The City of Armadale acknowledge the Traditional Owners and the Custodians of the land upon which we stand, work and play.
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Peoples of this land and their connection to the lands and the waters, as they are part of them spiritually and culturally.
We acknowledge their ancestors, the Elders past and present, who have led the way for us to follow.
All residents of the City of Armadale wishing to alter their verge area will need to submit a landscape plan that requires approval.
Whether you want to attract wildlife to your garden, cool your neighbourhood, increase the value of your property, or simply make your verge low-maintenance and waterwise, landscaping or planting your verge has numerous fantastic benefits.
Before you begin, read our verge planting guidelines. It will supply you with all of the information you require to get you started. Residents are encouraged to review the guidelines and self-assess before starting their project to ensure their garden meets the specifications of the City.
You will need to submit an application for Verge Landscaping. Send the application and plan to the City of Armadale Parks Department via post or email to parkdesign@armadale.wa.gov.au. A landscape plan approval usually takes 10 working days to be assessed and approved from the date it is received.
What is a verge?
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 to 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.
Whose responsibility is the verge?
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 the 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 they comply with the City of Armadale's requirements.
The following are unacceptable verge treatments;
Plants: Thorny plants, eg. roses, Bougainvillea, or cacti, poisonous plants or a declared weed(s)
Plants over 750mm high
Built structures such as raised garden beds, fencing, retaining walls, or fixed structures
Ponds, fountains, or water features
Loose hard granular materials such as gravel, crushed bricks, stones, aggregate and blue metal, unless they are compacted, bound and bonded, and also able to be kept stable at all times
Materials that protrude from the surface, such as star pickets, sprinklers, and large rocks
Materials or vegetation/plants that encroach on the footpath, pathway, or road.
Synthetic lawns are not permitted in the City of Armadale, as the process of laying them creates an impervious layer. You may see houses that have installed this material without consultation with the council.
How the City can help
Request a free Verge Tree
The City of Armadale’s Street Tree Request program allows residents to apply for trees to be planted on the verge adjoining their property. Applying to participate in the Resident Tree Planting Program is easy! Simply complete the expression of interest form.
Please note that applications close in October of each calendar year (for planting the following winter).
Annual Native Plants for Residents
A plant giveaway event for residents is held each year, typically towards the end of autumn to the beginning of winter. Details are advertised on the City’s website closer to the time. Find out more about the Native Plants for residents here
Rewards for Residents
Switch Your Thinking (SYT) is a collaborative initiative of the Cities of Armadale, Gosnell's, and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. We partner with local businesses to offer our residents discounts on products that will help you cut waste and reduce energy and water use, such as home & garden consultation, compost systems, soil improvement, and so much more.
Connecting Landscapes for Wildlife: Residents within the City of Armadale will now have the opportunity to receive free native seedlings and the support of a dedicated Habitat Links Officer to help improve biodiversity and the health of the City’s treasured natural environment through Habitat Links program.
If you would like further information or if you believe you are eligible and would like to do your bit for the environment, visit our Habitat Links page.
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 parkdesign@armadale.wa.gov.au
Verge landscaping and planting | Service | City of Armadale
