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 you start your project to ensure that your 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.

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

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 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.

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 Street 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 November 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 Native Plants for Residents 

Rewards for Residents

Switch Your Thinking (SYT) is a collaborative initiative of the Cities of Armadale, Gosnell's, and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, local businesses, and community groups to inspire actions for sustainability in the community. Rewards for Residents support you to make your home more sustainable.

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. 

To find out more, visit the Switch your thinking website

Habitat Links

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 the recently launched Habitat Links program.  

Landowners whose properties are zoned as Special Residential, Rural Living, or General Rural (under the City of Armadale’s Town Planning Scheme No. 4) and contain or are adjacent to priority conservation value bushland, wetlands, and watercourses may be eligible to receive native seedlings and ongoing support around the development and implementation of revegetation and habitat creation projects. 

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.