Watertown Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Proper brush disposal in Watertown, MA is managed by the Watertown Department of Public Works.
124 Orchard Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6420
Website: Watertown Department of Public Works
From April through November, residents may place yard waste curbside in biodegradable paper bags—plastic bags are strictly prohibited per MassDEP. Brush bundles must not exceed 4-foot lengths, 50 lbs, and must be tied with biodegradable twine. The Transfer Station is available for additional disposal, requiring permits and fees. Municipal chipping programs are coordinated seasonally, often in spring and fall, and may provide finished mulch. All brush must be separated from leaves and free of contaminants. Never dispose of brush in the street or storm drains; violations may result in penalties and MS4 compliance issues. For emergency storm debris, DPW coordinates with other city departments.

Watertown Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning in Watertown is regulated by the Watertown Fire Department.
99 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6510
Website: Watertown Fire Department
Many Massachusetts towns restrict or prohibit open burning—always verify local ordinances. Where permitted, burning is allowed only during specific seasonal windows and requires a daily permit. Safety requirements include:

• Minimum 50-150 feet setback from structures
• Continuous supervision and a water source (hose/extinguisher)
• Prohibited materials: leaves, construction debris, treated wood, rubber, plastics
• Site preparation and weather monitoring Coordinate with MassDEP for air quality compliance. Burning may be canceled on high-risk days (red flag warnings, drought, high winds) per NWS Boston/Norton or Albany. For rural properties, maintain 30-100 feet of defensible space and ensure emergency vehicle access in accordance with MA fire code.

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

Watertown’s landscape is shaped by glacial till and rocky New England terrain, supporting both native and invasive brush. Common invasive species 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, sanitize equipment between sites, and dispose of viable seeds at a landfill (never compost or chip). Coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and MA Dept of Agricultural Resources for guidance. Hazardous vegetation like poison ivy, ticks (Lyme disease), and wild parsnip require protective measures and may involve the Watertown Board of Health.
  149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
  Phone: (617) 972-6446
  Website: Watertown Board of Health
  Native restoration is encouraged, using species such as oak, serviceberry, viburnum, and blueberry, in partnership with Mass Audubon.

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

Brush removal near wetlands, vernal pools, and water bodies in Watertown is regulated under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40). Permits (NOI/RDA) are required for work within 25-100 feet of protected resources. The Watertown Conservation Commission oversees these activities.
149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6426
Website: Watertown Conservation Commission
Erosion control is critical, especially on glacial till or clay soils. Use silt fences or erosion blankets on slopes. Wildlife protection includes mandatory nesting bird surveys (April–August, peak in May–June), inspections for dens or bat roosts, and coordination with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for rare species. Selective removal should preserve 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 Watertown must meet strict safety and certification standards. Complex removals require an ISA Certified Arborist and operator certification for equipment (brush hogs, forestry mulchers, wood chippers per ANSI Z133.1). Safety protocols include:

• PPE: chainsaw chaps/pants, cut-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection (>85 dB), steel-toed boots
• First aid certification and emergency response
• Daily equipment inspection and maintenance
• Emergency communication devices for remote work 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 overhead power lines. Coordinate with local utilities for underground lines. Commercial operators must carry general liability insurance (1M minimum, 2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding for municipal contracts. Proof of Dig Safe compliance is required.

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

Watertown is in USDA Zone 6b, with brush removal best scheduled for:

• Winter (Dec–March): frozen ground minimizes soil compaction and wildlife disturbance
• Early Spring (March–April): after thaw, before nesting season
• Late Fall (Oct–Nov): after breeding, before freeze
• Summer (May–August): avoid due to nesting birds and fire risk Monitor weather via NWS Boston/Norton or Albany. Avoid work during high winds (>20-25 mph) or saturated soils (glacial till/clay prone to rutting). Watch for heat stress in workers during humid periods (>90°F). Red flag warnings and droughts may restrict burning and increase fire risk. Wildlife surveys are mandatory before removal in April–August. Document and coordinate any protected species encounters with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

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

After brush removal, site restoration must comply with the Clean Water Act and Watertown’s MS4 permit. Immediate erosion control is essential, especially on glacial till/clay soils. Protect storm drains from sediment and debris, following MassDEP Stormwater Standards. Restore sites with native MA shrubs, grasses, and forbs adapted to local soils. Amend compacted soils with organic matter and use erosion control blankets or mulch on slopes. During construction, stage equipment away from sensitive areas and clean up daily to prevent debris migration. Long-term, monitor for invasive regrowth (buckthorn, bittersweet) and maintain restored areas. Licensed applicators are required for any herbicide use per MA Dept of Agricultural Resources. Coordinate with U.S. EPA Region 1 for watershed protection.

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Watertown

Severe weather events in Watertown, such as Nor’easters, hurricanes, and ice storms, require coordinated emergency response. The Watertown Department of Public Works and Watertown Fire Department manage emergency debris collection and clearance.
124 Orchard Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6420
Website: Watertown Department of Public Works

99 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6510
Website: Watertown Fire Department
Residents should separate organic brush from other debris and follow municipal instructions for curb placement. Priority is given to emergency routes and major thoroughfares. Temporary drop-off sites and extended collection hours may be announced. For major disasters, FEMA coordination and documentation are required. The Watertown Police Department assists with traffic control.
552 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6500
Website: Watertown Police Department
Public safety is paramount—report hazards such as downed power lines immediately.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Watertown, MA?

Watertown’s neighborhoods each present unique vegetation, environmental, and infrastructure considerations:

• East Watertown: Mature tree canopy, high buckthorn/bittersweet presence, narrow streets, overhead utilities, proximity to wetlands
• West End: Newer developments, less invasive pressure, better equipment access, some HOA requirements
• Watertown Square: Historic District, stone walls, mature brush, Conservation Commission buffer zones, traffic control needs
• Coolidge Square: Mixed native/invasive brush, moderate fire risk during drought, glacial till soils, drainage challenges
• Bemis: Proximity to Charles River, wetland permits often required, high water table in spring, conservation land nearby
• Mount Auburn Area: Dense urban infrastructure, limited access, underground utilities, restoration expectations high
• Victory Field: Open spaces, community standards for manicured landscapes, municipal chipping service available Disposal logistics vary: some areas have direct curbside collection, while others rely on the Transfer Station. Conservation easements and deed restrictions are common, especially in Historic Districts.

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

Watertown enforces strict municipal ordinances for brush removal. Equipment operation is limited to 7:00 AM–8:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM Saturdays, with Sunday work often restricted before 9:00 AM or prohibited—verify with the Watertown Inspectional Services.
149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 972-6480
Website: Watertown Inspectional Services
Noise and decibel limits apply, especially near residential areas and during special events. Commercial operators must be licensed with the Town Clerk, register as a Home Improvement Contractor for contracts over $1,000 (per MA law), and provide proof of insurance (1M minimum general liability, 2M aggregate, workers compensation). Work zones require proper traffic control and pedestrian safety measures, following ANSI Z133 standards. Code Enforcement handles violations, with penalties and correction timeframes as specified in local bylaws.