The 2024 ordinance protects more trees on private property, but there are few limits on removing trees on 80% of residential property in Newton and zero protections for even massive trees in cemeteries. And new requirements to protect abutters’ trees and to notify abutters of risks to their own trees do not apply to 80% of residential property unless they disclose planned construction.

​

"Trees are essential infrastructure for climate resilience and environmental justice."

-- State Senator Cindy Creem, Earth Day 2024 webinar “Why Trees Matter for Green Development” (https://tinyurl.com/YTreesMatter)