Angelo Santucci Inc

Medfield's Conservation Commission enforces the Wetlands Protection Act, so grading, clearing, or planting within 100 feet of the Charles River, Vine Brook, a stream, or a wetland needs review and likely an Order of Conditions, with a tighter inner no-disturb zone — the broad Charles floodplain makes this common on the west side of town. Retaining walls over four feet require a building permit and engineering, and pools, significant regrading, and stormwater work need permits. Exterior work on homes in the historic district may draw additional review. Public shade trees are protected under state law. Routine maintenance on existing lawn outside regulated areas does not require a permit.

Medfield pricing runs at the upper end for the Boston metro southwest, reflecting affluent properties. Weekly mowing on a large lot runs $55-90; spring cleanup $350-800; fall cleanup $450-1,000. Bark mulch installed runs $90-130 per yard. Irrigation runs $6,000-11,000. Bluestone patios and pool surrounds land $15-30K-plus. Cost drivers include high-end materials, lot size, and conservation work along the Charles floodplain. Full estate design-build with plantings, irrigation, lighting, and hardscape commonly runs $30K-90K-plus.

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 Medfield page.