Landscaping Rules in Lowell, MA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Lowell, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Lowell Code of Ordinances section 227-3(L) (Overgrowth) makes it unlawful to allow weeds to reach 18 or more inches on any developed lot, or within 150 feet of a building, street, sidewalk, or right-of-way on an undeveloped lot, and declares such growth a public nuisance. Violations carry a $100 fine per offense under section 227-4, with each day a separate offense.
Weeds capped at 18 inches; overgrowth is a nuisance
Some RestrictionsCity of Lowell Code of Ordinances sec. 227-3(L) (Overgrowth)
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any parcel of real estate to allow weeds to reach a height of 18 or more inches, where such weeds are located on any developed lot or parcel in the City, or on that portion of any undeveloped lot or parcel in the City which is within 150 feet of any building, street, sidewalk or public right-of-way.
Tree Trimming
In Massachusetts, trees within or along a public way are public shade trees that may not be cut, trimmed, or removed by anyone except the tree warden or under a written permit from the tree warden, even by the abutting property owner, under MGL c. 87, sec. 3. Lowell's own Code (sec. 227-3L) separately requires owners to trim hedges, shrubs, and trees so limbs do not obstruct streets or sidewalks and to remove dead limbs that could fall onto a public way.
Public shade trees protected; tree warden permit required
Heavy RestrictionsMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 87, Section 3
Except as provided by section five, public shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the tree warden or his deputy, even if he be the owner of the fee in the land on which such tree is situated, except upon a permit in writing from said tree warden, nor shall they be cut down or removed by the tree warden or his deputy or other person withou...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing a public shade tree in Lowell requires action by the tree warden and, under MGL c. 87, sec. 3, a posted and published public hearing with at least seven days' notice; no abutting owner may remove such a tree on their own. Removing vegetation on private property may also require a Conservation Commission permit under Lowell Code section 227-3(L).
Public shade tree removal needs warden permit, hearing
Heavy RestrictionsMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 87, Section 3
Public shade trees shall not be cut down or removed by the tree warden or his deputy or other person without a public hearing and said tree warden or his deputy shall cause a notice of the time and place of such hearing thereof, which shall identify the size, type and location of the shade tree or trees to be cut down or removed, to be posted in two or more public places in the town and upon th...
Weed Ordinances
Lowell Code section 171-12 (Weeds and Noxious Matter), in the Health and Sanitation chapter, bars owners from allowing weeds or other noxious matter on their lot or abutting sidewalk and authorizes the Board of Health to order abatement, with a $50 fine per offense. A separate property-maintenance rule (sec. 227-3L) caps weeds at 18 inches and declares overgrowth a public nuisance.
Weeds and noxious matter prohibited; BOH may abate
Some RestrictionsCity of Lowell Code of Ordinances sec. 171-12 (Weeds and Noxious Matter)
No owner, tenant in possession and/or control, or lessee of any lot shall permit on such lot, place or area, or upon any sidewalk abutting the same, any weeds or deleterious, unhealthful growths or other noxious matter. Violations of this subsection shall be punishable by a fine of $50 for each offense.
Water Restrictions
Lowell has no year-round watering ban, but Code of Ordinances Chapter 272, Part 5 (Restrictions on Use of Water, sections 272-101 through 272-106) lets the Lowell Regional Water Utility declare a state of water supply conservation and impose odd/even-day watering, watering hours, a full outdoor watering ban, pool-filling bans, or a ban on automatic sprinklers. Massachusetts state law (MGL c. 40, sec. 41A) independently authorizes water authorities to restrain water use during a declared drought emergency.
Outdoor watering limited during water supply conservation
Some RestrictionsMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 41A
A board of water commissioners or a board of public works with the duties of water commissioners of a municipality, water supply, fire and water district or water company having control of water supplies may, on behalf of their respective bodies politic or corporate, upon notification to the water takers, restrain the use of water on public and private premises by shutting off the water at the ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting with rain barrels or cisterns is legal and encouraged in Lowell. Small residential systems used for irrigation are unregulated, while larger indoor-use systems must comply with the Massachusetts Plumbing Code.
Lowell Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Native plants, pollinator gardens, and naturalistic landscapes are fully allowed in Lowell provided they are maintained and do not create a nuisance. The city encourages native plantings for stormwater and habitat benefits along the Merrimack River corridor.
Lowell Native Plant Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is not banned in Lowell for residential use, but installations may face stormwater review and historic-district design review. Some Massachusetts communities have moved to restrict turf, and state PFAS concerns may affect future rules.
Lowell Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lowell city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Middlesex County →