Nature strip planting

Do you live on a neighbourhood street and would you like to plant the nature strip?

Nature strips are usually covered with grass or lawn, but you can modify them by planting low-growing, drought-tolerant plants. You just need to follow our Nature Strip Planting Guidelines and apply for a free permit.

Benefits

  • Less mowing for you.
  • Creates a more beautiful street.
  • Offers a better home for local wildlife.
  • Captures storm water run-off.
  • Cools the surface temperature of streets.

Getting started

If you are just re-seeding or replacing the lawn, then you do not need to apply for a permit.

If you would like to dig up the lawn and plant small shrubs, native grasses and wildflowers, then follow the step-by-step guide on this page to get our approval first before you plant.

If the nature strip is already planted, then you will still need to apply for a permit so we can confirm it meets our guidelines. We will let you know if any adjustments are needed.

Steps to apply for a permit

Step 1.Location

In most cases, nature strip planting in low-traffic and low-speed neighbourhood streets will be considered appropriate. These are streets we manage.

If you live on a major (arterial) or secondary major (sub-arterial) road, then you will need to contact Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) for approval.

Step 2.Read the planting guidelines

Get to know our Nature Strip Planting Guidelines and understand the rules and your responsibilities.

Key guidelines can also be found on this page.

Step 3.Ownership and neighbours

If you do not own the property then you will need to get written consent from the owner.

If you share your nature strip with other dwellings, for example units or apartments, then you will need to inform other residents of your plans.

Step 4.Check

Contact Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) for free information about any underground infrastructure that could be disrupted if you were to change the nature strip.

If the nature strip is already planted (and your interest is only to maintain existing plants), then you do not need to contact BYDA.

Step 5.Visual

Draw a simple sketch of the nature strip showing your planned changes. Include existing features like street trees, service pits and footpaths.

If you are unable to provide a sketch, we are here to help. Contact us at urbanforestry@banyule.vic.gov.au to schedule a discussion about your nature strip.

If the nature strip is already planted, take a clear photo of the image to include with your application.

Step 6.Apply

The online application will take approximately 5 minutes to read and complete.

Apply to plant

Step 7.After you apply

You will receive confirmation of your submission. We will contact you within 10 business days to approve or further discuss your nature strip plans.

Key guidelines

  • Place taller plants in the central area of the nature strip at a maximum height of 70cm.
  • Place smaller plants and ground covers on the outside edges of the nature strip (next to the kerb and footpath) with a maximum plant height of 30cm.
  • Both native and non-native plants can be planted on most nature strips. However, areas within 200m of a waterway or biodiversity corridor must be planted exclusively with locally native (indigenous) species.
  • Acceptable materials for nature strips include soil, mulch and compacted granitic sand. Anything else is not permitted unless approval has been obtained through the permit application.
  • Do not plant weed species, spiky or prickly plants.
  • Be careful not to damage tree roots when planting.
  • To ensure safety, accessibility and proper stormwater flow, make sure plants and mulch do not spill over the footpath or kerb.
  • To maintain clear sight lines, use low-growing plants next to driveways, with a maximum height of 30cm.
  • Make sure there is a clear space for three 240L waste bins per household. Place bins on flat areas of lawn, soil or compacted granitic sand to prevent them from toppling.
  • Leave regular gaps in the nature strip to allow pedestrians to safely exit vehicles.
  • If there is no footpath, leave a 1.5m space next to the property boundary for pedestrian access.
  • Make sure you comply with any clearance requirements for infrastructure and services on the nature strip.
  • Residents cannot plant, prune or remove trees (however, you can request that we do).

Streets that DTP manages

Street or road Suburb Starting point Ending point
Banksia St Heidelberg Municipal Boundary Studley Rd
Bell-Banksia Link Heidelberg Heights Studley Rd Desden St
Bell St Heidelberg Heights Dresden St Municipal Boundary
Bolton St Lower Plenty Main Rd Sherbourne Rd
Burgundy St Heidelberg Upper Heidelberg Rd (Slip Lane) Rosanna Rd
Burke Rd North Ivanhoe East Municipal Boundary Lower Heidelberg Rd
Diamond Creek Rd Greensborough St Helena Rd Greenhill Rd
Fitzsimmons Lane Lower Plenty Municipal Boundary Main Rd
Greensborough Rd Yallambie Lower Plenty Rd Wattle Dr
Greensborough Bypass Greensborough Wattle Dr Diamond Creek Rd
Grimshaw St Greensborough Plenty Rd The Circuit
Hailes St East Greensborough Main St The Circuit
Heidelberg Rd Ivanhoe Municipal Boundary Upper Heidelberg Rd
Karingal Dr Montmorency St Helena Rd Sherbourne Rd
Livingstone St Ivanhoe Upper Heidelberg Rd Municipal Boundary
Lower Heidelberg Rd Ivanhoe Upper Heidelberg Rd Rosanna Rd/Burgundy St
Lower Plenty Rd Viewbank Waiora Rd Greensborough Rd
Lower Plenty Rd Viewbank Greensborough Rd Main Rd
Main Rd Lower Plenty Plenty River Municipal Boundary/Fitzsimmons Ln
Main St Greensborough Hailes St East Plenty River
Northern Ring Road Greensborough Greensborough Bypass Plenty Rd
Oriel Rd Ivanhoe Livingstone St Bell St
Para Rd Lower Plenty Main Rd Main St
Plenty Rd Bundoora Metropolitan Ring Rd Municipal Bounary
Rosanna Rd Heidelberg Burgundy St Lower Plenty Rd
Ryans Rd St Helena Ryans Rd/Wattletree Rd Municipal Boundary
Sherbourne Rd Briah Hill Karingal Dr Bolton St
Southern Rd Heidelberg West Waiora Rd Municipal Boundary
St Helena Rd Greensborough Diamond Creek Rd Karingal Dr
The Circuit Greensborough Grimshaw St Main St
Upper Heidelberg Rd Ivanhoe Heidelberg Rd Waiora Rd
Waiora Rd Heidelberg Heights Lower Plenty Rd Ruthven St
Waterdale Rd Ivanhoe Upper Heidelberg Rd Livingstone St
Waterdale Rd Ivanhoe Bell St Crissane Rd

Contact

If you require assistance with your application, contact the Urban Forestry Team on 9490 4222 or at urbanforestry@banyule.vic.gov.au

Free plants

Every permit comes with a $50 plant voucher or free native plants, plus access to workshops and community events.

Resources

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