Landscaping Rules in Cambridge, MA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Cambridge, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Cambridge requires owners to keep grass and weeds under roughly 10 inches, enforced by Inspectional Services. Neglected lots can be cited and mowed by the city at the owners expense.
Cambridge Grass Height Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Cambridge has one of the strictest tree ordinances in MA. Under the 2021 Tree Protection Ordinance, major trimming of any tree 6 inches DBH or larger requires a permit from the city arborist.
Cambridge Tree Trimming Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Cambridge requires a permit to remove any tree 6 inches DBH or larger under the 2021 Tree Protection Ordinance. Removals require replacement planting or payment into the Cambridge Tree Fund.
Cambridge Tree Removal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Cambridge requires owners to control noxious weeds under the property maintenance ordinance. The city bans cosmetic pesticides on public land and encourages organic weed control on private land.
Cambridge Weed Control Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Cambridge runs its own water supply from Fresh Pond and Hobbs/Stony Brook reservoirs. The city imposes odd/even watering limits during drought and can escalate to full non-essential use bans.
Cambridge Outdoor Water Use Rules
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal and encouraged in Cambridge. The Water Department runs rain barrel programs and the MS4 stormwater ordinance gives credits for qualifying larger installations.
Cambridge Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Cambridge encourages native and pollinator plantings through its Climate Resilience and Urban Forest plans. Native plants are exempt from grass-height rules when installed as an intentional landscape.
Cambridge Native Plant Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Cambridge restricts artificial turf on city-owned property over PFAS concerns. On private property it is allowed but discouraged, and larger installations trigger review under the stormwater ordinance.
Cambridge Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cambridge city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Middlesex County →