Planting on Nature Strips Guidelines
Regulations for nature strip modification
Monash residents and property owners are allowed to modify nature strips, if:
- A permit has been obtained from Monash Council
- The footpath is not affected by modifications and meets Council’s standards for a typical footpath (min 1.4m)
- Plants, other than street trees, are no taller than 50cm
- The ground level of the nature strip (including soil and mulch) is not more than 4cm higher or lower than the footpath or kerb
- No permanent irrigation systems or private lighting systems are installed
- Any work on the nature strip is kept safe at all times for the community (more information below)
If you live on an arterial road you may not be able to plant on the nature strip. Please contact the Engineering Department at Council on 9518 3555 to discuss before you submit an application.
Creating community-friendly nature strips
Council assets, service infrastructure and street furniture on a nature strip must be visible and accessible. This includes fire hydrants, manholes, benches and poles. Service personnel must be able to safely enter and exit nature strips and properties when conducting works. If works do need to be completed, some plants may be taken out as part of the works. These plants will be replaced with topsoil and grass seeds.
It is important to remember that plantings should not get in the way of vehicles accessing properties or pedestrians accessing parked vehicles. There needs to be enough space on the nature strip for waste collection – rubbish, recycling and food and garden waste bins, as well as hard rubbish.
Preferred planting approach:
- Install a small garden edge around granitic sand or other permeable surfaces so it is not blown or washed away
- Ensure works on a nature strip do not affect the footpath, kerb or road
- Do not plant large trees or shrubs; street trees are Council’s responsibility
- Do not plant either poisonous or edible plants, including vegetables or fruits, for health and safety reasons
- Do not leave items on the nature strip which may be tripping hazards or projectiles
- Maintain your plantings so they remain under 50cm high and don’t grow over the kerb and footpath