Taking care of your garden – information for public housing tenants

Common area gardens

We provide and maintain gardens in common areas for residents to enjoy. You can't plant or remove trees or shrubs in common areas, except in areas approved for community gardens.

For more information on community gardens, visit: Community Greening Program 

Your responsibilities

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.
• Plant trees or shrubs must be planted at least three metres from any buildings, paths, or fences.
• Plant vegetables, herbs and fruit trees, including citrus. Prune them regularly to keep them under three metres in height.
• 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.
• Install a worm farm or compost bin.

You cannot:

• 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. If a tree is more than three metres tall, we will trim it. This is because they can harm existing structures and services.

Recommended plants and climbers

Climbers

Plants and climbers to avoid

You should avoid some species as their root systems can damage building foundations, paths and sewer pipes. Their trunks and limbs might also damage roofs and other structures. As well as the costs of repairs to a damaged property, these trees and shrubs may be unsafe for residents and visitors. If you don’t follow these rules, you could receive tenant damage charges.

You cannot plant the following trees, as they have invasive root systems, toxicity and/or their mature height is too tall.

Climbers