Green Leaves Landscape

Hudson's Conservation Commission enforces the Wetlands Protection Act, so grading, clearing, or planting within 100 feet of the Assabet River, a stream, pond, or wetland needs review and likely an Order of Conditions, with a tighter inner no-disturb zone. Riverfront Area protection adds a wider regulated buffer along the Assabet. The town protects public shade trees under state law, so right-of-way removals need a hearing. Retaining walls over four feet require a building permit and engineering, and pools, regrading, and stormwater work need permits. Routine mowing, mulching, and planting on existing lawn outside regulated areas do not require permitting.

Hudson pricing is typical for MetroWest, a step below the wealthier suburbs closer to Boston. Weekly mowing on a typical lot runs $45-75. Spring cleanup $250-650, fall cleanup $300-900. Bark mulch installed runs $90-130 per yard. Irrigation for a typical suburban lot runs $4,500-8,000. Bluestone or paver patios run $10-16K. Drainage corrections for low-lying lots run $3,000-10,000. Full design-build with beds, plantings, irrigation, and hardscape typically lands $20K-70K, with riverfront lots running higher once Riverfront Area filings and flood-aware grading are factored in.

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 Hudson page.