Before you go cutting down any tree on your property, especially if you live in Town, you had better find out who owns it. Nantucket has many old and stately trees, mostly in Town and there are regulations in place regarding planting, care, and removal of trees. Many of the trees in Town are actually “Town trees” and subject to Town By-Law regulations. If you are unsure about the status of your tree, please contact the Town of Nantucket prior to doing anything to the tree.
From the code: any tree will be designated a “Town tree” by meeting any one of the following conditions:
· The tree was purchased, or its planting was paid for, by the Town.
· The tree stands on or has its trunk partially on Town-owned property.
· The tree was donated or otherwise conveyed to the Town.
· The tree has been maintained more than once by use of Town funds, equipment, or personnel during the last 20 years, with the visits separated by more than one year.
· Town trees shall be marked with a medallion, the presence of which shall be conclusive of the status of the tree as a Town tree.
The Land Council has published a booklet that identifies some of the more special trees in Town.
Here is more information on the Town Tree By-Law.