Garden maintenance
Information on individual and common area gardens. What are your responsibilities and what does DCJ maintain? Guide to what species are recommended and what are not allowed.
Can I make changes to gardens in common areas?
Homes NSW provides and maintains gardens in common areas for the pleasure of all our residents. You aren’t allowed to plant or remove trees or shrubs in common areas, except in common areas approved for community gardens.
For more information on community gardens, visit: facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/living/rights-responsibilities/get-involved/chapters/community-greening-program
If my home has its own garden what are my maintenance responsibilities?
We encourage you to add plants to your garden and maintain its upkeep and appearance .
If your home has a lawn and garden that is not part of a common area, you are responsible for:
- mowing lawns, watering, weeding and mulching garden beds
- regularly trimming trees and shrubs that are less than three metres high to allow light into windows and let air flow around buildings
- using a tray/saucer for pot plants on balconies, verandas and paved areas to protect the surface from water damage
- clearing leaves from gutters in single story homes that are less than three metres high.
What can I plant in my garden and where can I plant it?
- You can plant trees that will grow up to three metres high, but if you don’t know how tall a tree will grow, it’s best not to plant it.
- Trees or shrubs must be planted at least three metres from any buildings, paths, or fences.
- You can plant vegetables, herbs and fruit trees, including citrus. Prune them regularly to keep them under three metres in height.
- If you build a garden bed or lay lawn, make sure it’s more than one metre away from any buildings. Otherwise they can cause damage and prevent access for maintenance.
- You can install a worm farm or compost bin.
- Don’t plant any tree or climber that has invasive roots or stems, is a harmful weed, or has toxic leaves or sap.
When do I need permission from Homes NSW?
If you wish to plant a tree or shrub in your garden that will grow more than three metres, apply to Homes NSW us under the Alterations to a Home policy. We will assess the type of tree and look at where you want to plant it to make sure it won’t cause maintenance issues in the future.
What will Homes NSW maintain?
We will trim trees that are greater than three metres tall, if they pose a risk to existing structures or services. We will maintain lawns and gardens in common areas of units and townhouses.