CT Laws and Regulations Regarding Trees

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Laws and Regulations Regarding Connecticut Trees

Below are a few of the key state laws pertaining to trees. For the complete listing of laws and regulations relating to trees, please see the Compilation of Connecticut's Tree Laws. Please note that CT DEEP cannot provide legal advice on or interpret state statute related to tree issues. CT Laws About Trees has information about previous court cases involving tree related issues.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

CGS Section 13a-140 Removal of trees along state highways. Penalties established by municipalities

Utilities

CGS Section 16-234 Rights of adjoining proprietors. Utility responsibilities regarding community trees

Tree Wardens

CGS Section 23-58 Tree wardens; appointment; compensation; supervision
CGS Section 23-59 Powers and duties of Connecticut tree wardens
CGS Section 23-59a Required coursework for Connecticut tree warden

Public Trees

CGS Section 23-60 Appropriations. Public trees; removals
CGS Section 23-65 Regulations and permits regarding roadside trees and shrubs

Arborist Licensing

CGS Section 23-61 Tree Experts to be Licensed

Forest Practices

Damages to Trees; Timber Trespass; Encroachment on State, Municipal or Nonprofit Land

CGS Section 52-560 Damages for cutting trees, timber or shrubbery
CGS Section 52-560a Damages for encroachment on state, municipal or nonprofit land conservation organization open space land. (See also CGS Section 23-65 for damage or unauthorized removal of trees under the care and control of the municipal tree warden.)

Other Information

Connecticut Forest and Park Association website includes a summary of recent legislative activity involving trees.
The Connecticut Tree Protective Association publishes a list of individual licensed arborists and of properly registered arborist business. It also maintains a searchable database of properly registered arborist businesses.
Through the Kelly Registration Systems, DEEP provides a searchable database that lists arborists licensed by DEEP.
Directory of Certified Forest Practitioners lists Connecticut certified forestry professionals.

For additional information, please contact:

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

Forestry Division

860-424-3630 or deep.forestry@ct.gov

Trees and Urban Forests: Learn More | Forestry Main Page

Content last updated in July 2023.

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection