East Brunswick, NJ Invasive Plant Rules: Bamboo Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 166 gained a bamboo article on July 8, 2024 through Ord. No. 24-18. Section 166-20.1 defines bamboo as the plant species commonly known as bamboo and says it includes both running (monopodial) bamboo and clumping (sympodial) bamboo, so clumping varieties get no pass. Section 166-20.2 applies to any owner, tenant, occupant or other person in possession or control of real property, and to any property located within the Township of East Brunswick.

The prohibition has two conditions that together form the only safe harbor. Under subsection A, the root system must be entirely contained within an above-ground-level planter, barrel or other container of such design, material and location as to entirely prevent the spread or growth of the root system beyond the container. Under subsection B, the contained plants must be located, trimmed and maintained so that no part of any plant is closer than 15 feet from any property line or right-of-way. Bamboo planted in the ground is outside the safe harbor.

Section 166-20.3 sets the enforcement path. When bamboo is found planted in the ground on any lot or premises, or the Township Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer or the Mayor's designee determines that bamboo plants or roots encroach onto the property of another or any public property, a written notice of violation goes to the owner, tenant, occupant or other possessor. The violation must be cured within 60 days from the date the notice was issued. Curing means removal of the entire bamboo root system from the property, with the bamboo either discarded or relocated to a contained above-ground-level planter, barrel or other container that entirely prevents root spread.

If the owner does not remove or contain the bamboo within the time stated, a contractor hired by the Township removes it and the cost is charged to the owner or tenant. That cost becomes a lien upon the lands, is added to and becomes part of the taxes next to be assessed and levied on the property, bears interest at the same rate as taxes and is collected in the same manner as taxes.