What is a verge?
A verge is the area between the road and the boundary of your property. As a shared public space, verges benefit from everyone doing their part to keep them safe, tidy and looking their best.
Vital services and public infrastructure can be located on verges such as street lighting and power, as well as underground utilities like water, sewerage and phone cables.
Maintaining verges
The City manages arterial road verges by maintaining street trees, supporting the implementation of waterwise verge gardens, and ensuring safety and compliance.
What you can do
Residents are encouraged to keep verge treatments neat, safe and accessible.
Street trees are encouraged but must follow the City's guidelines. For more information, visit Request a Free Street Tree.
VERGE TREATMENT 
What is allowed on my verge?
The following verge treatments are welcomed, with no approvals required:
- Natural lawn (no artificial turf)
- Native, waterwise and edible gardens
- Low shrubs and groundcovers
- Raised garden beds (to a maximum height of 0.35m)
- Small natural elements such as rocks and woodchips
- Up to 30% hardstand (brick paving)
The following treatments are not permitted:
Artificial lawn
Stakes, ropes or sharp objects that could present a hazard
Anything that blocks sightlines or pedestrian access
If you are unsure if your proposed verge treatment will meet the City's guidelines, view the Verge Treatment Application and Self-Assessment Form below.
Verge Treatment Application and Self-Assessment Form
Verge Mowing 
Residential verge maintenance
Residents within the City are responsible for maintaining the verge in front of their property. If the property is located on a corner, verge maintenance includes any side verges.
In the event residents are either unable or not prepared to mow their verge, the City can perform a limited amount of verge maintenance.
This service:
- includes slashing long grass and weeds prior to the onset of the summer fire season
- is a cursory service and not regular maintenance
- does not include verges that have been improved with reticulation or landscaping.
For more information, view the City's Street Verges Policy.
Waterwise Native Verge Program – Funding exhausted
Due to popular demand, funding for the City's 2026 Waterwise Native Verge Program has been exhausted and applications are now closed.
The City of Bayswater is offering a waterwise greening program to help residents create their own waterwise verge gardens. Planting your verge with waterwise plants has many benefits, but most importantly, it helps improve local water quality, reduces water use, helps increase biodiversity and beautifies our neighbourhoods. So why not unleash your inner green thumb and get involved?
As part of our Waterwise Native Verge Program, property owners can:
- Apply for a rebate to assist with the creation of a waterwise verge garden. The City is offering property owners a rebate of up to $250 (for verges smaller than 80m2) or up to $500 (for verges larger than 80m2) to assist with improving their verge during the winter season. For further information, contact rebecca.bonsall@bayswater.wa.gov.au. Applications are assessed on a first come basis, first served basis and will close when funding has been exhausted.
2026 Plants to Residents tickets are now sold out. Plants will be available for collection from Enviro House on 29, 30 and 31 May. Excess and unclaimed plants will be available to purchase from Enviro House for $1 each from 12 to 2.30pm on Sunday 31 May. Priority will be given to residents who have not previously purchased plants through the 2026 program. To learn more, visit trybooking.com/DIDLK
Waterwise Native Verge Program – Information
Verge Greening Guidelines
This initiative is proudly co-funded by Water Corporation’s Waterwise Greening Scheme and forms part of our ambition for City of Bayswater to be a leading waterwise community.
Best Practice Examples of Waterwise Native Verges
In recent years, residents have created amazing waterwise native verges. Below are some great examples for inspiration. The City has also installed two demonstration verges, thanks to funding from Water Corporation, to assist residents in designing their own native verge.
More information and advice on creating a waterwise verge garden can be found on the Water Corporation's website.
Your verge street
Demonstration Native Waterwise Verge - Challenger Avenue, Morley (Arbor Park)
Demonstration Native Waterwise Verge - Bellevue Street, Bayswater (Riverside Garden)