McHenry County, IL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- 765 ILCS 167 (Native Landscaping Act)
- Associations
- Cannot ban native plantings
- Height limits
- Association can't impose them
- Condition
- Keep free of weeds/invasives
- County buffers
- Native vegetation, 30-100 ft
Summary
Illinois' Homeowners' Native Landscaping Act bars community associations from banning native-species plantings that are kept free of weeds and don't encroach on neighbors. McHenry County's stormwater buffer areas along waterways must be maintained in native vegetation.
An Association shall not prohibit any resident or owner from planting or growing Illinois native species on the resident's or owner's lawn so long as the area is maintained predominantly free of weeds, invasive species, and trash.
Full Breakdown
Under the Homeowners' Native Landscaping Act (765 ILCS 167/10), an association cannot prohibit residents from planting Illinois native species as long as the area stays predominantly free of weeds, invasive species, and trash and does not extend onto neighboring properties, sidewalks, or streets. Associations may adopt reasonable rules but cannot impose height restrictions or block proper maintenance. Statewide, native prairie and pollinator gardens are protected. Separately, McHenry County's Stormwater Management Ordinance requires vegetated buffer areas around Waters of the United States and Isolated Waters of McHenry County - generally 30 to 100 feet - kept in native vegetation. Municipal eight-inch weed limits still apply to genuinely unmanaged growth.
Violations & Fines
Native gardens themselves are protected from association bans. However, a landscape that is not maintained - overrun with listed noxious weeds or invasive species - can still be cited as nuisance greenery under local weed ordinances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to remove a native prairie garden?
Do native gardens escape the weed ordinance entirely?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
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