New Bedford Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Proper brush disposal in New Bedford is managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW), which offers seasonal curbside yard waste collection from April through November. Residents must use biodegradable paper bags—plastic bags are strictly prohibited per MassDEP—and bundle brush in lengths no longer than 4-foot and under 50 lbs, tied with biodegradable twine. Brush and leaves must be separated, and no contaminants are allowed. For larger volumes, the Transfer Station is available with required permits and fees. Municipal chipping programs may be available for on-site chipping, especially during spring and fall, and finished mulch may be provided. Never place brush in the street or storm drains; keep all materials on private property until collection to avoid MS4 violations and penalties for illegal dumping. For more information or to coordinate chipping, contact:
New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure
1105 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746
Phone: (508) 979-1550
Official Website: New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure

New Bedford Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning of brush in New Bedford is subject to strict regulations, with many Massachusetts towns restricting or prohibiting the practice. Always verify local ordinances and obtain a daily permit from the Fire Department if burning is allowed. Burning is typically permitted only during specific seasonal windows and must comply with MassDEP air quality standards. 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, low humidity, or red flag warnings per NWS Boston/Norton)
• Defensible space for rural properties (30-100 feet vegetation management) Daily burning may be canceled during high-risk conditions. For permit information and fire safety guidance, contact:
  New Bedford Fire Department
  868 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
  Phone: (508) 991-6124
  Official Website: New Bedford Fire Department

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

New Bedford’s landscape, shaped by glacial till and rocky soils, supports a mix of native and invasive brush species. Common invasive plants 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 for invasives: remove 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 best practices. Be aware of hazardous vegetation like poison ivy, ticks (Lyme disease), and wild parsnip. For public health concerns, contact:
  New Bedford Board of Health
  1213 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
  Phone: (508) 991-6199
  Official Website: New Bedford Board of Health

New Bedford Conservation Commission Requirements for Brush Removal Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Brush removal near wetlands, vernal pools, streams, and other protected areas in New Bedford 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 these resources. Erosion control is critical, especially on glacial till or clay soils prone to runoff. Wildlife protection measures include mandatory nesting bird surveys from April to August (peak in May-June), inspections for active dens or bat roosts, and seasonal restrictions for migratory and resident species. Selective removal should preserve beneficial habitat features and may include creating brush piles for wildlife shelter. For permitting and guidance, contact:
New Bedford Conservation Commission
133 William Street, Room 304, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 991-6188
Official Website: New Bedford Conservation Commission

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

Professional brush removal in New Bedford must adhere to strict safety and certification standards. Complex removals require an ISA Certified Arborist, and all operators should be trained in invasive species identification and equipment use (ANSI Z133.1). Required personal protective equipment (PPE) includes:

• Chainsaw chaps/pants, cut-resistant gloves
• Eye/face protection, hearing protection (>85 dB), steel-toed boots
• First aid certification and emergency communication devices 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:
  New Bedford Engineering Department
  1105 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746
  Phone: (508) 979-1550
  Official Website: New Bedford Engineering Department

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

New Bedford’s climate (USDA Zone 6b) and glacial till/clay soils influence 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), saturated soils, or extreme heat (>90°F). Wildlife surveys are mandatory April–August. For wildlife coordination, contact:
  New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Forestry
  181 Hillman Street, Building 3, New Bedford, MA 02740
  Phone: (508) 961-3015
  Official Website: New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Forestry

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

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

• Erosion control for exposed glacial till/clay soils (mulch, silt fence, 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 only licensed applicators for herbicides (MA Dept of Agricultural Resources) Coordinate with MassDEP Stormwater Standards and municipal monitoring. For environmental compliance, contact:
  New Bedford Conservation Commission
  133 William Street, Room 304, New Bedford, MA 02740
  Phone: (508) 991-6188
  Official Website: New Bedford Conservation Commission

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with New Bedford

Severe weather events such as Nor’easters, hurricanes, and ice storms require coordinated storm debris management. The city issues emergency collection announcements and may extend yard waste hours or open temporary drop-off sites. Residents must separate organic brush from construction debris and place materials curbside without blocking streets or sidewalks. Priority is given to clearing emergency routes and major thoroughfares. Coordination with DPW, Police, and Fire Departments ensures public safety and efficient response. For major disasters, FEMA documentation and temporary debris storage may be required. For emergency procedures and updates, contact:
New Bedford Police Department
871 Rockdale Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 991-6300
Official Website: New Bedford Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout New Bedford, MA?

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

• Historic Districts (Downtown, County Street): Mature trees, high invasive pressure (buckthorn, bittersweet), narrow streets, and Historic District requirements
• North End (Far North, Sassaquin): Mix of native and invasive brush, glacial till soils, some wetland proximity, moderate fire risk
• South End (Clark’s Point, Cove Street): Sandy soils, coastal influences, conservation land nearby, lower invasive density
• West End (Buttonwood Park): Parkland, mature canopy, utility density, equipment access challenges
• Acushnet Heights, Rockdale, Pine Hill: Newer developments, less invasive pressure, HOA and deed restrictions, better equipment access
• Near Conservation Land (Fort Taber, Brooklawn Park): Buffer zones, protected species habitat, water quality concerns Municipal collection routes, Transfer Station access, and chipping services vary by area. For neighborhood-specific guidance, contact:
  New Bedford Housing & Community Development
  608 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
  Phone: (508) 979-1500
  Official Website: New Bedford Housing & Community Development

New Bedford Municipal Ordinances for Brush Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Brush removal in New Bedford is governed by municipal ordinances regulating equipment operation and commercial standards. Equipment hours are typically 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 local bylaws. Noise and decibel limits apply, and special event coordination may be required. Commercial operators must hold a business license, Home Improvement Contractor registration for contracts over $1,000 (per MA law), 1M minimum general liability insurance (2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding for municipal contracts. All work zones require proper traffic control and pedestrian safety measures (ANSI Z133). Code Enforcement oversees compliance, violation reporting, and penalties. For ordinance details, contact:
New Bedford Code Enforcement Division
294 Liberty Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 991-6366
Official Website: New Bedford Code Enforcement Division