Do I need a permit to landscape my nature strip?
Yes, residents wanting to landscape a nature strip must apply to council seeking a permit as outlined above. This is required under the Road Management Act 2004. All works must abide by council’s residential nature strip landscaping guidelines.
Who will maintain my nature strip?
Under the Hume City Council Residential Nature Strip Policy, the property owner or residents of adjoining properties are expected to undertake general maintenance of nature strips. General maintenance is defined as: mowing, weeding, edging and any works required in keeping the nature strip in a safe, tidy and free of rubbish and hazards.
If a nature strip has been damaged will council repair it?
Council will inspect damaged nature strips and carry out minor repairs to make the nature strip safe. This is to reinstate soil only and does not include installing turf or maintenance.
What are the approved treatments for landscaping a nature strip?
The following treatment options will be considered:
- Grass – Warm season/drought tolerant Couch/Fescue, Buffalo or Kikuyu. These are hard wearing and require up to 60 per cent less watering.
- Mulch – organic barks or inorganic gravel like Tuscan toppings or granitic sand.
- Plants – only low growing species below 400mm allowed.
Do I need to call "Dial Before You Dig"?
Yes, if you dig for any excavation greater than 200mm in depth.
Can I install timber edging around my nature strip?
Yes, if your application is approved you may install an approved type of timber edging with the top edge level and flush with the kerb and footpath surface height. The material used must remain firmly in place and not warp.
Can I install irrigation systems in the nature strip?
No, irrigation systems are not permitted in nature strips.
Can I install synthetic turf on the nature strip?
No, synthetic turf is not permitted for use on nature strips.
Can I use rocks and railway sleepers on the nature strip?
No, council will not permit rocks, bluestone pitchers, railway sleepers, retaining walls, stakes, pickets or fences to be installed on the nature strip. These items are all potential tripping hazards.
What if there is a tree on my nature strip and I need to excavate?
No, compaction is not allowed around the base of the nature strip tree within the drip line. To ensure that no root damage occurs during excavation work, hand digging is required within the drip zone. No soil may be removed within this area and no planting is permitted within one metre of the base of the tree.
Can I plant a tree on the nature strip?
No, additional trees are not to be planted on the nature strip. Council is responsible for the planting and maintenance of street trees. Please contact council on (03) 9205 2200 if your street tree has died or is missing.
Can I park my car on the nature strip?
No, it is illegal to park a vehicle on a nature strip anywhere in Victoria and offenders may be issued an infringement notice under Road Safety Road Rules 2009, rule no 197. Hume City Council Local Law no.1- 2013, clause 2.15, makes it an offence for any person, without a permit, to park or drive a motor vehicle on any park, garden or reserve that is owned or managed by council.