Your nature strip is the piece of land in front of your property. It provides a buffer separating your land from the road. If you’re lucky, it might even contain some street trees or greenery and it usually includes a footpath and sometimes a cycleway.

Typically the land is owned by council, but in many council areas - Randwick included - local residents take responsibility for mowing and looking after their nature strip as an extension of their own properties.

This means council can invest its resources and funds into other community services. We’re grateful to everybody who takes the same pride in maintaining their nature strip as they do their own property.

In recent times, some residents have chosen to install gardens to make the area more colourful and vibrant and in some cases require less maintenance than grass. We receive numerous questions about nature strips, so thought we would provide this Q&A. If you’re thinking of planting on your nature strip, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with our street garden policy.

Q: Can I dig up the grass and weeds on my verge and replace it with something I don’t have to mow, like native grasses?
A: Yes, however, we do have some guidelines around what’s permitted and what’s not. For instance, street gardens aren’t permitted between the kerb and the footpath where angled parking is available. Nor are they permitted within 1.5 metres of a tree trunk, and there is an exclusion zone near corners to retain clear sight lines for drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, there’s some planning and design criteria that should be considered, which can be found in our Street Garden Guidelines.

Q: Can I use my nature strip to build a planter box and plant a food garden?
A: Planter boxes are permitted when they meet the requirements (see our Street Garden Guidelines for further information) and an application must be submitted. Council only permits two types of planter boxes, either treated pine or colourbond steel. Not all areas are suited for planter boxes and parking needs to be kept in mind when installing. If you need advice, contact Council. Growing food on your nature strip is not recommended. The quality of the food grown in this environment can’t be controlled due to passers-by, dogs, etc. If you’re interested in growing food, we recommend looking for a local community garden where you can do this in a more controlled environment.

Q: Can I prune a tree/shrub that is on Council property, but is in front of my house? What if it’s a big tree and I can’t do it, but it needs pruning? Who can I talk to?
A: Council regularly undertake work to maintain the health and vigour of our trees to ensure unimpeded access for pedestrians and vehicles as well as improved line of sight, and building and services clearances. Council will also undertake formative pruning and removal of deadwood to ensure trees are well presented and structurally sound. If there is a tree or shrub outside your home that has been planted by Council and that needs pruning, please report this to Council.  The best way to do this is to email your request to Council@randwick.nsw.gov.au.

Q: My neighbour’s tree hangs over their fence and onto the footpath. Whose responsibility is it to trim the tree so the footpath is easily accessed?
A: If a tree or shrub is planted on private property and hangs over the footpath, it is the responsibility of the owner of the tree to trim the over-hanging branches. Footpaths should be kept clear so they can be accessed by walkers, joggers, strollers, wheelchairs and others trying to pass safely along the street. If you’re concerned about an over-hanging bush, we recommend speaking to your neighbour or dropping a letter in their letter box. If this doesn’t work, you can email Council and we will contact them on your behalf.

Q: My neighbour isn’t maintaining their nature strip – it is never mowed or weeded. What can I do?
A: The simplest solution is to have a chat with your neighbour about the condition of their nature strip. Some neighbours may choose to mow a neighbouring nature strip if their neighbour is unable to manage on their own. If you’re unable to do this, you can email Council who can help. Council does offer some services to residents that meet certain criteria to help keep their nature strip tidy.

If you have any further questions, please contact Council on Council@randwick.nsw.gov.au.