Landscaping Rules in Worcester, MA (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Worcester, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Worcester property owners must keep their shrubs, brush and trees from growing over the sidewalk or street in a way that endangers pedestrians, under Chapter Twelve, Section 21(g); letting overgrowth impair pedestrian safety draws a $25 fine for every day it goes uncut.
Worcester Tree Overgrowth Onto Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsWorcester Revised Ordinances of 2008, Chapter Twelve, § 21(g)
(g) No person shall cause, allow or maintain any growth of shrubs, brush or trees to extend onto or over any portion of any public way, including the sidewalk area between the traveled portion of the way and the boundary between the abutting property and the way, so as to impair the safety of pedestrians traveling on the way. Any person found in violation of this subsection shall be penalized b...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Public shade trees in Worcester are protected under MGL Chapter 87 and require a public hearing before removal. Private tree removal generally does not require permits unless in a historic district or conservation area.
Worcester Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 131, § 40 – Wetlands Protection Act
No person shall remove, fill, dredge or alter any bank, riverfront area, fresh water wetland, coastal wetland, beach, dune, flat, marsh, meadow or swamp bordering on the ocean or on any estuary, creek, river, stream, pond, or lake, or any land under said waters or any land subject to tidal action, coastal storm flowage, or flooding, other than in the course of maintaining, repairing or replacin...
Weed Ordinances
Worcester caps vegetation at 12 inches under the nuisance-on-property law, Chapter 8, § 42(b)(2), whenever taller growth could harbor rodents or vermin, hide stagnant water, or create a fire hazard. The rule also bars overgrown, decayed, dead, or hazardous trees and shrubs. Violators get a notice and five days to cut, then face rising fines.
Worcester 12-Inch Overgrowth Limit
Some RestrictionsWorcester Revised Ordinances, Chapter 8, § 42(b)(2)
All property shall be maintained free of vegetation over twelve (12) inches high that is or may reasonably become infested with rodents, vermin, or other animals, conceal pools of stagnant water, or create a fire safety hazard. All property shall be kept free of overgrown, decayed, dead, or hazardous trees, shrubs, or any other vegetation that poses a hazard to the health and safety of any pers...