# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 7: Willful trespass to trees, etc.; damages

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S7

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 7
- **Heading:** Willful trespass to trees, etc.; damages
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part III / Title III / Chapter 242 / Section 7

## Text

Section 7. A person who without license willfully cuts down, carries away, girdles or otherwise destroys trees, timber, wood or underwood on the land of another shall be liable to the owner in tort for three times the amount of the damages assessed therefor; but if it is found that the defendant had good reason to believe that the land on which the trespass was committed was his own or that he was otherwise lawfully authorized to do the acts complained of, he shall be liable for single damages only.

Section 7. A person who without license willfully cuts down, carries away, girdles or otherwise destroys trees, timber, wood or underwood on the land of another shall be liable to the owner in tort for three times the amount of the damages assessed therefor; but if it is found that the defendant had good reason to believe that the land on which the trespass was committed was his own or that he was otherwise lawfully authorized to do the acts complained of, he shall be liable for single damages only.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 1 Waste; persons entitled to maintain; jury trial](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 2 Actions of tort in nature of waste; persons entitled to maintain](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 3 Actions in tort in nature of waste; when maintainable against representatives](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 4 Triple damages for waste; liability of co-tenant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 5 Actions for triple damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 6 Triple damages for waste during pendency of action for recovery of land](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 7 Willful trespass to trees, etc.; damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S7.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 7A Agricultural or horticultural land; theft or destruction; treble damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S7A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 7B Damage by off-highway or recreational vehicle to field crops or agricultural property; treble damages; definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S7B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 8 Involuntary trespass; tender of damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S8.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 9 Enjoining waste; jurisdiction; bond](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S7. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.