M & M Landscaping & Rubbish Removal, Inc.

Winchester has a notably active Conservation Commission and a local wetlands bylaw on top of the state Wetlands Protection Act, so work within 100 feet of the Aberjona, the Mystic Lakes, or any wetland needs filing and an Order of Conditions, with a strict inner no-disturb buffer. The town also has tree protection rules covering public shade trees and, on larger projects, private removals — removing significant trees often triggers review or replanting requirements. Retaining walls over four feet need a building permit and engineering, and pools, regrading, and stormwater work require permits. Estate-scale design-build near the lakes routinely needs conservation sign-off before any clearing or grading.

Winchester pricing sits at the top of the regional range. Weekly mowing on an established lot runs $55-90. Spring cleanup $400-900, fall cleanup with heavy canopy leaf load $500-1,200. Bark mulch installed runs $100-140 per yard. Irrigation systems run $5,000-9,500 depending on zones and lot size. Bluestone patios run $12-18K, and high-end stonework with walls and steps goes higher. Full design-build — beds, specimen plantings, lighting, irrigation, and hardscape — commonly lands $30K-150K, with lakefront and hillside estate projects readily exceeding $250K once drainage, retaining, and access challenges 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 Winchester page.