CBF Landworks, Inc.

Groton's Conservation Commission enforces the Wetlands Protection Act, so grading, clearing, or planting within 100 feet of the Nashua or Squannacook River, a pond, brook, or wetland needs review and likely an Order of Conditions, with a tighter inner no-disturb zone. 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 near the center may draw added review. Public shade trees are protected under state law. Routine maintenance on existing lawn outside regulated areas does not require a permit.

Groton pricing runs at the upper end for the Nashoba Valley, reflecting large, affluent lots. Weekly mowing on a big lot runs $60-110; spring cleanup $400-1,000; fall cleanup $500-1,200 given the canopy. Bark mulch installed runs $85-130 per yard. Irrigation on a large property runs $7,000-13,000. Bluestone patios and pool surrounds land $15-30K-plus. Cost drivers include lot size, conservation work near the rivers, and high-end materials. Full estate design-build with specimen 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 Groton page.