Submitted by the Bedford Department of Public Works:
The Bedford Department of Public Works offers some information regarding the removal of trees near the right of way.
If a tree has grown within the right of way, it is considered public property and falls under Massachusetts Chapter 87 Shade Tree Laws. No tree within the Right of Way can be removed by a private resident or contractor without first filing a formal application with the Town of Bedford DPW Tree Warden and a Public Hearing must take place before any work is started.
The DPW says the right of way can vary quite drastically throughout Town. In some areas, it may end at the edge of the road pavement while in others it can extend up to 20 feet or more from the edge of road pavement.
There are some tools available to the public to help with this determination. The Town has a Geographic Information System database that is available for residents to use and contains informative maps that are a good starting point for determining tree ownership. It can be found online at https://www.bedfordma.gov/409/Bedford-Property-Finder. If you open the Property Finder link and type in your address, it should help you get an idea of how far the right of way might extend onto your property.
If you are still unsure of a tree’s ownership, please call Bedford Department of Public Works at 781-275-7605 for assistance. The DPW can send someone out to help make a formal determination as to who is responsible for a tree or trees’ care or removal.
The DPW wants to spread awareness to both contractors and residents that a tree might sometimes fall under the Town’s jurisdiction when it may appear otherwise.
The Town of Bedford Department of Public Works is available to answer questions. Please feel free to reach out.
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