Landscaping Rules in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge maintains 96 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Cambridge falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Water Restrictions

Under a drought declaration, Cambridge Municipal Code § 13.08.090 imposes four escalating watering-day tiers: Level 1 limits outdoor watering to one day a week before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m., while Levels 2 through 4 ban nonessential outdoor water use outright, with only hand-held or drip irrigation of ornamentals allowed.

Key details: Level 1 limit: One watering day/week, before 9am or after 5pm. Level 2 limit: All nonessential outdoor watering banned. Levels 3-4: Full ban, no ornamental exception. First violation: Warning only. Fourth+ violation: $300 fine, each day separate.

Violating § 13.08.090 escalates on a fixed schedule: a warning for the first violation, $100 for the second, $200 for the third, and $300 for the fourth and every violation after that, with each day counted separately. The section also allows a criminal fine up to $300 or a non-criminal disposition up to $300 under G.L. c. 40, § 21D, enforced by Water Department employees, Police Officers, Animal Control Officers and the Director of the Animal Commission.

This is one of the stricter rules in Cambridge's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Cutting down a 'Significant Tree,' anything six inches or more in trunk diameter on a Cambridge lot, needs a permit from the City Arborist first. The Arborist logs the tree's size, the reason for removal, photos, the contractor and the property owner before work can start.

Key details: Permit trigger: Any tree 6+ inches DBH. Permit authority: City Arborist. Replacement Tree protection: 10 years after planting. Large-project Tree Study lead time: 21 days before application. Large-project bond minimum: $5,000.

Removing a Significant Tree without first getting a City Arborist permit, or removing a Replacement Tree within its ten-year protected period without a new permit, violates Chapter 8.66. The Arborist can issue a written notice of violation and a stop-work order; continuing work after a stop-work order draws a fine of up to $300 per day under § 8.66.120, in addition to any Mitigation Payment owed.

The Bottom Line

Cambridge's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cambridge is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Cambridge's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.