Why Fair Lawn, NJ Just Passed a Bold 70% Native Plant Rule
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair Lawn NJ, In a major move to protect local ecosystems, combat climate change, and bring back native pollinators, the borough of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, has officially passed a landmark native plants ordinance.
Under the new law, 70% of all plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers introduced to borough-owned land must be native to the state of New Jersey.
Borough leaders hope the green initiative will cut municipal maintenance costs, manage stormwater runoff, and inspire local homeowners to transform their own yards into thriving habitats.
Key Highlights of the Fair Lawn Native Plant Law
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70% Requirement: A supermajority of newly planted greenery on municipal property must be native New Jersey species.
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Pesticide Ban: The borough has committed to avoiding pesticide use near designated native plant zones.
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Cost Savings: Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and replacement, saving taxpayer dollars long-term.
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Biodiversity Mandate: Landscaping projects must feature a mandatory mix of species (e.g., at least 5 different species for projects involving 21+ plants) to prevent monocultures.
Why Native Plants Matter for North Jersey
Suburban yards dominated by non-native species often create “ecological deserts”—landscapes lacking the specific plants needed to support native birds, fireflies, and butterflies.
“Planting native plants can help restore our local ecosystem to a more natural, diverse, and beautiful state.”
— Elaine Silverstein, Vice President, Native Plant Society of New Jersey
Most insects rely on very specific host plants during their larval stage. For example, the Orange Butterfly Milkweed is a critical keystone plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. Without these plants, caterpillar populations plummet, depriving local songbirds of their primary food source.
Additionally, researchers note an added health benefit for residents: yards planted with diverse native species are significantly less likely to harbor ticks than yards choked with invasive shrubs like Japanese barberry.
Top Native Plants for North Jersey Gardens
Looking to bring native biodiversity to your own property? These native New Jersey species thrive in local soil and climate conditions while attracting bees, butterflies, and birds:
🌸 Flowering Perennials
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Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Highly drought-resistant and a favorite for native pollinators.
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Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Showy summer blooms that attract local butterfly species.
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Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): A fragrant, pollinator-friendly favorite for bees and hummingbirds.
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Blue False Indigo & White Beardtongue: Early spring bloomers that give pollinators a head start.
🫐 Shrubs & Bushes
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Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): Offers gorgeous spring blossoms and edible summer berries for birds.
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Winterberry (Ilex verticillata): A deciduous holly offering striking red berries throughout winter.
🌾 Hardy Native Grasses
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Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A tough, drought-tolerant grass that provides critical shelter for small wildlife.
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Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): Excellent for erosion control and deep-root soil stabilization.
How Homeowners Can Get Involved
While the ordinance specifically targets public borough properties—excluding athletic fields, lawns, and seasonal holiday displays—Fair Lawn officials are encouraging residents to follow suit in their own backyards.
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Design Your Native Garden: Explore the plant database at Jersey Yards to find native options suited to your specific soil and shade conditions.
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Connect Locally: Get tips and community resources directly through the Fair Lawn Garden Committee and Fair Lawn Green Team at fairlawn.org.
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