Nature strip requirements

Nature strips are the public land between the footpath and the kerb on residential streets. Find out more about nature strip planting and maintenance.

Nature strips are the public land between the footpath and the kerb on residential streets. Nature strips are set aside for the provision of essential services, such as telephone, gas, water, sewerage, drainage and electricity. They also provide clear viewing lines for pedestrians and vehicles, a stable area for postal and waste collection services and safe entry and exit clearances for motor vehicles.

Maintaining your nature strip

Residents are encouraged to maintain the nature strip in front of their home to make sure that it is safe and tidy. Maintenance includes mowing, weeding, edging and collecting litter.

Planting on your nature strip

If you would like to plant on your nature strip, please visit our webpage about Nature Strip Planting.

Street trees

Council is responsible for the planting and maintenance of street trees. Residents are not permitted to plant, prune or remove the trees on nature strips.

You can report tree branch problems on our website, such as fallen branches, unsafe trees or branches touching powerlines. If your street tree has died or is missing, please call us on 03 8470 8888.

FAQs

Can I use pavers or rocks on the nature strip?

No - landscaping hard surfaces are not permitted for use on nature strips.

These include:

  • pavers and bricks
  • rocks
  • fences
  • sleepers or edges
  • planter boxes
  • ornaments (including gnomes)
  • bollards.

What happens if Council or a utility company need to access the services within my landscaped nature strip?

There are many essential services that are contained within the nature strip, including telephone, gas, water, sewerage, drainage and electricity. From time to time, utility companies require access to their infrastructure for upgrades or repairs. Please be aware that they are only obligated to reinstate the nature strip as grass, even if a Nature Strip Planting Permit has been obtained.

More information

To learn more about planting your nature strip, please visit our webpage about Nature Strip Planting.

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