Bergen County does not require native plantings on private lots but actively promotes them through the Open Space Trust Fund, county parks restoration projects, and the Bergen County Audubon Society partnership for pollinator habitats and invasive species removal.
Bergen County encourages native landscaping through its Department of Parks, Open Space Trust Fund grants, and partnerships with the Bergen County Audubon Society and Native Plant Society of New Jersey. The county does not impose a native plant mandate on residential lots; ordinary lawns and ornamental plantings remain permissible. Major development applications routed through the Bergen County Planning Board may include native vegetation recommendations under NJDEP's Riparian Zone rules at NJAC 7:13 and reforestation requirements. NJDEP and NJDA quarantine actions target invasives like spotted lanternfly hosts. Pollinator-friendly plantings on county property follow the New Jersey Pollinator Protection Act guidance.
There are no penalties for refusing native plants on private lots. Failing to remove regulated invasives or violating riparian zone planting plans can lead to NJDEP enforcement under NJAC 7:13.
Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood Water enforces odd or even address watering days with strict timing rules for sprinklers, hoses, and automatic irrigation systems on all customers.
Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood requires owners and tenants to keep grass and weeds cut on lands abutting public streets, removing overgrowth within three days after written notice.
See how Ridgewood's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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