Somerville's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Somerville, Massachusetts, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
The Somerville Tree Preservation Ordinance (2020) requires a permit to remove any significant tree on private property and mandates replacement or fee-in-lieu payments to the tree fund.
Key details: Ordinance: 2020-9 Tree Preservation. Trigger: 6 inch DBH or greater. Mitigation: Replacement or fee-in-lieu. Public trees: MGL c.87 hearing required. Illegal removal fine: Up to 300 dollars per day.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Somerville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Water Restrictions
Somerville buys water from the MWRA and typically has no mandatory outdoor water restrictions. Voluntary conservation is requested during declared state drought stages.
Key details: Water source: MWRA Quabbin Reservoir. Mandatory restrictions: None in effect. Drought rule: Voluntary during state drought. Preferred watering time: Early morning or evening. Utility contact: Somerville Water Dept.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Somerville is more permissive than most cities when it comes to water restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed for residential landscaping in Somerville but is discouraged on new athletic fields. The city paused new PFAS-containing turf installations on public land in 2022.
Key details: Residential turf: Generally allowed. Public fields: New turf paused since 2022. Concern: PFAS and heat island. Impervious cap: 50-70% of lot by district. Review: Planning Board / OSPCD.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Somerville. Rain barrels are promoted by the city for stormwater reduction, with occasional discount sales offered to residents.
Key details: State law: No restriction on collection. Rain barrels: No permit needed. Indoor plumbing tie-in: Plumbing permit required. City program: Rain barrel discount sales. Watershed benefit: Reduces CSO to Mystic River.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around rainwater harvesting in Somerville lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Grass Height Limits
Somerville does not set a specific grass height in the municipal code but treats overgrown lawns as nuisance property. Inspectional Services can order cutting when grass exceeds about 10 inches.
Key details: State rule: 105 CMR 410.602. Practical threshold: Around 10 inches. Enforcement: Inspectional Services. Cure period: 7-10 days typical. Remedy: City mow and lien.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Native Plants
Somerville encourages native plantings and pollinator gardens. The Urban Forestry Division prioritizes native species for street trees, and the city has adopted pollinator-friendly practices.
Key details: Native requirement: Encouraged, not required. Street trees: Native preference by city. Pollinator program: Mayor Monarch Pledge. Prohibited list: MA invasive plant rules apply. Education: Somerville Growing Center.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around native plants in Somerville lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Tree Trimming
Public shade trees are protected under MGL c.87 and the Somerville Tree Ordinance. Any pruning of a city tree requires a permit from the Somerville Tree Warden.
Key details: State law: MGL Chapter 87. City ordinance: Somerville Tree Ordinance Ch.12. Permit authority: Tree Warden / DPW Urban Forestry. Unauthorized cut: Restitution at ISA appraised value. Request work: 311 or (617) 625-6600.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Somerville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Weed Ordinances
Somerville treats noxious and overgrown weeds as nuisance property. There is no specific weed species list, but Inspectional Services can order abatement under property maintenance rules.
Key details: State list: MA Dept of Agricultural Resources. Local rule: Property maintenance nuisance. Common invasives: Knotweed, bittersweet. Enforcement: Inspectional Services. Typical fine: 50-100 dollars per day.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Somerville gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
All of the above reflects Somerville'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.