During these challenging times, everyone is taking extraordinary measures to help protect the health of ourselves, our families, our employees and our communities. In Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker has issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public as of Tuesday, March 24th at noon until Monday, May 4th (however, this end date may change so it is important to follow updates at mass.gov). These businesses are encouraged to continue operations remotely.

NOTE: These guidelines are likely to change as the COVID-19 situation in Massachusetts continues to evolve. These updates are as of April 4, 2020.

Landscaping and Tree Removal Operations

The information below is taken from the updated FAQ from the Commonwealth's official COVID-19 site at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services-faqs (scroll down to the Construction-Related Activities heading). Continue to check this web site for further updates, as this information is rapidly changing. Landscaping is considered essential if the services being provided are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, businesses, and other buildings. Non-emergency tree removal is designated as a non-essential service; however, these companies may continue operating remotely if they maintain compliance with the social distancing guidelines from the official MA COVID-19 mandate and directives from the MA Department of Public Health.

Q. Can businesses that don't operate out of a bricks-and-mortar location continue to operate?

A. YES with social distancing. If the service a business provides is not on the essential services list, that business must cease all in-person activities at its bricks-and-mortar facilities. These non-essential businesses are encouraged to work remotely. Businesses that do work remotely, whether as part of their normal activities or as a result of this order, must maintain social distancing requirements: six feet of separation between all employees, and between employees and members of the public.

Q. Is landscaping an essential service?

A. YES if providing services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, businesses and certain other buildings (see list at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services for full details).

Q. Is non-emergency tree removal considered an essential service?

A. NO but you may be able to continue operating. If the service a business provides is not on the essential services list, that business must cease all in-person activities at its bricks-and-mortar facilities. These non-essential businesses are encouraged to work remotely. Businesses that do work remotely, whether as part of their normal activities or as a result of this order, must maintain social distancing requirements: six feet of separation between all employees, and between employees and members of the public.

Nurseries, Greenhouses, and Garden Centers

Q. Are nurseries essential?

A.Yes, if they sell food or food plants and follow DPH guidance.

Nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores that sell food or food producing plants for human consumption have been designated as COVID-19 Essential Services and may therefore continue to operate their brick and mortar premises. Workers supporting these operations are included within the COVID-19 Essential Workforce for approved purposes. These operations that remain open for business must deploy strategies to reduce COVID-19 exposure for their customers and employees by following DPH guidance. These guidelines are detailed at https://www.mass.gov/doc/dph-nurseries-guidance/download. Any nursery, greenhouse, garden center or agriculture supply store that sells solely plants that do not produce food for human consumption shall remain closed.

For more information about protecting yourself and others from coronavirus, please visit:

https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

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