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Bucks County, PA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Few Restrictions

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Key Facts

State Mandate: None
Noxious Weeds: 3 P.S. §255.1
Lanternfly: Statewide quarantine
HOA Preemption: None in PA

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Bucks County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Bucks County encourages native plant landscaping through the Bucks County Conservation District. No state or county xeriscaping mandate exists. Invasive species (spotted lanternfly host plants, Japanese knotweed) may trigger removal guidance.

Full Breakdown

Pennsylvania has no statewide xeriscaping mandate and no HOA preemption for native plant landscaping. The Bucks County Conservation District promotes native plants through workshops and rebate programs for riparian buffer plantings along streams. The PA DCNR maintains a list of recommended native plants and a noxious weed list under the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act (3 P.S. §255.1). Designated noxious weeds (giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, Tree of Heaven) may trigger abatement orders. The spotted lanternfly quarantine covers Bucks County and all PA counties (statewide as of 2025), but removal of Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is encouraged rather than mandated. Some HOAs restrict naturalized landscaping; tenants and owners should document compliance with municipal grass-height ordinances (typically 8 to 12 inches) if converting lawns to meadow.

Violations & Fines

Noxious weeds after abatement notice: PA Department of Agriculture may enter and treat with costs billed to owner. Unmaintained meadow exceeding municipal grass height: code enforcement citation $50 to $300. HOA native plant disputes resolved privately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces native plants rules in Bucks County?

Bucks County's code enforcement division is responsible for landscaping ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Bucks County government website or by calling the main municipal line.

What are typical penalties for violating native plants rules?

Most Bucks County landscaping violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Bucks County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

How does Bucks County compare?

See how Bucks County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.

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Bucks County, PA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Key Facts

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Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

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