Soft landscaping includes plants and all the other natural, decorative elements e.g. plants, hedges, turf and plays a crucial role in improving air quality, fostering biodiversity and reducing the City's heat map.
Planting is vital in providing natural amenity, character and interest. In addition to significant tree planting, strategic use of planting beds will contribute significantly to the style of the various precincts while maintaining the desire for a low-maintenance environment.
Consult with Field Services' Supervisor Parks & Reserves and Technical & Engineering Services Coordinator Environmental Services regarding soft landscape design, procurement or ordering.
General
- Refer to the Tree Management Procedures and section 6.4 for any proposed works in Tree Protection Zones.
- Street trees should be provided wherever possible to improve the appearance and amenity of streetscapes.
- Select plants and landscaping designs that are low-maintenance and resilient, reducing long-term upkeep and resource consumption.
- Irrigation is incorporated in appropriate locations to establish plants through the early growing years and during times of drought.
- Generally, plantings are to be low to medium height species which comply with crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles.
- Encourage bold simple planting beds which provide interest and diversity.
- Retain formal grassed areas as key features within the design of the open spaces and for encouraging active and healthy living.
- Introduce a layer of colourful amenity planting, comprising a mix of native and appropriate exotic species, to provide interest at key locations.
