Invasive Plant Rules in New York, NY (2026)
4 verified invasive plant rules for New York, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Bamboo Restrictions
New York State banned the sale and planting of two running bamboo species (Golden bamboo and Yellow groove bamboo) in 2015 under 6 NYCRR Part 575. Existing bamboo need not be removed but cannot be propagated. Many Long Island municipalities have additional local bamboo ordinances, though NYC itself relies on the state-level prohibition.
NYC Bamboo Restrictions
Some RestrictionsProhibited Species
New York State maintains a list of prohibited and regulated invasive plant species under 6 NYCRR Part 575. Prohibited species cannot be sold, purchased, transported, introduced, or propagated. Regulated species require specific management protocols. NYC Parks also maintains an invasive species management program.
NYC Prohibited Invasive Plant Species
Some RestrictionsFront Yard Gardens
NYC does not prohibit front yard vegetable or flower gardens on private residential property. The NYC Zoning Resolution governs yard requirements and setbacks but does not restrict plant species in residential front yards. Community gardens on city-owned land are managed through GreenThumb, the largest community gardening program in the country.
NYC Front Yard Garden Regulations
Few RestrictionsTree-of-Heaven Removal
Ailanthus altissima, commonly called tree-of-heaven, is the primary host for the invasive spotted lanternfly and NYC Parks treats it under the Forest Management Framework with chemical and mechanical removal coordinated with the New York State DEC.
NYC Parks targets Ailanthus altissima as spotted lanternfly host
Some RestrictionsLooking for New York County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement New York city rules.
Invasive Plant Rules in New York County →