1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned California resident to urge you to support legislation addressing the continued use of invasive plant species in commercial and public landscaping projects throughout our state. California is facing interconnected crises involving biodiversity loss, wildfire risk, habitat destruction, and water scarcity. Yet many invasive ornamental plants continue to be widely installed by landscaping companies, developers, HOAs, and commercial properties despite the environmental harm they cause. These plants often escape cultivation, spread into natural areas, outcompete native vegetation, increase fire danger, and damage wildlife habitat. Some common examples still frequently used in landscaping include Pampas Grass, Scotch and French broom, Mexican feather grass, lantana, and sweet alyssum. While many homeowners may not realize the ecological impact of these plants, landscaping professionals should be held to higher environmental standards regarding the species they install and promote. I respectfully ask you to support legislation that would: • Prohibit landscaping companies from installing plant species officially classified as invasive in California • Require a minimum of 30% California native plants in new commercial and large-scale landscape installations • Encourage climate-appropriate, water-wise landscaping that supports pollinators and native wildlife • Expand public education and industry transition support for native landscaping practices California has already seen legislative momentum in this direction through AB 1573, authored by Assemblymember Laura Friedman and sponsored by the California Native Plant Society. That bill sought to increase the use of native plants in public and commercial landscapes because of their benefits for biodiversity, pollinators, and water conservation. Although the bill ultimately stalled after significant amendments weakened its intent, it demonstrated strong public interest and highlighted the importance of continuing this effort. Native plants are essential to supporting California’s ecosystems. Native insects, birds, and pollinators rely on native host plants that they evolved alongside. Landscaping decisions made in urban and suburban spaces can either help restore biodiversity or continue contributing to ecological decline. I have also created a public petition to demonstrate that Californians care deeply about this issue and want meaningful action taken to protect our environment and native ecosystems: [https://c.org/PvhdFJy4TP](https://c.org/PvhdFJy4TP) This issue is not about eliminating all non-native plants. It is about preventing the continued use of species known to cause environmental harm while ensuring that California landscapes better reflect and support the ecosystems we depend on. I urge you to champion legislation that prioritizes responsible landscaping, protects biodiversity, reduces wildfire risk, and helps move California toward a more sustainable future.