Evanston, IL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Evanston supports native plant landscaping through its sustainability programs and Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Residents may replace traditional turf lawns with native grasses, wildflowers, and prairie plantings. To avoid confusion with the city's weed ordinance (10-inch height limit), natural landscape areas should have defined borders, maintained edges, and be distinguishable from neglected vegetation. The city may request that homeowners register natural landscaping with Code Enforcement to flag the property as an intentional native garden rather than an unmaintained lot. Recommended native species for the Evanston area (USDA Zone 5b/6a) include purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, prairie dropseed, little bluestem, wild bergamot, butterfly milkweed, and switchgrass. The city has partnered with organizations like the Evanston Environmental Association to promote native plantings. Rain gardens using native plants are encouraged as part of the stormwater management program. Native plant gardens may qualify for stormwater utility fee credits if they demonstrably reduce runoff. Front yard native gardens are permitted but should maintain clear pathways and setbacks from the sidewalk to avoid obstruction complaints.