Landscaping Rules in Boston, MA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Boston, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Boston property owners must keep grass and weeds below 10 inches under City Code Ch. 16 and the Public Health Commission sanitary code. ISD Environmental Services enforces with 30-day notice and fines.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Boston may have a tree warden per MGL c.87. Public shade trees are protected statewide - removal requires tree warden consent.
Boston Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Boston regulates public tree removal through the Parks Department and requires permits for removing trees on city property. Private tree removal follows state and local zoning guidelines.
Boston Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Boston property owners must remove rank weeds, invasive vegetation, and sidewalk weeds under City Code Ch. 16. Noxious weeds on the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List cannot be planted.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsMassachusetts Prohibited Plant List — Statewide Plant Prohibitions
Following is a list of plants, including all cultivars, varieties and hybrids, for which the sale, import, trade, purchase, distribution, propagation, and related activities are currently prohibited within the state of Massachusetts: prohibitedplantlistMay2026.csv [...] When a species is added to the Prohibited Plant List, nursery agents/growers may no longer receive or begin propagation of tho...
Water Restrictions
Boston Water and Sewer Commission does not have year-round outdoor watering restrictions because MWRA sources are drought-resilient, but state Drought Management Plan advisories can add voluntary limits.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Few RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Boston allows residential rainwater harvesting with no permit for rain barrels under 100 gallons. Larger cisterns or potable-reuse systems need ISD plumbing and building permits.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Boston encourages native plantings through Article 37 green building standards and the Grow Boston Greener program. No ordinance mandates native plants on private lots.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsMassachusetts Prohibited Plant List — Phase-out Periods (May 2026)
Following is a list of plants, including all cultivars, varieties and hybrids, for which the sale, import, trade, purchase, distribution, propagation, and related activities are currently prohibited within the state of Massachusetts [...] *Phase-out period for newly listed prohibited species: When a species is added to the Prohibited Plant List, nursery agents/growers may no longer receive or b...
Artificial Turf
Boston restricts artificial turf on public parks due to PFAS concerns and requires review of synthetic turf in new developments. Private residential artificial turf is permitted with stormwater compliance.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Some RestrictionsLooking for Suffolk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boston city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Suffolk County →