Landscaping Rules in Medford, MA (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Medford, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
No one may cut, trim or top a tree standing in a Medford public way without first getting permission from the tree warden under Revised Ordinances § 86-91, with the work performed under the tree warden's direction and per M.G.L.A. c. 87, §§ 3-5.
Medford Tree Warden Cutting Permission
Significant RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 86-91
No person shall be allowed to cut, trim or top off any tree standing in the public ways of the city unless he shall have first obtained the permission of the tree warden. Such work shall be as provided in M.G.L.A. c. 87, §§ 3—5 and shall be performed under the direction of the tree warden.
Native Plants
Medford's site development performance standards require developers who clear vegetation on a qualifying project to replant with native vegetation to restore wildlife habitat, and to revegetate any cleared site within seven calendar days of final grading using native plant species and proper seed-bed preparation. The duty sits in Sec. 94-6.4.6, the same section governing land disturbance for special permit and site plan projects.
Medford Native Plant Revegetation Standard
Some RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 94-6.4.6(2), (7)
2.Replication. Clearing of vegetation and alteration of topography shall be replicated with native vegetation planted in disturbed areas as needed to enhance or restore wildlife habitat. ... 7.Revegetation. Proper revegetation techniques shall be employed during construction using native plant species, proper seed bed preparation, fertilizer and mulching to protect germinating plants. Revegetat...
Composting
Medford allows private backyard composting once the bin meets Sec. 6-119's construction and siting standards: durable material, a rodent-proof one-fourth-inch mesh lining, a tight, lockable lid, adequate drainage, and placement away from animal nesting spots and food sources like bird feeders or fruit trees. Noncompliant setups fall under the same rodent-control article's fines of up to $300 per day.
Medford Backyard Composting Bin Rules
Some RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances §§ 6-119, 6-120
Sec. 6-119. - Composting—Private, curbside and maintenance. (a)Private backyard composting is allowed once the following conditions are met:(1)Compost bin must be constructed out of hardware cloth/welded wire, wood, plastic barrels, or other durable material;(2)The entire bin must be lined with rodent proof hardware cloth/wire mesh one-fourth inches or smaller;(3)The lid must be tight fitting w...