Landscaping Project? Five Things to Check Before Starting

Before you break ground on your landscape project in the Garden State, there are several New Jersey-specific legal, environmental, and seasonal factors to navigate. Here are five essential things you should check to ensure your project goes smoothly and stays compliant.

1. 811: Call before you dig (It’s the law!).
2. Local Zoning: Permits for trees, slopes, and “impervious surface” limits.
3. Water Status: Check for local drought restrictions or rain sensor requirements.
4. Deer/Hardiness: Pick plants that can survive both NJ winters and hungry deer.
5. Invasive Species: Ensure your plant list doesn’t include newly banned species.
6. Call 811 (New Jersey One Call)

Call 811 

In New Jersey, it is the law to notify the “One Call” system before any digging project, no matter how small (even for planting shrubs or a small garden).

• The Rule: You must call 811 or 1-800-272-1000 at least three (3) business days before you start.
• The Wait: Once you call, utility companies will mark underground lines (electric, gas, water, etc.) with color-coded paint or flags.
• The Window: Your mark-out is valid for 45 business days. If your project takes longer, you’ll need to call for a refresh.
• Visit https://www.nj1-call.org/training-safety/draft-for-towns for more information.

Municipal Tree Ordinances & “Steep Slope” Permits

New Jersey is a “Home Rule” state, meaning every town (from Cape May to Sparta) has its own unique rules that often trump general state guidelines.

• Tree Removal: Most NJ towns require a permit to remove any tree with a trunk diameter over 6 inches. Fines for unpermitted removal can reach $1,500+ per tree.
• Steep Slopes: If your yard has a significant grade, your town may have “Steep Slope” ordinances that restrict how much soil you can move to prevent erosion and runoff into neighbor’s yards.
• Check: Always call your local Zoning Officer or Building Department before finalizing your design.

Current Water Restrictions & Drought Status New Jersey’s water supply can fluctuate rapidly. As of Spring 2026, many regions are under “Watch” or “Warning” status due to below-average reservoir levels. Lawn Watering: Some municipalities limit outdoor watering to specific days or times (e.g., odd/even house numbers). Irrigation Systems: NJ law requires all automatic lawn sprinkler systems to have a rain sensor or “smart” controller to prevent watering during or after rainfall. Pro-Tip: Consider a “Rain Barrel” setup; New Jersey provides tax incentives and rebates in certain counties for installing them.

The “Deer & Hardiness” Reality Check

New Jersey is famous for its heavy deer population and varied climate zones (ranging from 6b in the NW highlands to 8a in Cape May).

• Deer Resistance: Unless you are installing an 8-foot fence, “deer-proof” is a myth—you want deer-resistant plants. Local favorites that actually survive NJ deer include Bayberry, Little Bluestem, and American Holly.
• Native Species: The NJDEP and local watershed associations highly recommend using native plants like Switchgrass or Coneflowers. They handle NJ’s humid summers and erratic winters much better than exotic species.
• Salt Tolerant Planting: If you want to minimize the costs of maintenance and replacement in your landscape, choose species that are tolerant to salt exposure. Coastal spray, road salt, and saline soil can cause leaf burn, reduce growth, and compromise plant health. 

The 2026 Invasive Species Management Act

As of January 20, 2026, New Jersey officially signed the Invasive Species Management Act into law. This is a game-changer for homeowners because it regulates the sale and distribution of plants that were once staples in NJ yards but are now known to wreak havoc on local ecosystems.

• The Ban: The law restricts the sale and propagation of high-risk invasive species. If you were planning on planting “old favorites” like Japanese Barberry, Callery (Bradford) Pear, or Norway Maple, you may find they are no longer available at reputable NJ nurseries.
• The Risk: While the law primarily targets sellers, some municipalities are already considering local ordinances that may require the removal of these species during major renovations or could prevent you from including them in a submitted site plan.
• What to Check: Consult the NJ Invasive Species Council‘s updated 2026 list before you buy your nursery stock. If a plant is on that list, even if you find a “clearance” deal on it from an out-of-state vendor, it’s a poor long-term investment for your property value and the local environment.

Peer Note: If you’re hiring a pro, make sure they are a Registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) in NJ. You can verify their status on the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website. If they aren’t registered, your homeowner’s insurance might not cover any damage they cause!