Norfolk County, MA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- County Rule?
- None: board of health jurisdiction
- State Authority
- MGL c. 111 §122, §125
- Sanitary Code
- 105 CMR 410.600 (rentals)
- Invasives
- Knotweed, phragmites, bittersweet
- Cost Recovery
- Municipal lien on property
Summary
Norfolk County does not enforce weed abatement. Individual municipalities enforce property maintenance under MGL c. 111 §122 (nuisance) and the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) for rental property.
Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List. 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 [...] *Phase-out period for newly listed prohibited species: 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): black Alder, European alder - Alnus glutinosa - 12/8/2025 - 12/31/2028; Callery/Bradford pear - Pyrus calleryana - 9/19/2024 - 12/31/2028 (with limited exceptions in orchards); Chinese silver grass, Eulalia, maiden grass - Miscanthus sinensis - 12/8/2025 - 12/31/2026; Japanese Angelica tree - Aralia elata - 5/11/2026 - 5/11/2029; jetbead, white Kerria, jetberry bush - Rhodotypos scandens - 12/8/2025 - 12/31/2027; sapphire berry, Asiatic sweetleaf - Symplocos paniculata - 5/11/2026 - 5/11/2028.
Full Breakdown
Weed abatement authority in Norfolk County rests with each municipality's board of health and code enforcement. Under MGL c. 111 §122, boards of health may order abatement of nuisances, including overgrown vegetation. The State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.600 requires rental property owners to maintain exterior grounds free of overgrowth. Most Norfolk County towns have local property maintenance bylaws. Common invasive species of concern include Japanese knotweed, multiflora rose, phragmites, and Asiatic bittersweet. Vacant lots receive priority enforcement. If owner fails to abate, the municipality may clear and bill the owner, with the charge becoming a lien under MGL c. 111 §125.
Violations & Fines
No county enforcement. Municipal notice to abate. City clears and charges owner ($200-$1,000+). Unpaid costs become property lien per MGL c. 111 §125.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating weed ordinances rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norfolk County
How Norfolk County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Norfolk County to another location·View the Massachusetts landscaping rules overview
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