Reading, PA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Reading's approach to native-plant landscaping is voluntary and education-based rather than mandatory. The Reading Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), established in April 2007 under the authority of the Pennsylvania Environmental Advisory Council Act (53 P.S. §11304 et seq.), is a 7-member volunteer body that studies environmental and sustainability issues for City Council and administers community programs including Adopt-a-Block, Adopt-a-Tree, rain-barrel distribution, and park-conservation efforts. The EAC meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. Native-plant resources for Reading homeowners include the PA DCNR Native Plant program, the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society, and the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Berks County (offering free yard consultations and demonstration gardens). Pennsylvania law does not impose a statewide native-plant mandate on residential property. The Pennsylvania Right to Farm Act (3 P.S. §951-957) provides nuisance protection for established agricultural operations, including those incorporating native-meadow restoration or pollinator habitat, against complaints raised more than one year after the operation began. Reading's land development ordinance encourages — but does not require — native species in stormwater best-management practices and street-tree plantings.