Native Plants: Fort Lee vs Ridgewood
How do native plants rules compare between Fort Lee, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Fort Lee and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not require native plantings on private lots but actively promotes them through the Open Space Trust Fund, county parks restoration projects, and the Bergen County Audubon Society partnership for pollinator habitats and invasive species removal.
View full Fort Lee rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not require native plantings on private lots but actively promotes them through the Open Space Trust Fund, county parks restoration projects, and the Bergen County Audubon Society partnership for pollinator habitats and invasive species removal.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Lee | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Native mandate | Not required residentially | Not required residentially |
| County program | Open Space Trust Fund | Open Space Trust Fund |
| Riparian rule | NJAC 7:13 | NJAC 7:13 |
| Partner | Bergen County Audubon Society | Bergen County Audubon Society |
| State guidance | NJ Pollinator Protection Act | NJ Pollinator Protection Act |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Lee FAQ
Do I have to plant natives in my Bergen County yard?
No. Bergen County does not require native landscaping on residential property. Native plants are encouraged but not mandated, and traditional turf and ornamentals remain fully permissible under county and state rules.
Are there incentives for going native?
Bergen County's Open Space Trust Fund and Audubon Society partnerships occasionally provide native plant giveaways and habitat grants. NJDEP also offers technical guidance through its Watershed Management and Wildlife divisions.
Ridgewood FAQ
Do I have to plant natives in my Bergen County yard?
No. Bergen County does not require native landscaping on residential property. Native plants are encouraged but not mandated, and traditional turf and ornamentals remain fully permissible under county and state rules.
Are there incentives for going native?
Bergen County's Open Space Trust Fund and Audubon Society partnerships occasionally provide native plant giveaways and habitat grants. NJDEP also offers technical guidance through its Watershed Management and Wildlife divisions.
Compare other topics
See how Fort Lee and Ridgewood compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool