, not without the city's process. Boston requires following MGL 87, which includes a Public Tree Hearing request with a form and site plan sent to the city. Ask any company whether the tree is public or private before you accept a quote. City of Boston Parks and Recreation (source, opens in a new tab)

Who pays if a street tree removal is approved in Boston?

The person requesting the removal pays the removal costs and a replacement fee. Ask the tree company to separate its own work from any city replacement charge in the quote, so you can see what each part covers and compare quotes fairly. City of Boston Parks and Recreation (source, opens in a new tab)

Who do I call about a fallen tree in Boston?

Officials have said Boston residents should contact 311 to report fallen trees, and power outages can be reported through Eversource's online portal. Do this before arranging private clean-up, especially if the tree is on public property or has affected power service. The Boston Globe (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a tree work quote include?

A good quote names the address and the trees involved, describes the work, says whether stump and debris removal are included, and states who handles permits. Ask for proof of insurance, and get the scope in writing so that you can compare quotes on the same basis.

Other jobs and cities

Other jobs in Boston

Storm and tree damage in other cities