Dennis Brush Removal Services

Our Brush Removal Process

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

Residents of Dennis, MA, should coordinate with the Dennis Department of Public Works
120 Theophilus F. Smith Road, Dennis, MA 02638
Phone: (508) 760-6220
Website: Dennis Department of Public Works
for all brush disposal and chipping needs. From April–November, curbside yard waste collection is available using biodegradable paper bags only (no plastic, per MassDEP). Brush bundles must be under 4-foot lengths, less than 50 lbs, and tied with biodegradable twine. The Transfer Station accepts brush with proper permits and fees. Municipal chipping programs are seasonally scheduled, often in spring and fall, and may provide finished mulch. All 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.

Dennis Fire Department Coordination for Open Burning Permits & Safety Requirements

Open burning in Dennis is regulated by the Dennis Fire & Rescue Department
883 Main Street, West Dennis, MA 02670
Phone: (508) 398-0363
Website: Dennis Fire & Rescue Department
and is subject to seasonal restrictions. Many Massachusetts towns prohibit or tightly restrict open burning—always verify local ordinances and obtain daily permits if allowed. Burning must comply with MassDEP air quality standards. Safety requirements include:

• Minimum 50-150 feet setbacks from structures
• Continuous supervision and a water source (hose/extinguisher)
• Prohibited materials: leaves, construction debris, treated wood, rubber, plastics
• Site preparation and weather monitoring (check NWS Boston/Norton for red flag warnings)
• Immediate cancellation during high winds, drought, or bans Maintain defensible space (30-100 feet) around structures, especially in rural areas, and ensure emergency vehicle access per MA fire code.

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

Dennis’s landscape, shaped by glacial till and rocky soils, supports 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). Coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and MA Dept of Agricultural Resources for guidance. Be alert for hazardous vegetation like poison ivy, ticks (Lyme disease), and wild parsnip. Promote native restoration with oak woodland and native shrubs, working with Mass Audubon and local conservation groups.

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

Brush removal near wetlands, vernal pools, and protected habitats in Dennis is regulated by the Dennis Conservation Commission
685 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660
Phone: (508) 760-6123
Website: Dennis Conservation Commission
under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40). Permits (NOI/RDA) are required for work within 25-100 feet of wetlands. Erosion control is critical on glacial till/clay soils—use silt fences or erosion blankets. Wildlife protection includes mandatory nesting bird surveys April–August and checks for active dens or bat roosts. Coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for rare species. Selective removal should preserve beneficial habitat features and may include creating brush piles for wildlife shelter.

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

Professional brush removal in Dennis must meet 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 (brush hogs, forestry mulchers, wood chippers per ANSI Z133.1). Required PPE includes chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection (>85 dB), and steel-toed boots. Always call Dig Safe 811 at least 48 hours (preferably 72 hours) before excavation or stump removal, maintaining a 10-foot minimum distance from power lines. Coordinate with local utilities for underground and overhead hazards. Commercial operators must carry 1M minimum general liability insurance (2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding for municipal contracts.

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

Dennis, in USDA Zone 6b, requires careful timing for brush removal. Optimal periods are winter (Dec–March) on frozen ground (minimizing soil compaction), early spring (March–April) before nesting, and late fall (Oct–Nov) after breeding. Avoid major work May–August to protect nesting birds and reduce fire risk. Monitor weather via NWS Boston/Norton or Albany:

• Avoid work above 20-25 mph winds
• Do not operate on saturated glacial till/clay soils
• Take precautions during heat waves (>90°F) Red flag warnings and droughts require burning restrictions. Wildlife surveys are mandatory April–August; coordinate with Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife and document protected species encounters.

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

After brush removal, site restoration in Dennis must comply with the town’s MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act. Immediate erosion control is essential, especially on glacial till/clay soils, to prevent sediment from entering storm drains and local watersheds (Massachusetts Bay, Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay). Use native MA shrubs, grasses, and forbs for replanting, and amend compacted soils with organic matter. Temporary measures like mulching and erosion blankets help stabilize slopes. Follow MassDEP Stormwater Standards and coordinate with Dennis Department of Public Works
120 Theophilus F. Smith Road, Dennis, MA 02638
Phone: (508) 760-6220
Website: Dennis Department of Public Works
for stormwater protection. Monitor for invasive regrowth (buckthorn, bittersweet) and maintain restored areas for 1–2 years.

Storm Debris Management & Emergency Response Coordination with Dennis

Severe weather events in Dennis, such as Nor’easters, hurricanes, and ice storms, require coordinated emergency debris management. The Dennis Department of Public Works
120 Theophilus F. Smith Road, Dennis, MA 02638
Phone: (508) 760-6220
Website: Dennis Department of Public Works
leads post-storm collection, with announcements for extended hours or temporary drop-off sites. Separate organic brush from construction debris and place at the curb without blocking streets. Priority is given to emergency routes, with traffic control by the Dennis Police Department
90 Bob Crowell Road, South Dennis, MA 02660
Phone: (508) 394-1315
Website: Dennis Police Department
FEMA coordination may be required for major disasters, including documentation and temporary debris storage. Public safety is paramount—report hazards like downed power lines immediately, and follow all worker safety protocols for hazardous conditions.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Dennis, MA?

Dennis encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique vegetation and environmental sensitivities. Historic areas like Dennis Village and South Dennis often have mature tree canopies, extensive buckthorn and bittersweet, and narrow streets that limit equipment access. Newer developments in East Dennis and West Dennis face less invasive pressure but may have HOA or deed restrictions on vegetation. Proximity to wetlands and conservation land (e.g., near Scargo Lake or Crowes Pasture) requires Conservation Commission permits and careful erosion control on glacial till/clay soils. Infrastructure varies: older neighborhoods have more overhead utilities, while underground lines are common in recent subdivisions. Restoration expectations are higher in high-value or Historic Districts, and municipal chipping or collection logistics may differ by area.

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

Brush removal in Dennis is governed by local ordinances on 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 with the Dennis Building Department
685 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660
Phone: (508) 760-6159
Website: Dennis Building Department
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 1M minimum general liability insurance (2M aggregate), workers compensation, and bonding for municipal contracts. All work zones require proper traffic control and public notification. Code Enforcement handles violations, with penalties for non-compliance and required correction timeframes.