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Lunenburg's Conservation Commission enforces the Wetlands Protection Act, so grading, clearing, or planting within 100 feet of Lake Whalom, Hickory Hills Lake, a pond, brook, or wetland needs review and likely an Order of Conditions, with a tighter inner no-disturb zone — lakefront and shoreline work is closely scrutinized to protect water quality. Retaining walls over four feet require a building permit and engineering, and significant regrading and stormwater work need permits. Rural work must respect Title 5 septic setbacks. Public shade trees are protected under state law. Routine maintenance on existing lawn outside regulated areas does not require a permit.

Lunenburg pricing runs below the eastern-Massachusetts average, with lakefront work commanding a premium. Weekly mowing on a typical lot runs $40-70; lakefront lots more. Spring cleanup $250-600; fall cleanup $350-850. Bark mulch installed runs $75-115 per yard. A new irrigation system runs $4,500-8,000. Paver or bluestone patios land $10-16K. Shoreline stabilization and lakefront grading add cost given conservation requirements. Full design-build with beds, plantings, irrigation, and hardscape typically runs $18K-55K, with lakefront properties running higher.

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 Lunenburg page.