Braintree Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

Contact Braintree's Department of Public Works for Brush Disposal & Municipal Chipping Programs

Braintree residents have several options for responsible brush disposal, coordinated by the Braintree Department of Public Works.
85 Quincy Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 781-794-8950
Website: Braintree Department of Public Works
From April through November, curbside yard waste collection is available using biodegradable paper bags only—plastic bags are strictly prohibited per MassDEP. Brush must be bundled with biodegradable twine, in 4-foot lengths, and weigh under 50 lbs per bundle. The Transfer Station accepts brush with proper permits and fees. Municipal chipping programs are seasonally scheduled, often in spring and fall, and may provide finished mulch to residents. All brush must be separated from leaves and free of contaminants. Never dispose of brush in the street or storm drains; violations can result in penalties and MS4 compliance issues.

Braintree Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning in Braintree is regulated by the Braintree Fire Department.
1 Union Place, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 781-843-3600
Website: Braintree Fire Department
Residents must verify if open burning is permitted, as many Massachusetts towns restrict or prohibit it. Where allowed, daily permits are required, and burning is limited to specific seasonal windows. Safety protocols include maintaining a 50-150 feet setback from structures, constant supervision, and a water source on hand. Only brush may be burned—leaves, treated wood, and plastics are prohibited. Burning is subject to MassDEP air quality and NWS Boston/Norton red flag warnings. Defensible space around rural properties and emergency vehicle access are essential for fire safety and code compliance.

Understanding Brush Types, Invasive Species & Specialized Disposal in Braintree's Glacial Till & Rocky New England Terrain

Braintree’s landscape, shaped by glacial till and rocky soils, supports both native and invasive brush species. Common invasives include:

• Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
• Bush Honeysuckles (Amur, Morrow's, Tartarian)
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
• Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
• Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) Specialized disposal is required: remove invasives before fruit set (June–September), bag berries to prevent seed spread, and sanitize equipment between sites. Viable seeds must go to landfill—never compost or chip. Coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and MA Dept of Agricultural Resources for guidance. Poison ivy, ticks (Lyme disease), and wild parsnip are hazardous; consult the Braintree Board of Health.
  71 Cleveland Avenue, Braintree, MA 02184
  Phone: 781-794-8090
  Website: Braintree Board of Health
  Native restoration with oak, serviceberry, and viburnum is encouraged, in partnership with Mass Audubon.

Braintree Conservation Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near wetlands, vernal pools, and water bodies in Braintree is regulated under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40). Permits (NOI or RDA) are required for work within 25-100 feet of protected resources. The Braintree Conservation Commission oversees these activities.
1 JFK Memorial Drive, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 781-794-8240
Website: Braintree Conservation Commission
Erosion control is critical on sloped, glacial till or clay soils. Wildlife protection includes mandatory nesting bird surveys (April–August), den and bat roost inspections, and seasonal restrictions for vernal pool species. Selective removal should preserve native habitat features and may include strategic brush piles for wildlife shelter.

Professional Safety Standards, Equipment Requirements & Utility Coordination (Dig Safe 811) for Brush Removal

Professional brush removal in Braintree must meet strict safety and certification standards. ISA Certified Arborists are recommended for complex jobs, and all operators should be trained in invasive species identification and ANSI Z133.1 safety protocols. Required PPE includes chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection (>85 dB), and steel-toed boots. Before excavation or stump removal, contact Dig Safe 811 at least 48 hours (preferably 72 hours) in advance; maintain a 10 feet minimum distance from power lines. Liability insurance (1M minimum, 2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding are required for commercial work. Emergency communication devices and first aid certification are essential for worker safety.

Seasonal Timing, Wildlife Protection & Weather Coordination for Braintree's Climate Zone 6b

Braintree’s climate (USDA Zone 6b) and glacial till/clay soils influence optimal brush removal timing. Best practices include:

• Winter (Dec–March): Frozen ground minimizes soil compaction and wildlife disturbance
• Early Spring (March–April): Before nesting season, after ground thaws
• Late Fall (Oct–Nov): After breeding season, before freeze
• Summer (May–August): Avoid due to nesting birds and fire risk Monitor weather via NWS Boston/Norton or Albany; avoid work in winds above 20-25 mph or on saturated soils. Red flag warnings and drought conditions require burning restrictions. Wildlife surveys are mandatory before removal during peak breeding months, and all encounters with protected species should be documented and reported.

Post-Removal Site Restoration & Stormwater Management in Compliance with Braintree's MS4 Program

After brush removal, site restoration is essential for compliance with Braintree’s MS4 stormwater permit under the Clean Water Act. Immediate erosion control is required, especially on glacial till/clay slopes, to prevent sediment from entering storm drains and local watersheds. Follow MassDEP Stormwater Standards. Restore sites with native shrubs and grasses adapted to local soils. Amend compacted soils with organic matter and use mulching or erosion control blankets on slopes. Equipment should be staged away from sensitive areas, and daily cleanup prevents debris migration. Long-term, monitor for invasive regrowth (buckthorn, bittersweet) and maintain restored areas, using licensed herbicide applicators if necessary.

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Braintree

Severe weather events in Braintree, such as Nor’easters, hurricanes, and ice storms, require coordinated emergency debris management. The Braintree Department of Public Works and Braintree Police Department
282 Union Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 781-794-8600
Website: Braintree Police Department
lead post-storm response, including emergency collection announcements and extended yard waste hours. Residents must separate organic brush from other debris and follow instructions for curb placement. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes and major thoroughfares. For federally declared disasters, FEMA documentation and temporary debris storage sites may be established. Public safety measures include barricades, flaggers, and coordination with utility companies for power line hazards. Worker safety is paramount when handling damaged or unstable trees.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Braintree, MA?

Braintree’s neighborhoods each present unique vegetation, environmental, and logistical considerations for brush removal. Mature areas like Braintree Highlands and East Braintree often have dense buckthorn and bittersweet, while newer developments such as Liberty Woods face less invasive pressure. Proximity to wetlands and conservation land (e.g., Pond Meadow Park, South Braintree) may require Conservation Commission permits and buffer zone compliance. Historic Districts (e.g., Braintree Square) may have additional requirements. Infrastructure varies: older neighborhoods have more overhead utilities and narrow streets, complicating equipment access and traffic control. Soils range from glacial till and clay to sandy or rocky, affecting drainage and equipment operation. Homeowners’ associations and deed restrictions may influence restoration standards and disposal logistics.

Braintree Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Braintree enforces municipal ordinances governing brush removal equipment operation and commercial service standards. Equipment may typically operate 7:00 AM–8:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM Saturdays, with Sunday restrictions (often before 9:00 AM or prohibited—verify local bylaws). Noise and decibel limits apply, especially near residential areas and during special events. Commercial operators must hold a business license, register as a Home Improvement Contractor for contracts over $1,000 (per MA law), and provide proof of insurance (1M minimum general liability, workers compensation, bonding for municipal contracts). Certification (ISA Arborist) and ANSI Z133 compliance are required. Public safety measures include traffic control, pedestrian notification, and right-of-way permits. Code Enforcement oversees violations, with penalties for non-compliance and required correction timeframes.