Landscaping Rules in Cambridge, MA (2026)
2 verified landscaping rules for Cambridge, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Cambridge Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsCambridge Municipal Code § 8.66.050(a)
For any Significant Tree removal, a permit will be required from the City Arborist. The City Arborist shall keep a record of the type and size of tree removed, the reason for the removal, photographs of the tree documenting the reason for removal, the date, the contractor(s), and the name and address of the property owner.
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.
Cambridge Drought Watering Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsCambridge Municipal Code § 13.08.090 (Water restriction authority)
A.The Water Board shall have the power to restrict the use of hand-hose or automatic sprinkler or similar devices to such hours of the day as it may deem necessary pursuant to G.L. c. 41, § 69B, and the City Manager or if designated, the Managing Director of the Water Department, shall limit nonessential outdoor water use during a drought declaration by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental...