R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-14-5

(a) The tree warden in a town or city has the care and control of all trees and shrubs, in whole or in part within the limits of any public road or grounds and within the limits of his or her town or city, except those on roads under the control of the department of transportation and those in public parks or grounds which are under the jurisdiction and control of the department of environmental management or the park commission of any town or city. The tree warden may assume the care and control of trees or shrubs in any public park if requested, in writing, by the department of environmental management or the park commission of any city or town. The care and control extends to any limbs, roots, or parts of trees and shrubs that extend or overhang the limits or bounds of any public road or grounds, and the tree warden, or his or her agent, or an authorized agent of the department of transportation, or an authorized agent of the department of environmental management, or an authorized agent of the park commission of any town or city, may enter upon private property when necessary to exercise care and control.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, an electric distribution company shall have the right to carry out vegetation management standards and practices as approved by the division of public utilities and carriers under § 39-34-3.