Plant Bamboo in Westport? Read This

Westport's Conservation Director Alicia Mozian reminds residents via a release that the recently enacted state regulation does not make growing bamboo illegal, but limits where it can be planted and sets fines for noncompliance.

Public Act No. 13-82 entitled “An Act Regulating the Planting and Sale of Running Bamboo” was passed by the state legislature and signed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in June to address the growing problem with running bamboo. 

“In the past few years bamboo has been planted in Connecticut with increasing frequency by homeowners on their property,” Mozian said.

“The problem that has arisen with the bamboo’s popularity is that it can very easily grow beyond property lines and be a burden to the neighbors.” 

The act spells out financial responsibility for the bamboo grower if their neighbors are burdened and requires retailers and installers to warn consumers about the risks of growing bamboo on their property, according to the release. The legislation is applicable to any running bamboo planted on or before Oct. 1. 

Under the public act, no bamboo shall be planted less than 100 feet away from an abutting property or public right-of-way. The fine for violating this is $100 and is meant to prevent the running bamboo from growing beyond property lines.

There are two exceptions: if there is a properly constructed and maintained barrier system or if the bamboo is planted in an above-ground container. 

In the case that the bamboo does grow beyond property lines, the grower shall be held liable for all damages caused by the bamboo and the cost of removal, according to the release. 

The act also adds responsibility to retail sellers and installers of bamboo. Retailers will now be required to warn customers that bamboo is a fast-growing plant that may spread if not properly contained and, in plain language, must summarize this public act and also give recommendations on how to properly contain running bamboo. Any retailer or installer that violates this act will be fined $100 for each plant sold in violation. 

The state legislature gave the power of enforcement to Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Enforcement Officers, Zoning Enforcement Officers, Municipal Tree Wardens, any duly authorized Municipal Constable, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

For more information, contact the Conservation Department in Westport Town Hall at (203) 341-1170.