Landscaping Rules in Southborough, MA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Southborough, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In Southborough, the tree bylaw on removal covers public trees: § 153-3 makes the Tree Warden, or that official's designee, responsible for removing trees from streets, parks and other designated public places. Chapter 153 prints no permit for cutting a tree on private land. Site plan review, wetlands and land disturbance rules reach private tree loss only when they are triggered.
Southborough Tree Removal Rules for Public Trees
Light RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 153-3
The care and management of public trees shall be the responsibility of the Tree Warden, or that official's designee. The Tree Warden is responsible for planting, maintaining and removing trees from streets, parks and other designated public places in accordance with M.G.L. c. 87, § 2 .
Water Restrictions
In Southborough, the Select Board can establish a water emergency to conserve supply and protect the water system. During one, outside use of Town water to irrigate lawns, gardens, shrubs and trees is prohibited, along with vehicle washing and recreational use. Fines are $50 for a first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses.
Southborough Water Emergency Irrigation Ban
Light RestrictionsSouthborough Code §§ 162-1, 162-2
The Select Board shall be authorized to establish water emergencies as may be necessary to conserve the supply of water and to insure the safe and efficient operation of the water system. During such emergencies outside use of water drawn from the Town's water system shall be prohibited for such purposes as irrigation of lawns, gardens, shrubs and trees, washing of vehicles, recreational use an...
Rainwater Harvesting
Southborough treats rainwater capture as a design technique, not a separate permit. The Lower Impact Development bylaw lists rain barrels and other cisterns among the stormwater storage techniques in a Planning Board LID special permit, and the landscaping standard recommends rainwater recycling systems for watering. A Board of Health rule bars cisterns as a private water supply.
Southborough Rain Barrels and Cisterns in Stormwater Plans
Light RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 174-13.3(E)(2)(j)
(2) To obtain approval for a project subject to the provisions of this bylaw, the applicant shall submit a LID special permit application that meets the LID site design principles stated below, a LID management plan and an operation and maintenance plan that complies with the requirements set forth herein and in the regulations adopted pursuant to this bylaw. ... (j) Techniques integrated int...
Native Plants
Southborough encourages native species in all landscaping plans and prohibits planting a printed list of invasive species. Section 174-13(B)(10) names plants such as Norway maple, Japanese barberry and burning bush, and § 174-13.3 calls for native vegetation in buffer strips and rain gardens. The landscaping section applies to projects reaching Planning Board site plan review or a parking increase of five or more spaces.
Southborough Native Plant and Invasive Species Rules
Light RestrictionsSouthborough Code § 174-13(B)(10)(c)-(d); § 174-13.3(E)(2)(i)
The Town of Southborough encourages the use of native species in all landscaping plans. Please note that many of the invasive species listed below have native counterparts that could be considered. (d) The following invasive species of plants are prohibited from being planted: ... (i) Use of native plant vegetation (invasive species prohibited) in buffer strips and in rain gardens (small plan...