Invasive Plant Rules in New Castle County, DE (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware.
Verified from official government sources
Bamboo Restrictions
New Castle County prohibits planting Phyllostachys, Pseudosasa, and Bambusa bamboo unless it's contained in an above-ground planter or set back 50 feet from every property line, under the county's Property Maintenance Code.
New Castle County Bans Running Bamboo Planting
Significant RestrictionsNew Castle County Code § 7.01.002 (PM Code § 302.4.12)
302.4.12 Bamboo from the genera Phyllostachys, Pseudosasa, and Bambusa shall not be permitted on any parcel except as provided below. ... 302.4.12.2 In-ground bamboo. The bamboo must be located at least 50 feet from any property line.
Prohibited Species
New Castle County outlaws running bamboo (Phyllostachys, Pseudosasa, Bambusa) on any parcel unless fully contained in an above-ground planter or planted at least 50 feet from the property line, with a narrow waiver for bamboo planted before 2017.
New Castle County Bans Running Bamboo
Heavy RestrictionsNew Castle County Code § 7.01.002 (IPMC § 302.4.12 - Bamboo)
302.4.12 Bamboo from the genera Phyllostachys, Pseudosasa, and Bambusa shall not be permitted on any parcel except as provided below. 302.4.12.1 Above-ground planters. The root system of the bamboo plant must be entirely contained within an above-ground level planter... 302.4.12.2 In-ground bamboo. The bamboo must be located at least 50 feet from any property line.
Front Yard Gardens
Pollinator and rain gardens are allowed in front yards but capped at 25% of the street-yard area, set back 10 feet, and barred from planting listed invasive species.
New Castle County Front-Yard Gardens
Some RestrictionsNew Castle County Code § 7.01.002 (2024 IPMC § 302.4.10, as amended)
302.4.10.6 Setbacks. Pollinator gardens and rain gardens must comply with the following setbacks: 1. Principal building: 3 feet. 2. Street yard: 10 feet... 302.4.10.7 Coverage. 1. Pollinator gardens and rain gardens shall be no more than 25% of the area of the street yard of the principal building. 2. ...no more than 50% of the area of the rear yard.
Tree-of-Heaven Removal
New Castle County's development code lists Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) as an invasive tree to avoid, and its property maintenance code forces owners to mow down any harmful population by September 30 each year.
New Castle County Tree of Heaven Rules
Some RestrictionsNew Castle County Code Ch. 40, Appendix 3, Pt. 2.A (Trees - Plants to Avoid); see also § 7.01.002 (IPMC § 302.4.5)
Ailanthus altissima / Tree of Heaven / Invasive Tendency: I / Note: Plant where it cannot escape cultivation.
All New Castle County ordinances
See every category we cover for New Castle County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
New Castle County Ordinance Hub →