When it comes to grass verges in Perth, fake it.
Camera IconWhen it comes to grass verges in Perth, fake it. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Confusing laws about grass verges

Gerry Coleman, BassendeanEastern Reporter

WATER Corporation chief executive Sue Murphy has described Perth’s fixation with grass verges as needless and urged people to rip them up in favour of less thirsty alternatives.

I agree entirely with this and I am in favour of fake lawn or Astro Turf on council verges because you do not require pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers that enter our road drain system only metres away and end up in our rivers.

Also in not having to have reticulation, we would retain so much more water that is precious.

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But I am somewhat confused with some council by-laws in relation to permissible materials allowed on verges.

For example, Bassendean Town Council according to its website does not allow fake lawn on verges but if you do install fake lawn, it will allow it unless somebody objects or services have to be maintained.

Living in Bassendean I have seen many fake lawns on our council verges and I am so confused with the inconsistency of the council‘s policy.

Having been a lawn mowing contractor-gardener for the past 17 years, I can certainly say that some council verges are an absolute disgrace and fake lawn or Astro Turf would be a huge improvement.

GERRY COLEMAN,

Bassendean.