Kings County, NY Invasive Plant Rules: Bamboo Restrictions (2026)

New York City does not have a municipal ordinance specifically banning or restricting bamboo cultivation on private property in Brooklyn. Running bamboo species can spread aggressively in the NYC climate (USDA Zone 7b) and cause problems when rhizomes cross property lines into neighboring yards, damage foundations or sidewalks, or encroach onto public property. In NYC's dense urban environment, bamboo encroachment is primarily a civil matter between neighbors under New York common law nuisance principles. A property owner whose bamboo spreads onto a neighbor's property may be liable for damages and remediation costs. NYC Parks Department manages invasive species in public parks and greenways, including in Brooklyn's Prospect Park and other green spaces. Common invasive species managed by NYC Parks include Japanese knotweed, porcelain berry, mugwort, and tree of heaven. Brooklyn's limited private outdoor space (mostly small yards, rooftops, and community gardens) means bamboo plantings are relatively uncommon compared to suburban areas. Container-grown bamboo on rooftops and patios faces no restrictions.