Nature Strip Landscaping

Street trees and nature strips are the property of Council. Council is responsible for enforcing nature strip requirements in the case of hazardous or unsuitable installations, but maintenance of the nature strips is the responsibility of the householder. You, therefore have a choice of what to do provided it meets councils requirements.

Resident Planting on Public Land

Planting or removal of trees, shrubs and garden beds by residents should only be undertaken with the approval of Council and must be;

• Of a suitable species which is compatible with the surrounding streetscape, good quality specimens and of a species non-threatening to underground services.
• In a suitable location - See “planting location”
• Planted to Council standards
• Where trees, shrubs and garden beds do not meet the requirements of Council’s policies, Council may remove trees, shrubs and garden beds or arrange for its appropriate pruning without consulting the resident.

Things to consider…

• Choosing water wise plants reduces the need for watering and will save you money.
• Native plants require less fertiliser than introduced plants as they are adapted to low nutrient conditions.
• Plants should be tough enough to endure the pressures of pedestrian traffic.
• Plants under established street trees need to be tolerant of dry shade.
• Mulching around trees will retain moisture and discourage weeds

Planting Location

Trees and shrubs cannot be planted within

• 1m of a storm water drain
• 1m of a residential water service.
• 2m of a fire hydrant
• 1m of underground electricity cables
• 3m of an electricity pole or line (except or species which, at maturity, have a canopy spread of less than 4m and a potential height of less than 4m)
• Trees can not be planted within 5m of an intersection or pedestrian crossing and shrubs 600mm in height can not be planted within 10m of an intersection or pedestrian crossing.
• Only trees with a clean trunk to 2m can be planted between 5m and 10m from an intersection or pedestrian crossing.
• Only trees with a clean trunk to 2.5m or shrubs lower than 600mm can be planted within 5m of a driveway/lane.
• All hedges and garden beds (excluding trees) within a 10m radius of a pedestrian crossing or facility must be trimmed and maintained at a maximum height of 600mm from the road level to allow for adequate sight distance for both pedestrians and vehicle drivers.
• All hedges and garden beds (excluding trees) within a 10m radius of a pedestrian crossing or facility must be trimmed and maintained at a maximum height of 600mm from the road level to allow for adequate sight distance for both pedestrians and vehicle drivers.