Invasive Plant Rules in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
4 verified invasive plant rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Bamboo Restrictions
Philadelphia does not currently have a specific citywide ordinance restricting bamboo planting. However, many surrounding suburban municipalities in the Philadelphia metro area (Lower Merion, Radnor, Swarthmore, Upper Darby) have enacted bamboo bans or containment requirements. Bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties may be addressed under nuisance law.
Philadelphia Bamboo Restrictions
Few RestrictionsProhibited Species
Philadelphia regulates landscaping through its zoning code Section 14-705, which establishes on-site landscape requirements. The city's landscape standards reference approved street tree species and discourage invasive non-native plants. Pennsylvania's Noxious Weed Control Law identifies prohibited plant species statewide.
Philadelphia Prohibited and Invasive Plant Species
Some RestrictionsFront Yard Gardens
Philadelphia allows front yard gardens, including vegetable gardens, on residential properties. The city has a strong urban agriculture movement supported by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society and community garden programs. Zoning Code Section 14-603 governs urban agriculture and community gardens.
Philadelphia Front Yard Garden Regulations
Few RestrictionsTree-of-Heaven Removal
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture maintains a Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine covering Philadelphia County under 7 Pa. Code chapter 110a. Tree-of-heaven, the lanternfly's primary host, is targeted for removal, and businesses moving regulated articles need a PDA permit and inspection.
Tree-of-heaven hosts spotted lanternfly under PDA quarantine
Heavy RestrictionsPA Department of Agriculture – Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine and Permitting
The Spotted Lanternfly or SLF, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper native to Asia first discovered in PA in Berks County in 2014. SLF feeds on sap from a myriad of plants but has a strong preference for plants important to PA's economy including grapevines, maples, black walnut, birch and willow. SLF can be controlled by a combination of: physical removal at any life stage; r...
Looking for Philadelphia County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Philadelphia city rules.
Invasive Plant Rules in Philadelphia County →