Landscaping Rules in Lawrence, MA (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Lawrence, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Lawrence property owners must keep tree and shrub branches trimmed back from public sidewalks, streets and rights-of-way so they don't interfere with pedestrians or vehicles, and must remove dead trees that endanger the right-of-way or nearby structures. The duty sits in the city's property maintenance code, enforced by the commissioner of inspectional services.
Lawrence Tree Trimming Right-of-Way Rule
Some RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances Section 8.20.70(E), (F)
Trees and shrubs which have branches projecting into the public right-of-way, including public sidewalks, public places, or public highways, shall be kept trimmed to prevent interference with any person or vehicle lawfully using the right-of-way. Dead trees in proximity to rights-of-way, buildings, structures, or congregations of people which may endanger such object shall be removed.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Lawrence vests control over shade trees on city streets and ways in the board of park commissioners, not individual property owners, under Municipal Code § 12.04.090. The board alone holds 'the right to remove' street trees, while a separate section makes it a punishable offense to injure, deface or destroy any city tree.
Lawrence Shade Tree Removal Authority
Significant RestrictionsLawrence Municipal Code § 12.04.090
12.04.090 - Care and control of shade trees. The care and control of all shade trees in the streets and ways of the city, with the right to remove the same, is vested in the board of park commissioners.
Weed Ordinances
Lawrence's property maintenance code requires every owner to keep weeds, grass and shrubs trimmed and free from becoming overgrown. There's no numeric height cap in the text: the standard is a general trimmed duty tied to the broader requirement that yards stay safe and sanitary, enforced by the commissioner of inspectional services under the board of health.
Lawrence Weeds and Grass Trimming Rule
Light RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances Section 8.20.70(A), (D)
All premises and landscape elements shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition, including but not limited to, steps, walks, driveways, fences, retaining walls, trees, shrubs, grass and weeds. If any such area or object constitutes a danger to health or safety, it shall be repaired, replaced, or removed. ... Weeds, grass and shrubs shall be kept trimmed and from becoming overgrown.