Waltham, MA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Waltham does not restrict homeowners from replacing turf lawns with native plant gardens, pollinator meadows, or New England-native landscaping. The Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List, administered by the Department of Agricultural Resources, bans the sale and propagation of approximately 140 invasive species including burning bush, Japanese barberry, Norway maple, and multiflora rose. Homeowners are encouraged to plant native species appropriate to eastern Massachusetts such as oaks, serviceberry, black-eyed Susan, New England aster, butterfly weed, and native viburnums. The Charles River watershed and Beaver Brook Reservation benefit from native plantings that reduce runoff and support pollinators. Native meadow areas must still be maintained to avoid violating the general property maintenance code, meaning plantings should be intentional, bordered, and free of invasive overgrowth. The Waltham Land Trust and Mass Audubon offer guidance on regional native species.