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Boston, MA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Sidewalk
Owner maintains
State Ban List
MA Prohibited Plants
Hazard Removal
30 days
Enforcer
ISD Environmental

Summary

Boston property owners must remove rank weeds, invasive vegetation, and sidewalk weeds under City Code Ch. 16. Noxious weeds on the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List cannot be planted.

Following is a list of plants, including all cultivars, varieties and hybrids, for which the sale, import, trade, purchase, distribution, propagation, and related activities are currently prohibited within the state of Massachusetts: prohibitedplantlistMay2026.csv [...] When a species is added to the Prohibited Plant List, nursery agents/growers may no longer receive or begin propagation of those species. Existing stock is subject to the following phase-out periods, determined by growth form (1 year for herbaceous plants, 2 years for shrubs, 3 years for trees).

Source: MA Prohibited Plant ListView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Boston City Code 16-12 the abutting property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk and tree pit adjacent to the property, including weed removal. Rank growth on vacant lots is a sanitary nuisance. The Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List bans sale, distribution, and importation of invasive species like Japanese knotweed, purple loosestrife, oriental bittersweet, and Norway maple. Existing plants do not have to be removed but should not be propagated. Poison ivy and giant hogweed are public health hazards and ISD Environmental Services will order removal within 30 days of notice. Herbicide use on city street trees requires Parks approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to remove Japanese knotweed?
Not legally if it is already established, but you cannot plant or propagate more. Mowing or cutting is encouraged.
Who clears the sidewalk weeds?
The abutting property owner under City Code 16-12.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Boston

Tree TrimmingLight RestrictionsNative PlantsFew RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy Restrictions

All Boston rules

How Boston compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Boston to another location·View the Massachusetts landscaping rules overview

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