Wayne, NJ Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Article VII of Chapter 99 of the Wayne Township Code, added 11-6-2024 by Ord. No. 62-2024, defines Prohibited Plants in § 99-52. The list covers Reynoutria japonica, Fallopia japonica and Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed), Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), and all types of Bamboo, Bambusa, Phyllostachys and Pseudosasa, including common bamboo, golden bamboo and arrow bamboo. The stated purpose in § 99-51 is to protect properties from the damaging spread of plants known to harm indigenous plants and wildlife, and to regulate bamboo used as a landscaping buffer on residential properties.

Section 99-53A is the planting ban. New plantings of any Prohibited Plant are strictly forbidden within the Township, an existing plant cannot be replanted or replaced after it has died or been removed, and anyone who plants or replants one after the effective date is in violation. Existing plants on residential property can stay under § 99-53B, but only inside a Buffer Zone limit of at least five feet from any street, road or public right-of-way and ten feet from any adjoining property, and only as a decorative hedge not above 6 feet.

The definition of Property Owner reaches tenants as well as owners, and it covers plants that spread onto the property from a neighbor. Under § 99-53C, when a Prohibited Plant is found planted in the ground in violation, a notice goes to the owner giving 30 days to remove or abate. The notice is sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the tax address on file, and a copy can also be posted on the property. Under § 99-54A all premises in Wayne Township are subject to inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer. Abatement can mean physical removal, poisoning in accordance with industry standards, or metal sheathing, all at the owner's expense.