Octavio's Landscape and Lawn Care

Everett requires a building permit for retaining walls over four feet and for any patio or driveway work that changes impervious coverage above zoning thresholds. The Conservation Commission reviews work within 100 feet of the Malden River, Mystic River, and any mapped wetland — uncommon for most residential lots but binding when it applies. Street trees in the public right-of-way are protected; removal needs Tree Warden approval and there is no broad private-property tree bylaw. Pool installs require zoning, building, and electrical permits, and most lots are too small for in-ground pools without a variance.

Pricing in Everett tracks Boston-metro rates because of crew travel, parking, and access constraints. Weekly mowing on the small lots here runs $40–$60, but seasonal lot maintenance is often quoted as a flat seasonal contract. Mulch installed is $110–$140 per yard. A small backyard paver patio (150–250 sf) typically runs $7,500–$13,000 because access is usually by wheelbarrow through a narrow driveway or side gate. Retaining walls average $200–$400 per face-foot installed. Full small-lot design-build refreshes — paver driveway, walkway, planting, lighting — commonly land between $25,000 and $60,000.

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 Everett page.