Planting Strips

The planting strip is the strip of earth between the curb and the sidewalk. While these strips are technically City property, residents play a large role in caring for them. A cared-for planting strip can help beautify your neighborhood, soak up excess water, and provide valuable habitat and resources for pollinators! 

Residents who wish to plant in their planting strip do not need a permit, but they should ask the City to check for any utility infrastructure before digging. Residents are responsible for costs and maintenance associated with the added plants. 

Information on this page is also available in the Planting Strip Guide (PDF). 

Requirements for planting strips

• Plants should not be more than 2.5 feet at their maximum height. 
• Maximum allowed continuous planted length is 20 feet with a break of at least 4 feet to maintain sidewalk and road access. 
• No invasive plants allowed. See the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List for more information. 

Maintenance tips for planting strips 

• Water regularly for two to three gardening seasons (spring-fall).  
• Weed, mow, and mulch as needed to keep the planting strip looking lively! 
• Consider fencing to protect plants or choose plants that are resistant to browsing. 
• Fertilize only as needed, and use an organic, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid overwatering after fertilizer application as runoff can end up in the storm drain and become a pollutant.

What homeowners cannot do 

• Install irrigation in the planting strip 
• Plant or prune City trees. For tree planting or pruning help, contact the Tree Warden or submit a SeeClickFix report. 
• Install curbing or hardscape elements.  

Designing your planting strip 

Plant types

1. Larger/structural plants: These plants would typically be taller than the rest, though no more than 2.5’ tall. Their structural qualities would be more likely to have winter interest 
2. Medium-sized plants: Filler plants with variation of seasonal interest would make up the bulk of the planting area. 
3. Groundcovers: Low growing plants are meant to cover the area and grow under other plants. They cover bare soil and provide weed control and help with moisture and soil retention. These can be used for low maintenance planting strips.

Potential planting strip layouts using large, medium, and groundcover plants.

Suggested plants