Westport’s Tree Warden is Ben Sykas. The Tree Warden, appointed by the First Selectwoman, is responsible for the care and control of all trees and shrubs that are in whole or in part on Town roads and grounds, even if the trunk of the tree is on private property. This includes trees and shrubs within the Town right of way.

The Tree Warden is not responsible for:

• Trees and shrubs along state highways under the control of the State Commissioner of Transportation.
• Trees and shrubs in Town parks, unless service is requested by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Trees and shrubs along private roadways.

 

How to Report Tree Concerns

Tree Emergencies

1. Life threatening tree emergencies call 911

2. Non-Life-threatening tree emergencies call Westport Fire Department Dispatch at (203) 341-5000

Routine Tree Questions and Inspections

1. Email the Tree Warden at treewarden@westportct.gov

2. Call the Public Works Department at (203) 341-1120

For all the above, please be sure to leave your name, address, phone number or email, and a description of the issue and specific location of the tree in question.

Permits for Work on Trees and Shrubs on Town Property or Within the Town Right of Way

The Town’s right of way is that portion of your property that is adjacent to a public roadway. The width of the right of way varies depending on the location.

Before you can responsibly manage trees and shrubs on your property, you should be aware of which trees are on your property and which trees are on Town property or within the Town’s right of way. To find out if trees or shrubs are on Town property or within the Town right of way, contact the Tree Warden.

Planting, pruning, treatment, or removal of trees on Town property or within the Town right of way requires one or more of the following permits from the Tree Warden.

Property Owner Tree Work Permit for Work on Public Property [PDF]

Utilities - Permit for Tree Work on Public Property [PDF]

Arborist-Contractor Hold Harmless for Tree Work on Town Property [PDF]

Your arborist or tree contractor will need to complete paperwork for the permit as well.

 

Penalties for Work Done Without a Permit

The Town may assess $50 for each violation for tree or shrub cutting or pruning on Town property or in the Town’s right of way without a permit and has the authority to seek money damages in court of up to 5-times the cost of restoration, or statutory damages of up to $5,000.

 

Posting of Trees or Shrubs for Removal or Pruning

Before removing or pruning a tree or shrub on Town property or in the Town right of way, the Tree Warden is required to post a notice. Posting is not needed for trees or shrubs considered to be an immediate public hazard.

The posting involves providing a public notice on the tree or shrub at least 10 days prior to removal or pruning, to allow for public comment. If anyone objects to such removal or pruning, they may appeal to the Tree Warden in writing and request a hearing.

 

Westport Tree Board

Westport Tree Board advises and assists the Tree Warden.  Learn more at the Tree Board's web page.

 

Eversource Vegetation Management Information

Vegetation Management Plan

Westport 2023 Tree Trimming Map [PDF]

Eversource contact information

CTVegMaintenance@eversource.com

844-275-3302