A tree lawn is the strip of land separating the street from the sidewalk, a common feature in many residential neighborhoods. It is also known regionally as the planting strip, parking strip, nature strip, or boulevard. This transitional zone separates vehicle traffic from the pedestrian zone and serves functions beyond simply growing grass.
Defining the Physical Space
The tree lawn is defined by its location, running parallel to the street between the paved curb and the sidewalk. This linear space is typically composed of soil and grass, though some urban settings use mulch, decorative gravel, or permeable paving. The width of this strip is highly variable, influenced by the age and density of the neighborhood’s urban planning.
Wider strips are common in newer suburban developments, emphasizing green space and buffer zones. Conversely, older, high-density city cores often have narrower or non-existent tree lawns where the sidewalk abuts the street curb. These physical characteristics directly influence the space available for street trees and the placement of underground utilities.
Ownership and Maintenance Responsibility
The ownership of the tree lawn is a frequent source of confusion, as the land is generally part of the public right-of-way. The right-of-way is a strip of land, often wider than the street, that the municipality holds for public use and infrastructure placement. This means the city typically owns the land or possesses a permanent easement for public purposes, such as utilities or street expansion.
Despite governmental ownership, local ordinances almost universally delegate maintenance responsibilities to the adjacent property owner. This requires the homeowner to perform routine upkeep like mowing, weeding, and keeping the area free of litter. Municipalities also require residents to trim trees and shrubs in the right-of-way to maintain specific height clearances for safety.
Depending on local regulations, the homeowner may also be responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk and the tree lawn area. This arrangement ensures the area is well-maintained without the municipality expending public resources on every strip of land. However, homeowners are usually prohibited from making permanent alterations, such as installing fences or planting certain trees, without securing a specific city permit.
Functional Roles of the Tree Lawn
The tree lawn serves several important functions that contribute to community sustainability and safety. The subsurface area is frequently utilized to house buried utility infrastructure, including water lines, gas pipes, and electrical or telecommunications conduits. This placement allows utility companies access for maintenance and repair without having to dig up the main street or private yards.
The vegetated strip plays a role in stormwater management, acting as a small-scale bioretention area. The grass and soil filter pollutants and debris from rainwater runoff before it enters the street and the storm drain system. This natural filtration process helps reduce the volume and velocity of runoff, mitigating urban flooding and improving water quality in local waterways.
The tree lawn provides a safety buffer between pedestrians on the sidewalk and moving vehicle traffic on the street. This separation creates physical distance, aiding in noise abatement and shielding pedestrians from car fumes. The space also offers a dedicated area for street trees, which provide shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, and absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.