The area of land between the kerb and the property boundary is known as the verge. It is the location of public utilities and services such as electricity, gas, and telecommunications.The verge area in front of your property is owned by the Crown. It is vested in Council to ensure the verge area is not mistreated or damaged and any utilities located underneath the area are protected.
The purpose of a street verge is to provide a buffer between the road and private property where common public facilities such as footpaths and bus stops may be placed. They also provide a section of land where essential services such as power, water, gas and telecommunications can be located. These services are generally located below ground.
The City is responsible for enforcing verge requirements and ensuring utilities located beneath the ground surface are protected and able to be accessed by the City and utility providers.
- Residents are responsible for maintaining the verge in front of their homes including corner side verges in good order. Residents are encouraged to maintain the verge area, as an extension of their own gardens.
- While City is responsible for maintenance of street trees on verges, residents are encouraged to establish waterwise verge gardens and look after their verges.
- Before starting your verge garden landscaping make sure you review the guidelines to ensure that it complies with the City of Armadale's requirements.
- Plant trees, shrubs, groundcovers and grasses*
- Use mulch, fine gravel or other ground covers
- Mow or trim your verge regularly
- Encourage your neighbours to plant their verge
- Organise verge clean ups.
*Local plants are best as they tend to be hardy and are suited to WA conditions. If you want to plant non-local species, make sure they are drought resistant and won’t spread further than you intended. Walk around your local area and see what grows well.
Planting and maintaining trees, shrubs and grasses along the verge can have a positive impact on your local area. There are several social, environmental and economic benefits of landscaping and maintaining your verge.
If you are considering making changes to the landscape of the verge area you should be aware that there are restrictions on what changes can be made.
Planting trees, shrubs and grasses along the verge can have a positive impact on your local area. There are several social, environmental and economic benefits of landscaping and maintaining your verge.
Social Benefits:
- Streets with trees and planted areas are aesthetically pleasing and create a positive environment, which encourages outdoor activity and walking for residents.
- Walkable neighbourhoods are safer and promote more social interaction between neighbors.
Environmental benefits:
- Lawns, shrubs and trees encourage local biodiversity by providing habitat and a food source for birds.
- Planted areas cool the air temperature around homes through evaporation of irrigated areas and by shading the soil from the direct sun which can assist with urban heat reduction.
- Planted areas also assist in the infiltration of storm water. Verges are calculated in the stormwater management plans to be permeable (planting or turf)
Economic benefits:
- Development, improvement and enhancement of your verge promotes a sense of pride within the community.
- Property values increase in areas where streetscapes have been landscaped and are well looked after.
Thank you for taking the time to consider appropriate surface treatments and should you require any further information please don’t hesitate to call 9394 5000 or email City Parks department info@armadale.wa.gov.au
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