The State Organization Index provides an alphabetical listing of government organizations, including commissions, departments, and bureaus.
Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state
Fall is an ideal time to plant because rainfall is usually plentiful and temperatures (and heat stress) are lower. In addition, in contrast to spring planting when soils are cool, the warm fall soil temperatures allow the roots of plants to grow until the ground freezes, setting the plants up for success the following spring. Fall plantings are also better equipped to survive the hot and dry conditions of the following summer because their more extensive root systems can capture water and nutrients more readily. And fall plantings can be beautiful. Many deciduous trees and shrubs offer vibrant colors and the bright-colored berries and stems of shrubs or the feathery flowers of grasses provide visual interest throughout the fall and winter. Their fruits also provide much needed food for wildlife. This web page offers information on fall planting for your coastal property.
Coastal homeowners must be more selective in choosing plants that are suitable for the rigorous conditions of the coast, including salt spray, wind, sandy soils, and possibly even wave over-topping. Certain plants are well adapted to these conditions and may even provide the added benefits of erosion control and stabilization of soils. The following websites provide further information on planting on coastal sites, as well as offering descriptions of plant species.
The ideal period for fall planting on the Massachusetts coast is roughly six weeks before the first hard frost—generally September and October. Evergreens should be planted before mid-October since they continue to grow until the ground freezes, while deciduous plants can be planted anytime the ground is workable. To get the most out of your newly planted landscape throughout the fall and winter, a number of maintenance practices will help keep your yard well established, pest free, and healthy. Tips on watering, mulching, pruning, and more can be found on the following websites.
The appropriate time to plant beachgrass differs from other plant species. "Cape" American Beachgrass typically does best when planted in unfrozen ground from mid-November through early-April—except in areas exposed to strong wind or waves, where it should be planted in early spring to reduce the likelihood that it will be washed or blown away in winter storms. The late spring and summer months are not optimal for planting because they are too warm and dry to support a bare root plant, and shorebirds are nesting and raising young on the dunes and beach (so planting is often prohibited). The following links provide additional information on planting American beachgrass:
When choosing plants for your yard, select native species whenever possible. Native plants (i.e., those that originally grew in this area) are adapted to local conditions and consequently require less maintenance, watering, fertilizer, and pest control than introduced species. Many introduced species also become invasive and threaten the environment. To be sure that you don't inadvertently plant an invasive species in your yard, please check the following sources for the most current information:
The plants selected for coastal landscapes can be both functional and interesting. The following 10 native plants, which can be found at local nurseries (and are likely on sale in the fall), are great for coastal sites, provide fall and/or winter visual interest, and are bound to make an impact in your garden. (Be sure to check CZM's Coastal Landscaping website for important information on where to safely and effectively plant these species.)