1. Care and control of all trees and shrubs in whole or in part within the limits of any Town road or grounds.
2. Care and control of parts of trees and shrubs that extend or overhang the limits of any public roads or grounds.
3. Remove, or cause to be removed, all illegally erected signs or advertisements placed upon poles, trees or other objects within any public road or place under the Warden's jurisdiction.
4. Post a suitable notice on any tree or shrub scheduled to be removed or pruned at least five days prior to removal or pruning unless the condition of the tree or shrub constitutes an immediate public hazard.
5. The Tree Warden has exclusive control over trees within highways even though trees themselves stand on private grounds.
6. The Warden determines the condition of trees, particularly with respect to safety.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Main Number:
Fax Number:  203-594-3101

Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

There is a tree in front of my house that appears to be dead (or partially dead). Can you help?

First of all, the town must attempt to determine who owns the tree. A representative of the Public Works Department will visit the site and, based on available information, render an opinion. If it appears to be on Town property, the Tree Warden will take appropriate action, at no cost to the homeowner. If not, the homeowner will be advised that it is his/her responsibility.

The Tree Warden becomes aware of a dangerous tree, but it's on private property. Does the Tree Warden have any authority?

Yes, the Tree Warden will notify the owner(s) and the owner(s) are expected to take appropriate action. If nothing is done the Warden does have the authority to arrange for removal of the tree at the owner(s) expense.

During a storm a private tree comes down into a Town Road. How is this handled?

The Town will remove the portion of the tree that extends onto the Town Right-of-Way however the portion within the homeowners property is the responsibility of the homeowner. If utility wires (cable, electric, telephone, etc.) are damaged, the homeowner must negotiate the cost factor with the utility involved.

There is a dead tree on private property. Who is responsible for damages if the tree comes down?

Although specific situations may require analysis by an attorney, generally the homeowner is responsible.

My neighbor is planning on building a new house on the lot he/she owns next to our house. What is the role of the Tree Warden relative to the clearing of land and the taking down of trees?

None. This situation comes under the authority of the Planning and Zoning Department. Questions should be directed to the Planning and Zoning Director, Hiram Peck, at .

We are planning to construct a new driveway but there is a tree that restricts sight distance. Can we have this tree removed?

Yes, however a permit must be obtained from the Public Works Department in Town Hall. You can print out the "Application for Driveway Permit" form from this Web site, fill it out, and bring it in to the Public Works Department in Town Hall. Driveway Permit Application A Town representative will visit the site and evaluate the necessity of removing the tree (from a safety point of view). If a safety issue is confirmed, the Tree Warden is notified, whereupon the tree can be posted and subsequently removed. Costs for removal are the responsibility of the homeowner.

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