Plymouth Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Proper brush disposal in Plymouth, MA is managed by the Plymouth Department of Public Works. Residents can utilize curbside yard waste collection from April through November, following strict guidelines: use only biodegradable paper bags (no plastic, per MassDEP), and bundle brush in lengths no longer than 4-foot and under 50 lbs, tied with biodegradable twine. For larger volumes, the Transfer Station is available with required permits and fees. Municipal chipping programs may be scheduled seasonally, especially during spring and fall, and can provide finished mulch for residents. All brush must be separated from leaves and free of contaminants. Never dispose of brush in the street or storm drains—this can result in MS4 violations and penalties. For more information or to coordinate chipping, contact: Plymouth Department of Public Works
169 Camelot Drive, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-4162
Website: Plymouth Department of Public Works

Plymouth Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush in Plymouth is strictly regulated and may be prohibited or limited to specific seasonal windows. Always verify current regulations with the Plymouth Fire Department and obtain a daily permit if burning is allowed. Burning must comply with MassDEP air quality standards. Key safety requirements include:

• Minimum setbacks from structures (50-150 feet)
• Continuous supervision and a water source (hose or extinguisher)
• Prohibited materials: leaves, construction debris, treated wood, rubber, plastics
• Site preparation and weather monitoring (no burning during high winds or red flag warnings per NWS Boston/Norton)
• Defensible space for rural properties (30-100 feet vegetation management) Burning may be cancelled on high-risk days (drought, high winds, low humidity). For permits and safety guidance, contact: Plymouth Fire Department
  114 Sandwich Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
  Phone: (508) 830-4213
  Website: Plymouth Fire Department

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

Plymouth’s landscape features glacial till and rocky soils, supporting both native and invasive brush species. 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 guidance, coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and MA Dept of Agricultural Resources. Hazardous vegetation like poison ivy, ticks (Lyme disease), and wild parsnip are common—use protective clothing and consult the Plymouth Board of Health for safety: Plymouth Board of Health
  26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
  Phone: (508) 747-1620
  Website: Plymouth Board of Health

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

Brush removal near wetlands, vernal pools, streams, and ponds in Plymouth is regulated under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40). Permits (NOI or RDA) are required for work within 25-100 feet of protected resources. Erosion control is critical, especially on glacial till or clay slopes—use silt fences or erosion control blankets. Wildlife protection includes mandatory nesting bird surveys (April–August, peak in May–June) and inspections for active dens or bat roosts. Selective removal should preserve native habitat features and may include creating brush piles for wildlife. For permitting and guidance, contact: Plymouth Conservation Commission
26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Website: Plymouth Conservation Commission

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

Professional brush removal in Plymouth 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, 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 any 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. Liability insurance (1M minimum, 2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding are required for commercial work. For utility coordination, contact: Plymouth Department of Public Works
  169 Camelot Drive, Plymouth, MA 02360
  Phone: (508) 830-4162
  Website: Plymouth Department of Public Works

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

Plymouth’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 ground thaws
• Late Fall (Oct–Nov): after breeding season, before ground freezes
• 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. Red flag warnings and droughts require burning restrictions. Wildlife surveys are mandatory April–August. For wildlife protection, coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and document any protected species encounters.

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

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

• Erosion control for exposed glacial till/clay soils (mulch, erosion blankets)
• Protect storm drains from sediment and debris
• Reestablish native vegetation (oak, serviceberry, viburnum, blueberry) suited to local soils and climate
• Amend compacted soils with organic matter
• Monitor for invasive regrowth (buckthorn, bittersweet) for 1-2 years
• Use licensed applicators for herbicides per MA Dept of Agricultural Resources Coordinate with MassDEP Stormwater Standards and U.S. EPA Region 1. For environmental monitoring, contact: Plymouth Conservation Commission
  26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
  Phone: (508) 747-1620
  Website: Plymouth Conservation Commission

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Plymouth

Severe weather events in Plymouth, such as Nor’easters, hurricanes, and ice storms, require coordinated storm debris management. The Plymouth Department of Public Works issues emergency collection schedules and may open temporary drop-off sites. Residents must separate organic brush from construction debris and place items curbside without blocking streets. Priority is given to emergency routes and major thoroughfares. For major disasters, FEMA documentation and temporary debris storage may be implemented. Public safety is ensured through traffic control and coordination with the Plymouth Police Department and utility companies for power line clearance. For emergency updates, contact: Plymouth Department of Public Works
169 Camelot Drive, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-4162
Website: Plymouth Department of Public Works Plymouth Police Department
20 Long Pond Road, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 830-4218
Website: Plymouth Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Plymouth, MA?

Plymouth’s neighborhoods each present unique vegetation, environmental, and logistical considerations:

• Downtown & Historic Districts: mature tree canopy, narrow streets, high invasive pressure (buckthorn, bittersweet), Historic District requirements, limited equipment access
• West Plymouth: mix of native oak woodland and invasive thickets, moderate brush density, some wetland proximity
• Manomet & Cedarville: sandy soils, coastal brush, lower invasive density, fire risk during drought
• Chiltonville & South Plymouth: glacial till/clay soils, high water table in spring, Conservation Commission buffer zones, mature brush
• The Pinehills: newer development, HOA standards, less invasive pressure, planned landscaping
• North Plymouth: older infrastructure, overhead utilities, stone walls, equipment access challenges Disposal logistics vary: curbside collection is widely available, but Transfer Station access and municipal chipping may be needed in denser or more remote areas. Restoration expectations may be higher in planned communities or Historic Districts.

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

Plymouth enforces municipal ordinances for brush removal to ensure public safety and community standards. Equipment operation is generally allowed 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 limits and right-of-way permits may apply. Commercial operators must hold a business license, 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). Certification (ISA Arborist) and ANSI Z133 compliance are required. Code Enforcement handles violations, with penalties for non-compliance. For licensing and enforcement, contact: Plymouth Community Development Department
26 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508) 747-1620
Website: Plymouth Community Development Department