Pembroke Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Pembroke residents have several options for responsible brush disposal, primarily managed by the Pembroke Department of Public Works. Curbside yard waste collection runs from April through November, requiring use of biodegradable paper bags only—plastic bags are strictly prohibited per MassDEP. Brush must be bundled in biodegradable twine, with each bundle no longer than 4-foot and under 50 lbs. For larger volumes, the Transfer Station accepts brush with a valid permit and applicable fees. Municipal chipping programs are available seasonally; coordinate with the DPW for on-site chipping and mulch availability, especially during spring and fall. Strictly avoid placing brush in the street or storm drains to prevent MS4 violations and penalties. For more information, contact: Pembroke Department of Public Works
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 709-1431
Website: Pembroke Department of Public Works

Pembroke Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning in Pembroke is regulated by the Pembroke Fire Department and subject to Massachusetts and local ordinances. Many towns restrict or prohibit open burning, so always verify current rules. Where permitted, burning is allowed only during designated seasonal windows, with a daily permit required. Safety requirements include:

• 50-150 feet minimum setback from structures
• Continuous supervision and a water source (hose/extinguisher)
• Prohibited materials: leaves, construction debris, treated wood, rubber, plastics
• Site preparation and weather monitoring Coordinate with MassDEP air quality and check NWS Boston/Norton for red flag warnings. Burning is canceled during high winds, drought, or dry conditions. Maintain defensible space (30-100 feet) around structures, especially in rural areas. For permits and guidance, contact: Pembroke Fire Department
  172 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
  Phone: (781) 293-1752
  Website: Pembroke Fire Department

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

Pembroke’s landscape, shaped by glacial till and rocky soils, supports a mix of 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–Sept) to prevent seed spread
• Bag berries and dispose of viable seeds at landfill (never compost or chip)
• Sanitize equipment between sites
• Coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and MA Dept of Agricultural Resources Hazardous vegetation like poison ivy, wild parsnip, and tick habitats are common—use protective clothing and consult the Pembroke Board of Health for safety guidance: Pembroke Board of Health
  100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
  Phone: (781) 293-2718
  Website: Pembroke Board of Health

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

Brush removal near wetlands, vernal pools, and other protected areas in Pembroke 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. Key requirements include:

• Erosion control on slopes (glacial till/clay soils)
• Temporary barriers (silt fence, erosion blankets)
• Wildlife protection: nesting bird surveys April–August (peak May–June), den/bat roost inspections
• Seasonal restrictions for migratory and vernal pool species
• Selective removal to preserve habitat value Coordinate with the Pembroke Conservation Commission for permitting and compliance: Pembroke Conservation Commission
  100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
  Phone: (781) 709-1405
  Website: Pembroke Conservation Commission

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

Professional brush removal in Pembroke must meet strict safety and certification standards. Requirements include:

• ISA Certified Arborist for complex removals
• Equipment operator certification (brush hogs, forestry mulchers, wood chippers per ANSI Z133.1)
• PPE: chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection (>85 dB), steel-toed boots
• First aid certification and emergency communication
• Equipment maintenance and daily inspection Before excavation or stump removal, contact Dig Safe 811 at least 48 hours (preferably 72 hours) in advance; maintain 10 feet minimum from power lines. Commercial operators must carry 1M minimum general liability (2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding for municipal contracts. Proof of Dig Safe compliance is mandatory.

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

Pembroke’s climate (USDA Zone 6b) and glacial till/clay soils require careful timing for brush removal:

• Winter (Dec–March): Frozen ground minimizes soil compaction
• Early Spring (March–April): Before nesting season, after thaw
• Late Fall (Oct–Nov): After breeding, before freeze
• Summer (May–August): Avoid due to nesting birds and fire risk Monitor weather via NWS Boston/Norton or Albany:
• Avoid work above 20-25 mph winds
• Prevent rutting on saturated soils
• Watch for heat stress (>90°F) Red flag warnings and droughts require burning restrictions. Wildlife surveys are mandatory April–August. Coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for protected species.

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

After brush removal, site restoration is essential for compliance with Pembroke’s MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act. Key steps:

• Immediate erosion control (mulch, blankets) on glacial till/clay
• Protect storm drains from sediment/organic debris
• Follow MassDEP Stormwater Standards
• Reestablish native plants (serviceberry, viburnum, blueberry, oak woodland species)
• 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 the Pembroke Conservation Commission for restoration standards and ongoing monitoring.

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Pembroke

Severe weather events in Pembroke, such as Nor’easters, hurricanes, and ice storms, require coordinated emergency debris management. Procedures include:

• Emergency collection announcements via town communications
• Separate brush from construction debris
• Priority clearance for emergency routes
• Extended collection hours or temporary drop-off sites Coordinate with the Pembroke Department of Public Works, Fire Department, and Police Department for response and safety: Pembroke Police Department
  80 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
  Phone: (781) 293-6363
  Website: Pembroke Police Department For major disasters, follow FEMA documentation and use temporary debris storage sites. Public safety measures include barricades, flaggers, and coordination with utility companies for downed lines. Report hazards immediately to the appropriate department.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Pembroke, MA?

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

• North Pembroke: Mature woodlands, high buckthorn/bittersweet presence, glacial till soils, some wetland buffers
• Bryantville: Mix of older homes and new developments, moderate invasive pressure, narrow streets, overhead utilities
• Hobomock: Proximity to conservation land, vernal pools, and streams; strict Conservation Commission oversight
• Pembroke Center: Historic District, mature tree canopy, stone walls, equipment access challenges, deed restrictions
• East Pembroke: Sandy soils, newer subdivisions, less invasive density, HOA landscaping standards
• Indian Head: Wetland proximity, high water table in spring, fire risk low but requires erosion control
• Silver Lake Area: Rocky soils, protected species habitat, limited municipal chipping access Disposal logistics vary by area—curbside collection, Transfer Station access, and chipping services depend on neighborhood infrastructure and municipal routes.

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

Pembroke enforces municipal ordinances to ensure safe and responsible brush removal. Equipment operation is allowed 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 with local bylaws. Noise and decibel limits apply, especially near residential and Historic Districts. Commercial operators must:

• Hold a business license with the Town Clerk
• Register as a Home Improvement Contractor for contracts >$1,000 (per MA law)
• Carry 1M minimum general liability (2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding for municipal contracts
• Provide certification (ISA Arborist, equipment operator) Public safety requires proper work zone setup, traffic control, and right-of-way permits. Code Enforcement handles violations, with penalties for non-compliance and required correction timeframes. For more information, visit the Town of Pembroke – Official Website.