Bourne Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Residents of Bourne, MA, should coordinate with the Department of Public Works for all brush disposal and municipal chipping needs. Curbside yard waste collection runs from April through 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 proper permits and fees. Municipal chipping programs are available seasonally, often in spring and fall, and may provide finished mulch. Brush must be separated from leaves and free of contaminants. Never dispose of brush in the street or storm drains—violations can result in penalties and MS4 compliance issues. For more information, contact: Bourne Public Works Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600
Website: Bourne Public Works Department

Bourne Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning in Bourne is strictly regulated and may be restricted or prohibited depending on local ordinances. Where permitted, burning is typically allowed during specific seasonal windows and always requires a daily permit from the Fire Department. Residents must maintain minimum setbacks from structures (50-150 feet), supervise fires at all times, and have a water source ready. Only brush is allowed—leaves, construction debris, and plastics are prohibited. Burning is subject to weather conditions and may be canceled during high winds, drought, or red flag warnings (see NWS Boston/Norton). Always verify current regulations and coordinate with MassDEP air quality. For permits and guidance, contact: Bourne Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services
130 Main Street, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-4412
Website: Bourne Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services

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

Bourne’s landscape features glacial till and rocky soils, supporting both native and invasive brush species. Common invasives 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 sets (June–September), bag berries to prevent seed spread, and sanitize equipment between sites. Viable seeds must go to 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 health concerns, contact: Bourne Health Department
  24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
  Phone: (508) 759-0615
  Website: Bourne Health Department

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

Brush removal near wetlands, vernal pools, streams, and ponds in Bourne 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 areas. Erosion control is critical, especially on glacial till or clay slopes, using silt fences or erosion blankets. Wildlife protection mandates nesting bird surveys from April to August and checks for active dens or bat roosts. Seasonal restrictions may apply for migratory and resident species. Selective removal should preserve beneficial habitat features. For permitting and guidance, contact: Bourne Conservation Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1312
Website: Bourne Conservation Department

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

Professional brush removal in Bourne requires adherence to ANSI Z133.1 safety standards and proper certification, such as ISA Certified Arborist for complex jobs. Operators must use PPE: chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection (>85 dB), and steel-toed boots. Equipment must be inspected daily, and first aid certification is recommended. Before any excavation or stump removal, contact Dig Safe 811 at least 48 hours (preferably 72 hours) in advance, maintaining a 10-foot minimum distance from overhead power lines. Liability insurance (1M minimum, 2M aggregate) and workers compensation are required for commercial operators. For more information, contact: Bourne Building and Inspection Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1346
Website: Bourne Building and Inspection Department

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

Bourne’s climate (USDA Zone 6b) influences optimal brush removal timing. Best periods are:

• Winter (Dec–March): frozen ground minimizes soil compaction
• Early Spring (March–April): after thaw, before nesting
• Late Fall (Oct–Nov): post-breeding, pre-freeze Avoid May–August due to nesting birds and fire risk. Monitor weather via NWS Boston/Norton or Albany: avoid work above 20-25 mph winds or on saturated soils. Red flag warnings and droughts may restrict activity. Wildlife surveys are mandatory April–August. For wildlife and habitat guidance, coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and Mass Audubon.

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

After brush removal, immediate site restoration is required to comply with the Clean Water Act and Bourne’s MS4 permit. Erosion control is essential on glacial till/clay soils—use mulching, erosion blankets, and native grass seeding. Protect storm drains from sediment and debris, following MassDEP Stormwater Standards. Restore with native MA shrubs and grasses adapted to local soils. Monitor for invasive regrowth (buckthorn, bittersweet) for 1–2 years, and use licensed applicators for herbicide if needed. For environmental compliance, contact: Bourne Engineering Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1344
Website: Bourne Engineering Department

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Bourne

Severe weather events in Bourne, 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 other debris and follow placement instructions to keep streets and sidewalks clear. Priority is given to emergency routes and major thoroughfares. For major disasters, FEMA documentation and regional mutual aid may be activated. Public safety is ensured through traffic control and coordination with utility companies for hazards like downed power lines. For emergency updates, contact: Bourne Police Department
35 Armory Road, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-4451
Website: Bourne Police Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Bourne, MA?

Bourne’s neighborhoods each present unique vegetation and infrastructure considerations:

• Buzzards Bay: Mature canopy, moderate invasive pressure, proximity to Cape Cod Canal, narrow streets, glacial till soils
• Monument Beach: Mix of native and invasive brush, sandy soils, some wetland buffers, moderate fire risk
• Sagamore Beach: Newer developments, less invasive density, HOA landscaping standards, sandy/rocky soils
• Gray Gables: Historic District, mature trees, narrow roads, high restoration expectations, deed restrictions
• Pocasset: Wetland proximity, conservation easements, overhead utilities, variable brush density
• Cataumet: Conservation land adjacency, rocky soils, equipment access challenges, wildlife habitat
• Bournedale: Rural, extensive brush, glacial till, limited municipal access, fire access routes Disposal logistics vary: some areas have curbside collection, others require Transfer Station use. Municipal chipping is available in select neighborhoods. For area-specific questions, contact: Bourne Planning Department
  24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
  Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1347
  Website: Bourne Planning Department

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

Bourne enforces strict ordinances for brush removal operations. Equipment may be used 7:00 AM–8:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM Saturdays, with Sunday use often restricted before 9:00 AM or prohibited—verify with local bylaws. Noise and decibel limits apply, especially near residential areas and during special events. 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). Work zones require proper traffic control and pedestrian safety measures. Code Enforcement handles violations and penalties. For ordinance details, contact: Bourne Community Engagement
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1345
Website: Bourne Community Engagement