Landscaping By J Michael

Marshfield's salt marsh, coastal banks, and wetlands make Conservation Commission review central to many projects. Work within 100 feet of a wetland, salt marsh, or coastal bank — and within the regulated zones near the beaches and the South River — falls under the Wetlands Protection Act and usually requires a Notice of Intent for grading, clearing, or hardscape. Flood-zone parcels face additional FEMA and local floodplain rules. Retaining walls over four feet need a building permit and engineered plans, pools require permits and fencing, and coastal sites may carry erosion-control conditions. Allow generous lead time for shoreline filings.

Routine maintenance in Marshfield runs roughly $50–$95 per mow, with spring cleanups $300–$800 and fall cleanups $350–$1,000. Mulch is about $90–$140 per yard installed. Irrigation typically runs $5,000–$10,000, with coastal sites needing salt-aware design and seasonal blowout. Coastal hardscape built to handle exposure commonly lands at $10,000–$20,000, and full design-build projects on larger or waterfront lots range from about $25,000 to well past $100,000, with shoreline permitting adding to both cost and timeline.

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 Marshfield page.