Nature Strips
Are you looking to green the front of your home by planting some street trees or even a colourful garden along your nature strip, but don't know where to start? We can help you improve the appearance of your street. Why not call for our free street tree planting and nature strip garden information packages? You can ring our Customer Service Centre on 9789 9300 or call 9789 9359 for more information. Alternatively, download the Nature Strip Garden Application Form [PDF] here (189KB) and forward it to us with the accompanying payment ($47.00 -- 2007/08 Fees and Charges). Canterbury City Council encourages the community to plant gardens, which make a positive contribution to the local streetscape.
The Right Garden in the Right Place
With good planting, the right garden in the right place will grow to be a valuable asset for the community.
When planning the garden, you need to consider the following matters:
- It is your responsibility to maintain the garden. This includes planting, weeding, cleaning, mulching, pruning and watering
- The garden must be 10 metres from a corner
- The garden must not interfere with car or pedestrian site lines
- No garden structures are permitted
- Maximum plant height 600 millimetres
- Plants must not have thorns
- Plants must not have woody or hard stems
- Plants must not protrude onto the footpath or pedestrian access, roads or driveways
- Council will take no responsibility for any damage to the garden
- If you cannot continue to maintain the garden, it is your responsibility to return the garden to a grass nature strip
- Council reserves the right to add extra conditions or require the removal of the garden
Planting Technique
Holes should be dug to a maximum of twice the size and depth of the pot size. Compost should be mixed with the existing soil and filled back into the hole. The plant is removed from the pot and planted vertically in the middle of the hole, ensuring the soil level of the potted plant is planted level with the existing soil level.
Mulching your garden will help to reduce weed growth, retain moisture and promote healthy plant growth. The mulch should be 75mm thick and kept away from the plant stem.
Plants should be watered immediately after planting and then weekly to maintain healthy plant growth.
The garden may be fertilised using slow release fertilisers according to directions.
Application Procedure
To plant a nature strip garden, you need to follow the steps in the application procedure below.
- Read this Nature Strip garden information page.
- Complete the Nature Strip Garden Application Form [PDF] (189KB) and return it to Council enclosing the Nature Strip Garden Application Fee ($47.00 -- 2007/08 Fees and Charges).
- Wait for Council permission.
- Prepare and maintain the garden.
