8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Grass height enforcement in Worcester County is municipal. Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 §29 prohibits grass and weeds over 10 inches. State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.551 requires rental property grounds to be free of overgrowth.
Worcester County may have a tree warden per MGL c.87. Public shade trees are protected statewide - removal requires tree warden consent.
No county tree ordinance. Tree removal rules are set by local tree wardens under MGL c. 87 (Public Shade Trees) for public trees. Private tree removal is governed by local bylaws. Many towns require permits for trees above a certain diameter.
Weed abatement in Worcester County is municipal. Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 13 authorizes the Department of Inspectional Services to abate overgrown lots and lien the property. State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410 applies to rental grounds.
Water restrictions in Worcester County are set by each water supplier. The Worcester DPW imposes mandatory odd/even watering May-September, and MassDEP Drought Management Plan declarations trigger stricter limits across the Nashua, Chicopee, and Blackstone basins.
Rainwater harvesting in Worcester County is fully permitted. Massachusetts has no statewide restrictions on residential rain collection. Rain barrels are encouraged; MassDEP and Worcester DPW offer rebate programs during drought years.
Worcester County MA encourages native plant landscaping through state and municipal water conservation efforts. MA has no statewide HOA xeriscaping preemption. MassDEP Water Management Act (MGL c. 21G) drives outdoor water restrictions that favor drought-tolerant plantings. The MA Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) maintains a prohibited invasive species list under 333 CMR 10.00. Several Worcester County communities offer rain garden rebates.
Worcester County MA generally permits residential artificial turf without permits. No statewide MA law regulates residential artificial turf. Some Worcester County towns scrutinize large-scale athletic turf installations for PFAS/chemical concerns and stormwater impacts. Crumb rubber infill faces growing regulatory attention. MassDEP 2023 PFAS guidance discourages PFAS-containing turf in schools and public facilities. HOA restrictions vary; no MA statutory preemption.
3 cities in Worcester County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Worcester County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Worcester County Ordinance Hub →