Street Trees and Verge Gardens

BCC is on a mission to increase tree canopy to reduce urban heat. Native verge gardens help those trees survive and thrive. Together, they increase biodiversity and habitat.

Street trees are planted and maintained by Council. Even if you want to do a minor trim, you need to apply for a permit. See the BCC Street and park trees website.

Residents normally maintain whatever is around the tree.

Grass used to be the standard verge treatment but more and more residents are planting verge gardens instead.

Why Don’t We Have More Street Trees?

Unfortunately many residents object to having a tree in front of their home - see Why doesn't the council plant more street trees? and many of our trees fail to thrive and some die. Read more on some of the ways residents can help street trees thrive.

Verge Gardens

Every council has a different verge garden policy. You can find Brisbane’s policy and guidelines here. It includes all the sensible things like low-growing plants so sightlines are clear, safety for pedestrians, and not planting weeds.

You need to be clear on what land is covered, and consider your neighbours and other people who use the space. Read more on that here.

My preference is verge gardens with predominantly local native plants as they are best to support the street trees. Kumbartcho Nursery at Eatons Hill is the place to get inexpensive tubestock and lots of free advice.

For anything general about verge gardens, see

Verge Gardens are Doable - right now

If you already mow your verge, converting to a native verge garden is something you can do right now to help make our suburb cooler, more sustainable, and more walkable. It’s better for the trees, and no more mowing!