Babylon Eyes Bamboo Limits

Babylon Town residents growing Bamboo in their yards could soon face stiffer penalties if their grass plant spreads beyond their property line. 

According to a report in Newsday, the Babylon Town Board will soon vote on a bill that, if approved, would result in fines of $500 per day for homeowners who let their bamboo grow beyond their yards. 

Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer said the bill is in response to complaints from residents. He said the issue is a “big deal” for those who have to deal with bamboo growing on their property from a neighbor’s yard. It can also be a danger to kids as bamboo grows sharp roots that can protrude from the ground, Schaffer added. 

The legislation impacts certain types of clumping bamboo that would have to be moved or trimmed to keep it a minimum of 10 feet away from the property line. Any new bamboo would need to be kept in planters or behind barriers that prevent roots from spreading. 

Offending property owners would be given a month to comply before being issued a summons.