1st Choice Services inc.

Chelsea requires a building permit for retaining walls over four feet and for hardscape work that pushes impervious coverage above zoning thresholds. The Conservation Commission has jurisdiction within 100 feet of Chelsea Creek, the Mystic River, and any mapped wetland — uncommon for most residential lots but binding when it applies. Street trees in the public right-of-way are protected; removal needs Tree Warden approval. The city does not have a broad private-property tree bylaw. Pool installs require zoning, building, and electrical permits, and most lots are too small for in-ground pools without a variance.

Chelsea pricing tracks Boston-metro because of access, parking, and labor constraints. Weekly mowing on the small lots here runs $40–$60, but flat seasonal contracts are more common than per-visit pricing. Mulch installed is $110–$140 per yard. Small backyard paver patios (150–250 sf) typically run $7,500–$13,000 because access is usually wheelbarrow-only through narrow side gates or alleys. Retaining walls average $200–$400 per face-foot, more for natural stone. Front-yard refreshes — planting, walk repair, small wall — commonly run $8,000–$20,000. Full small-lot design-build with paver driveway and refreshed planting lands $25,000–$55,000 depending on access difficulty.

Massachusetts requires a written contract and a Home Improvement Contractor registration for most residential landscaping work; ask for the registration number and check it before paying a deposit.

More on permits, costs, rebates and common questions, plus every other landscaping contractor serving the town, on the Landscaping in Chelsea page.