Easton Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Residents of Easton, MA, can manage brush disposal through several Department of Public Works (DPW) programs. Curbside yard waste collection runs from April to November, requiring biodegradable paper bags (no plastic per MassDEP), and brush bundles must not exceed 4-foot lengths or 50 lbs, tied with biodegradable twine. The Transfer Station accepts brush with a permit and applicable fees. Municipal chipping programs are available seasonally—contact the DPW for on-site chipping, mulch availability, and scheduling, especially after storms. Strictly keep brush on private property until collection; never dispose of it in streets or storm drains to avoid MS4 violations and penalties. For more information, contact: Easton Department of Public Works
130 Center Street, Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-0800
Website: Easton Department of Public Works

Easton Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning in Easton is regulated and may be restricted or prohibited depending on local ordinances and air quality standards. Where permitted, burning is allowed only during designated seasonal windows, with daily permits required from the Fire Department and coordination with MassDEP air quality. Safety requirements include:

• Minimum setbacks (50-150 feet) from structures
• Continuous supervision and a water source (hose/extinguisher)
• Prohibited materials: leaves, construction debris, treated wood, rubber, plastics
• Site preparation and weather monitoring Burning may be canceled on high-risk days (red flag warnings, drought, high winds). Maintain defensible space (30-100 feet) around structures, especially in rural areas. For permits and safety guidance, contact: Easton Fire Department
  413 Bay Road, Easton, MA 02356
  Phone: (508) 230-0750
  Website: Easton Fire Department

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

Easton's landscape features glacial till and rocky soils, 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). For hazardous vegetation (poison ivy, wild parsnip) and tick prevention, consult the Board of Health. Native restoration is encouraged—plant oaks, serviceberry, viburnum, and blueberry. For invasive management, coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and MA Dept of Agricultural Resources.

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

Brush removal near wetlands, vernal pools, streams, and ponds in Easton 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. Erosion control is critical on glacial till/clay slopes—use silt fences or erosion blankets. Wildlife protection includes mandatory nesting bird surveys (April–August), inspections for dens or bat roosts, and seasonal restrictions for breeding species. Selective removal should preserve habitat features and create brush piles for wildlife shelter. For permitting and guidance, contact: Easton Conservation Commission
136 Elm Street, Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-0630
Website: Easton Conservation Commission

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

Professional brush removal in Easton requires adherence to safety and certification standards. Complex removals should be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist, with operator certification for equipment (brush hogs, forestry mulchers, wood chippers per ANSI Z133.1). Safety protocols include:

• PPE: chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection (>85 dB), steel-toed boots
• First aid certification and emergency communication
• Daily equipment inspection and maintenance Before excavation or stump removal, contact Dig Safe 811 at least 48 hours (preferably 72 hours) in advance; maintain a 10-foot minimum distance from power lines. Commercial operators must carry 1M minimum general liability insurance (2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding for municipal contracts. Proof of Dig Safe compliance is required.

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

Easton’s USDA Zone 6b climate influences 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 thaw
• 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 during high winds (20-25 mph), saturated soils, or extreme heat (>90°F). Conduct mandatory wildlife surveys before removal (April–August), and document protected species encounters. Coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for sensitive habitats.

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

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is required to comply with the Clean Water Act and Easton’s MS4 permit. Key steps:

• Erosion control for exposed glacial till/clay soils (mulch, blankets, silt fences)
• Protect storm drains from sediment/organic debris
• Restore with native MA shrubs, grasses, and forbs adapted to local soils
• Amend compacted soils with organic matter
• Temporary controls during plant establishment Coordinate with MassDEP Stormwater Standards and monitor for invasive regrowth (buckthorn, bittersweet) for 1-2 years. Licensed applicators are required for herbicide use. For environmental monitoring, contact: Easton Engineering Department
  136 Elm Street, Easton, MA 02356
  Phone: (508) 230-0800
  Website: Easton Engineering Department

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Easton

Severe weather events in Easton, such as Nor’easters, hurricanes, and ice storms, require coordinated storm debris management. The DPW announces emergency collection schedules and may open temporary drop-off sites. Residents must separate organic brush from construction debris and place it curbside without blocking streets. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes, with traffic control provided by the Police Department. For major disasters, FEMA documentation and temporary debris storage may be necessary. Utility companies coordinate for power line clearance. For emergency response and safety, contact: Easton Police Department
46 Lothrop Street, Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-3322
Website: Easton Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Easton, MA?

Easton’s neighborhoods each present unique vegetation, environmental, and logistical factors for brush removal. Historic districts and mature neighborhoods (North Easton Village, Furnace Village) often have dense buckthorn and bittersweet, narrow streets, and stone walls, requiring careful equipment access and adherence to Historic District guidelines. Newer developments (Five Corners, Easton Woods) have less invasive pressure but may have HOA restrictions and deed requirements. Areas near Borderland State Park or Wheaton Farm require Conservation Commission permits due to wetland proximity and protected habitats. Soil types range from glacial till/clay (prone to rutting) to sandy or rocky, affecting equipment operation. All neighborhoods must comply with municipal collection routes and may access the Transfer Station or chipping services as available.

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

Easton enforces municipal ordinances for brush removal to ensure public safety and community standards. Equipment operation is limited to 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 during special events. Commercial operators must be licensed with the Town Clerk, registered as a Home Improvement Contractor for contracts over $1,000 (per MA law), and carry 1M minimum general liability insurance. Work zones require proper traffic control and pedestrian safety measures (ANSI Z133). Code Enforcement handles violations, with penalties for non-compliance. For licensing and enforcement, contact: Easton Community Development
136 Elm Street, Easton, MA 02356
Phone: (508) 230-0630
Website: Easton Community Development