This bill seeks to amend several sections of the General Laws related to the care and control of trees and vegetation. It clarifies that the tree warden has control over all trees and shrubs within the limits of any public road or grounds and within the limits of their town or city, except for those under the control of the department of transportation or the department of environmental management. The bill also grants electric distribution companies the right to carry out vegetation management standards and practices approved by the division of public utilities and carriers.

The bill also prohibits injuries to trees and shrubs without the consent of the tree warden or relevant authorities. It requires anyone removing or cutting down a tree along a state or municipal highway to replace it with a similar tree in the same location. The bill establishes a permit process for cutting or removing public trees or burning debris, and requires the replacement of any trees that are removed or damaged. It exempts public utilities and their authorized agents from this requirement if they have a written tree trimming and replacement program approved by the tree warden or state forester. The bill also establishes liability for unauthorized cutting of trees or wood on another person's land, requiring the trespasser to pay twice the value of the tree and three times the value of the wood or underwood to the injured party.

Statutes affected:
2306: 2-14-5, 11-35-1, 34-20-1