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How to plant on your nature strip

Nature strips provide colour to a streetscape along with functional space for infrastructure, services, parking and visibility at intersections. We support the greening and beautification of nature strips as long as the functional aspects of the space is maintained.

When you don't need to request approval

You can plant on your nature strip without Council approval if you meet the following guidelines.

Planting requirements

  • Planting is limited to drought-tolerant indigenous ground covers, shrubs and grasses. Recommended species list for Nature Strip Planting (PDF, 244.73KB).  Appropriate plants are available for purchase from the Bayside Community Nursery or other indigenous plant nurseries.
  • At least 0.5m from the back of kerb is kept clear to allow for people to enter and exit their vehicles and properties safely.
  • Plantings on corner blocks within 9m of an intersection are limited to ground cover plants only to ensure a clear line of sight for motorists.
  • Adequate space is provided for placing rubbish and recycling bins for collection.
  • A minimum of 1.5m from the property line is kept clear to allow for pedestrian access, mail, paper and other deliveries.
  • Plants are kept pruned to a maximum height of 0.6m at all times.

Permitted gravels and mulches

  • Fine gravel mulches such as compacted washed granitic sand or similar
  • Pine or hardwood chips 12mm to 25mm in size

Where you can put gravel or mulch

  • It must remain on the nature strip and not allowed to spill onto the footpath, driveways or in the kerb and channel.
  • Levels must not extend above the level of the footpath or kerb.
  • It must be maintained in a weed-free condition.

Items not permitted on the nature strip

  • Synthetic turf
  • Letterboxes
  • Irrigation
  • Rocks
  • Items that obstruct the safe flow and vision of pedestrians and traffic

Minimum clearance requirements

The planting zone is:

  • a minimum of 1.5m clear of your property boundary
  • a minimum of 0.5m clearance from the back of kerb
  • plants are to be no higher than 0.6m.
Nature strip requirements

When approval is required

If your plans don't meet these guidelines you will need Council or VicRoads approval. This requires submitting your application and plan. To streamline the approval process you should find out about planting requirements, minimum clearances and the approval process.

Who do I need to get approval from?

You will need approval from Council and also VicRoads if your property is on a main arterial road. Find out which roads VicRoads manage.

Approval process

Step 1: create your plan and submit your application to us

Find out the location of all underground services by contacting Dial Before You Dig. Create a plan showing all proposed works and submit to us with your completed application form.

To find out what plants are recommended for planting, read Recommended species list for Nature Strip Planting (PDF, 244.73KB)

Apply online here for a nature strip planting approval.

Step 2: await your application outcome

You should receive notification from us within 15 business days of the outcome of your application.

Step 3: commence works safely

During landscaping works on the nature strip, you or your contractor is responsible for their safety and that of others. While the landscape works are in progress the site should be signed and barricaded to ensure public safety.

Where possible the footpath should remain open to pedestrian traffic.