Broome County, NY Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Mandate
- None
- Invasive Ban
- 6 NYCRR Part 575
- Regulated Species
- 69 listed
- Resource
- Cornell Coop Ext Broome
- Enforcement
- NYS DEC
Summary
Broome County has no native-plant mandate. DEC 6 NYCRR Part 575 prohibits sale, transport, and introduction of invasive species including Japanese knotweed, purple loosestrife, and mile-a-minute vine. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County offers guidance on native plantings for Binghamton, Vestal, and Johnson City homeowners.
In 2015, a NYS Regulation 6 NYCRR Part 575 became effective which prohibits or regulates the possession, transport, importation, sale, purchase and introduction of select invasive species. The purpose of this regulation is to help control invasive species by reducing new infestations and spread of existing populations. This regulation includes plants, animals, invertebrates, fungi, algae, and cyanobacteria. This regulation became effective March 10, 2015. Regulated Plant & Animal Species that Require Labels Six plants and seven animals are considered regulated under Part 575 as of March 10, 2015. These plants and animals must be labeled in at least 14 point font with the warning: "Invasive Species - Harmful to the Environment". Businesses selling any of these species (i.e. nursery or landscaping businesses; pet stores) are required to label regulated species.
Full Breakdown
New York does not mandate native-plant use on private property. DEC 6 NYCRR Part 575, effective March 10, 2015, prohibits the sale, purchase, possession, propagation, introduction, import, or transport of 69 regulated invasive species, including Japanese knotweed, purple loosestrife, mile-a-minute vine, garlic mustard, Japanese barberry, and Norway maple. Violations can result in DEC enforcement action with civil penalties up to $250 per occurrence. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County (840 Upper Front Street, Binghamton) offers free consultation on native-plant selection for pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and erosion control. Binghamton Urban Forestry program encourages native street-tree species. No municipal code requires native plantings, but green-infrastructure grants through the Susquehanna River Basin Commission favor native selections.
Violations & Fines
DEC Part 575 invasive violation: up to $250 first offense; commercial sale can trigger larger civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to plant native species in Broome County NY?
Is Japanese barberry banned in New York?
Where can I get advice on native plants in Binghamton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broome County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Broome County to another location·View the New York landscaping rules overview
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