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Landscaping Rules in Brookline, MA (2026)

4 verified landscaping rules for Brookline, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Grass Height Limits

Brookline enforces property maintenance standards including overgrown vegetation through the Health and Building Departments. The Tree Preservation Bylaw (effective March 27, 2025) adds requirements for properties with protected trees.

Brookline Grass Height and Property Maintenance

Some Restrictions

Tree Trimming

Brookline's Tree Preservation Bylaw (effective March 27, 2025) protects all trees 6+ inches DBH within 20 feet of property lines. Work within 30 feet of protected trees may trigger permit requirements. Trimming of public shade trees requires Town Warden approval.

Brookline Tree Trimming Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Brookline's Tree Preservation Bylaw (effective March 27, 2025) requires a Tree Impact and Removal Permit for removing protected trees (6+ inches DBH within 20 ft of property line) and for construction/demolition near such trees. Mitigation costs $500 per inch of diameter removed.

Brookline Tree Removal Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Water Restrictions

Brookline water is supplied by the MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority). During MassDEP drought declarations, outdoor watering restrictions apply. No permanent year-round odd/even schedule was found in Brookline's published bylaws.

Brookline Water Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Looking for Norfolk County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brookline city rules.

Landscaping Rules in Norfolk County