New Jersey Bamboo Ordinances – What you need to know.
Bamboo is beautiful when controlled, but in many parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, its aggressive underground spread has prompted local governments to pass New Jersey Bamboo Ordinances to protect property, infrastructure, and neighbors. NJ Bamboo Landscaping
These ordinances regulate the:
- planting
- containment
- abatement and removal
- liability
- violations and fines
Below is a comprehensive list of New Jersey bamboo ordinances currently enacted or evolving across municipalities, along with brief summaries and links to the e-codes where available.
This article also explains how ordinances affect compliance, removal decisions, and why professional bamboo removal and containment services are essential for legal and lasting resolution. NJ Bamboo Landscaping
What Are New Jersey Bamboo Ordinances and Why Do They Exist?
Bamboo ordinances are local laws that regulate the presence, planting, and spread of bamboo — especially running bamboo — to prevent damage to property and neighboring land, and to avoid costly encroachments, disputes, and environmental impact. NJ Bamboo Landscaping
These rules usually:
✔ Limit or prohibit planting of running bamboo
✔ Require containment systems or barriers
✔ Mandate removal once it spreads beyond property lines
✔ Impose fines or penalties for non-compliance
✔ Establish enforcement and inspection procedures
New Jersey Bamboo Ordinances Examples (with links where available)
1. Borough of Manville Bamboo Ordinance
The Borough of Manville prohibits planting new invasive bamboo species and requires property owners with existing bamboo to confine it or remove it. Failure to abate within 30 days of notice can lead to removal by the borough — and the cost can be placed as a lien on the property. Manville Borough
Read the ordinance: https://www.manvillenj.org/DocumentCenter/View/6579/Ordinance-2024-1318-Regulating-Invasive–Bamboo Manville Borough
2. Township of Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s ordinance regulates bamboo and invasive plants under its property maintenance code. Running bamboo counts as an invasive species, and planting new bamboo is prohibited without compliance with containment requirements. The law also outlines inspection and abatement procedures, and allows recovery of removal costs from the property owner if they fail to comply. aberdeennj.org
Read the ordinance: https://www.aberdeennj.org/DocumentCenter/View/2087/2-2022 aberdeennj.org
3. Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus Bamboo Regulations
Ho-Ho-Kus bans new bamboo planting and requires existing bamboo be confined or removed if it encroaches on neighboring properties or rights-of-way. It establishes penalties for failure to comply and outlines notice and enforcement procedures. hhkborough.com
Ordinance 2023-83 adopted by the Borough Council hhkborough.com
4. Township of Aberdeen – Buffer Zones and Planting Rules
In addition to prohibiting planting, Aberdeen sets a buffer zone of at least 5 feet from property lines and roadways, and requires mechanical control (rather than chemical) of invasive plants, including bamboo. aberdeennj.org
5. Brick Township (Proposed or Passed Bamboo Ordinance)
Brick Township has introduced ordinances after complaints that bamboo was being allowed to spread, potentially damaging concrete, vegetation, landscaping, and pools. This ordinance was in response to resident objections and reflects a growing trend toward invasive species regulation in NJ. Guaranteed Bamboo Removal
(Ordinance found in local codes — link through township code repository.) New Jersey State Library
6. Lacey Township Bamboo Control Ordinance
Lacey has enacted regulations requiring property owners to control invasive plants, including bamboo, or face penalties for failing to maintain their properties. Guraranteed Bamboo Remvoal
(Link via local code directory.) New Jersey State Library
7. Lake Como Bamboo Ordinance in Progress
Lake Como has moved forward with regulations following resident complaints about bamboo spreading into landscapes and damaging other plants and structures. Guaranteed Bamboo Removal
(Check local code directories for the final ordinance text.) New Jersey State Library
8. Raritan Township Ordinance Efforts
Residents in Raritan have pushed for ordinances aimed at controlling invasive species like bamboo with requirements for removal/control. Guaranteed Bamboo Removal
(Raritan municipal code will have the text.) New Jersey State Library
State-Level Rules Affecting Local Ordinances
In addition to municipal ordinances, the State of New Jersey has considered uniform statewide requirements for running bamboo however the measures have not yet passed, including penalties, planting restrictions, and liability provisions for property owners whose bamboo encroaches on neighbors’ land. New Jersey Legislature
For example:
- Running bamboo can only be planted within 100 feet of property lines if properly contained. New Jersey Legislature
- Property owners are liable for damages caused by improper bamboo spread. New Jersey Legislature
- Licensed professionals must plant bamboo under specific conditions. New Jersey Legislature
Learn more: New Jersey Legislative Bill A9999 contains proposed state provisions on bamboo planting and liability. New Jersey Legislature
What These New Jersey Bamboo Ordinances and Rules Mean for Homeowners
➤ Compliance Is Not Optional
If your town has a bamboo ordinance, you are legally responsible to:
- Remove invasive bamboo
- Confine it properly
- Face penalties or removal orders if you don’t
Ignoring notices can lead to fines or even municipal removal at your expense. Meyerson Fox & Conte, P.A.
➤ Neighbor Disputes Can Become Legal Issues
When bamboo spreads onto another property, many ordinances hold the original owner responsible for removal costs, damage, and abatement. NJ Bamboo Landscaping
➤ Professional Removal and Containment Are Often Required
Guidance from NJ Bamboo Landscaping, especially for ordinance compliance New Jersey Bamboo Ordinances, includes:
- Official documentation for township submissions
- Removal or containment plans
- Permit coordination with code enforcement
- Assurance that bamboo won’t spread back onto walls or neighboring lots NJ Bamboo Landscaping
See our services page for Ordinance-Compliant Bamboo Removal for more details.
Tips for Navigating New Jersey Bamboo Ordinances
- Check Your Township Code Online – Many municipalities use Municode or General Code for online ordinances. New Jersey State Library
- Consult Code Enforcement – Before you start any work, verify notice requirements and timelines.
- Document Everything – If neighbors complain, a written removal plan helps.
- Work With Ordinance-Aware Professionals – Proper removal saves money and reduces liability.
Links to Common Code Resources
Rather than manual digging, you can find local bamboo ordinances at:
Municode – Municipal Codes Online
General Code – Local Ordinances Archive
NJ State Library – Local Ordinance Research Pages New Jersey State Library
Final Thoughts
New Jersey’s approach to bamboo is evolving rapidly. From Manville to Ho-Ho-Kus, and from Brick to Aberdeen, local governments are stepping in to protect property and neighbors from the unpredictable spread of running bamboo. NJ Bamboo Landscaping
You can (and should) use these ordinances not just as a threat, but as a framework — to guide removal, containment, and compliance so that your property remains both aesthetically pleasing and legally sound.
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