Nature strips are the area between a property's boundary and the kerb, excluding the footpath. Most nature strips contain grass only, but residents can apply to add landscaping to the nature strips outside the property they reside in.
The Hume City Nature Strip Policy states that residents are expected to maintain the nature strips outside of their property.
Am I allowed to park on a nature strip?
It is not legal to park a vehicle on a nature strip in Victoria. Council officers can issue infringements to vehicles parked on nature strips under Road Safety Road Rules 2017, rule no 197.
If you would like to report an issue with someone parking on a nature strip, please see Report an issue.
Who is responsible for maintaining 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.
What can be planted on my nature strip?
The following treatment options will be considered in nature strips:
- 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 bars or inorganic gravel like Tuscan toppings or Granitic sand.
- Plants - only low growing species below 400mm allowed.
- Please note residents are not permitted to plant trees on nature strips.
The following are not permitted on nature strips:
- Synthetic turf
- Irrigation systems
- Rocks, railway sleepers, star pickets or retaining walls
Further information can be found below. Please contact Council on 9205 2200 or contactus@hume.vic.gov.au if you need more information on the nature strip landscaping process.
Is Council planting trees on nature strips?
We plant over 5,000 trees each year across Hume City and maintain trees across reserves, urban areas and other properties managed by Council.
In 2024, we are planting 6,300 trees around some of the southern suburbs of Hume.
Although we would love to plant street trees across the whole of Hume City, available funding and resources do not allow this to occur.
Planting trees in one geographical area at a time is efficient, saving time and costs in the process of planting, watering and assessing the establishment of the trees, which ultimately allows us to plant more trees each year.
We estimate it will take approximately five years to move through all areas of Hume before we rotate back to the start again.
View the map below to see tree planting in your area.
Street Tree Planting 2024
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My nature strip tree needs pruning or repair
A qualified arborist from our Parks staff will need to assess the tree and determine if pruning or other actions is required. Council does not remove nature strip trees unless they are structurally unsound, dead or in decline.
To request an inspection please see Report an issue
More Nature Strip FAQs
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.
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. Please report an issue to let us know that a nature strip has been damaged.
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.