Waltham, MA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Waltham Municipal Code and Board of Health
- State invasive list
- MA Prohibited Plant List applies
- Abatement period
- 7-14 days after notice
- Exempt uses
- Maintained pollinator and native gardens
- Reporting
- Waltham 311 or 781-314-3000
Summary
Waltham requires property owners to control noxious weeds and invasive vegetation under the property maintenance code. Overgrowth creating rodent, fire, or nuisance conditions triggers enforcement.
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). Common Name / Scientific Name / Deadline for import/propagation / Deadline for all sales: 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
The Waltham Municipal Code property maintenance provisions require owners to keep lots free of noxious weeds, invasive plants, and overgrown vegetation that creates a public nuisance, harbors vermin, or presents a fire hazard. While there is no strict list of prohibited species, Massachusetts has a state invasive plant list prohibiting commercial sale of species like Japanese knotweed, Oriental bittersweet, purple loosestrife, and garlic mustard. Property owners who allow these invasives to spread to neighboring properties may face civil claims. Waltham enforces weed and overgrowth issues through the Code Enforcement office and Board of Health, typically with a 7-14 day notice to abate. Naturalized pollinator gardens, meadows, and native plantings are generally encouraged and exempt if maintained. Complaints can be filed via Waltham 311.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japanese knotweed banned in Waltham?
Are dandelions considered weeds under Waltham code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waltham
How Waltham compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Waltham to another location·View the Massachusetts landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle weed ordinances.