Default rule and exceptions
All street trees in the public right-of-way are owned and maintained by the City of Boston Urban Forestry Division (protected public shade trees under Massachusetts General Law ch. 87). Boston Public Works repairs sidewalk damage on City property, and Urban Forestry coordinates with Public Works to examine roots and address raised sidewalks. So City-street-tree root heave of a public sidewalk is the City’s to repair.
Permit required: yes.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Report damage via Boston 311; private-property sidewalk damage falls outside "City of Boston property." |
| City / public agency | Public Works repairs minor damage on City property; Urban Forestry (which owns all ROW street trees) coordinates to examine roots and address raised sidewalks. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 9, 2026.
if it is determined that minor damage has occurred on City of Boston property - it's our responsibility to repair.
Street trees in the City of Boston are the Urban Forestry Division’s responsibility.
City rules rest on state law. Read Massachusetts's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for tree roots in Boston, MA?
The city / utility. Report damage via Boston 311; private-property sidewalk damage falls outside "City of Boston property."
Do I need a permit to repair the sidewalk in Boston, MA?
Yes. The rule on record requires a permit for sidewalk work in the public right-of-way.
Is there any cost help for tree roots in Boston, MA?
City repairs damage on City property via the Public Works Sidewalk Repair Program; Urban Forestry addresses root-raised sidewalks. Report via 311.
What is this based on for Boston, MA?
This verdict is sourced to City of Boston: Sidewalk Repair Program (City repairs minor damage on City property) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- City of Boston: Sidewalk Repair Program (City repairs minor damage on City property)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-27
- City of Boston: Urban Forestry (street trees are City-owned; UFD coordinates with Public Works on root-raised sidewalks)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-27
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