Native Plants: Cambridge vs Lexington
How do native plants rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Lexington, MA?
Cambridge and Lexington have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge encourages native and pollinator plantings through its Climate Resilience and Urban Forest plans. Native plants are exempt from grass-height rules when installed as an intentional landscape.
View full Cambridge rules →Lexington, MA
Middlesex County
Native plantings are encouraged in Middlesex County. Massachusetts promotes native landscaping through DCR, DEP, and local Conservation Commissions. Invasive species are restricted under 333 CMR 9.00.
View full Lexington rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Native plants on private land | Encouraged not required | - |
| Intentional meadow lawn | Allowed | - |
| Street tree species list | Climate-adapted | - |
| Near wetlands | Conservation Commission review | - |
| Planning resource | Cambridge Urban Forest Plan | - |
| Promotion | - | Encouraged statewide |
| Prohibited Plants | - | 333 CMR 9.00 (140 species) |
| Wetlands Buffer | - | Natives required 100 ft |
| Regional Resource | - | Garden in the Woods, Framingham |
| Pollinator Programs | - | Cambridge, Arlington, etc. |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Can I replace my entire Cambridge lawn with native meadow?
Yes, and the city encourages it as long as it is maintained to prevent invasive species takeover.
Do I need approval for native plantings near the Charles River?
Any work within 100 feet of a wetland or the river typically needs Conservation Commission approval.
Lexington FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native plants?
Yes. Most Middlesex towns encourage it. Register with the town as a pollinator garden to avoid nuisance weed enforcement.
Are any plants banned?
Yes. The Prohibited Plant List (333 CMR 9.00) bans about 140 invasive species including Japanese knotweed and burning bush.
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