Berm maintenance
The berm is the grass area between your home or business's boundary and the street. It can include both sides of the footpath.
Berm maintenance responsibility
The property owner is responsible for mowing the berm outside their property as part of general land maintenance.
If maintaining the berm poses a safety risk, such as a steep gradient, then the property owner can apply for it to be maintained by Auckland Council instead.
There are strict criteria to be eligible for Auckland Council berm maintenance. Auckland Council only mows the grass berm or verge where it is not possible for the property owner to do so. For more information, contact Auckland Council — call 09 301 0101.
Auckland Transport (AT) is responsible for repairing damaged grass berms and verges.
Private planting on berms
Residents are not permitted to plant on berms, in accordance with the Activities in the Road Corridor Bylaw.
Private planting in the road corridor can impact safety, visibility, and maintenance.
Road and pedestrian safety
Private planting can block the view of pedestrians and street signs and make it harder to see at intersections and driveways.
It can also get in the way of people walking, especially those who are blind, have low vision, or use wheelchairs.
Damage to utility services
Private planting can damage utility services, especially shallow lateral connections. It also makes it harder to maintain existing or install new infrastructure.
Roots from trees, especially fruit trees, can cause problems too.
Disagreements over appearance
Private planting can cause disagreements between neighbours who have different ideas about what looks right. It can also change the look and feel of the neighbourhood if the plants don’t suit the area.
Most issues with private planting are reported from nearby property owners.
Ownership disputes
Private planting on berms can make it hard to tell where private property ends and public space begins. This can lead to landowners thinking they own or control public land.
The road corridor outside a property belongs to everyone, not just the adjoining landowner. Any flowers or produce grown there are public property — not theirs to claim.
Ongoing maintenance
Private plantings need regular care from landowners. If they lose interest or sell the property, the plants may be left unmaintained.
Fruit trees can leave squashed or rotting fruit on berms and footpaths, which can be messy and attract pests. Ground cover like bark, pebbles, or stones can also spill onto footpaths and create hazards for people walking.
Unmaintained plantings will need to be removed and replaced with grass at AT’s cost.