Frequently Asked Questions

The Town does not have jurisdiction over trees on private property unless they are within a municipal right of way, public easement, or the buffer zone of wetlands or a perennial stream. Before removing trees residents are encouraged to first determine whether the tree(s) you wish to remove fall within one of the above-mentioned areas on your property or outside your properties boundaries. For the latter a survey of your property lines is encouraged. For additional guidance please reach out to one of the following town agencies:

If a tree is on the town’s right-of-way you must contact the  Tree Warden and/or the Planning Board if your street is a designated scenic road.

A plan to remove trees along a scenic road may require a Scenic Road Hearing before the Planning Board. Click here for a list of scenic roads in Dover: https://ecode360.com/10428309. 

The applicant must complete a Determination of Need for a Scenic Road Hearing form (PDF). The Planning Board office then determines whether the hearing is needed.

If a tree might be in a wetland, wetland buffer zone, or perennial stream, contact the Conservation Commission to determine any approvals needed. 

Ticks prefer long grass in shady areas; however, they can also live on tree branches and shrubs.  The following link provides tick prevention strategies https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention. 

For additional information please consult the Dover Board of Health.

To learn more about wetland locations related to your property please contact the Conservation Commission for further guidance.

Residents may wish to contact a certified arborist for assistance in the care and maintenance of private trees located on their property. Lists of arborists certified by either the Massachusetts Arborists Association (MCA) or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) can be located via the following links:

    MCA: https://massarbor.org/page-18123 

    ISA: https://www.isa-arbor.com/

For questions related to planting near or on septic fields or wells please consult the Dover Board of Health.  

As an additional resource regarding planting on septic fields please review the following link from the EPA:  https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/septicsmart-week-landscaping-final.pdf

For a quick reference related to planting near wellheads please see the following:  https://www.grecoandhaines.com/landscaping-wellhead/#:~:text=DO%20NOT%20plant%20anything%20within,choosing%20plants%20with%20short%20roots.

There are a few Apps available to assist in identifying trees, such as LeafSnap, PictureThis – Plant Identifier, and Forest Tree Identification to name a few. Some apps may require a subscription fee. Other resources such as The Arbor Day Foundation’s tree database and Eversource’s “Planting a Tree Guide,” are also helpful tools.

Trees are an important component of stormwater management. To see how trees assist with stormwater runoff see the following article from the Arbor Day Foundation.