A Parking Strip Fit for Everyone’s Drive
A parking strip is a narrow piece of non-paved property, typically belonging to the municipality, that lies between the street and the sidewalk. This slim land parcel often serves as a public utility right of way and is frequently adorned with street trees, vibrantly colored annuals and biennials, or simple grass cover. Alternatively, some parking strips might be covered with crushed stone or hard pack.
Homeowners usually bear the responsibility of maintaining the parking strip in front of their property, regardless of who installed the initial landscaping. The strip’s width often determines what type of planting or surface material is most appropriate.
*Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Parking Strip:
- Check Local Ordinances: Before planting, verify the local regulations for permissible plant heights and types to ensure compliance.
- Choose Low-Maintenance Plants: Consider the level of upkeep required. Opt for plants that are easy to maintain and integrate well into the surrounding landscape.
- Climate Considerations: In areas with harsh winters, consider the impact of road salt on plant health. Select salt-tolerant plants if necessary.
- Surface Materials: Crushed stone or hard pack might be suitable options if low maintenance is a priority.
Making wise choices about what to plant and how to maintain the parking strip can create an inviting extension of your property and benefit the whole neighborhood.
For more landscaping inspiration and tips, check out our Portfolio.
Related Terms: Public Utility Right of Way, Plant Maintenance, Landscape Design.
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### What is a parking strip?
- [ ] A narrow paved area between the street and sidewalk
- [ ] A parking area designated specifically for cars
- [x] A narrow piece of non-paved property between the street and sidewalk
- [ ] A space for commercial advertisements in a residential area
> **Explanation:** A parking strip is defined as a narrow piece of non-paved property situated between the street and the sidewalk, typically owned by the municipality. It is often planted with trees, annuals, biennials, or grass, and sometimes covered with materials like crushed stone or hard pack.
### Who is typically responsible for maintaining the parking strip in front of a home?
- [x] The homeowner
- [ ] The municipal government
- [ ] Private landscaping companies hired by the city
- [ ] Local business owners
> **Explanation:** Homeowners are generally responsible for the upkeep of the parking strip in front of their homes, even if they did not install the plantings. This includes tasks like mowing the grass, trimming the plants, or maintaining any ground cover.
### For what primary purpose is a parking strip used?
- [x] As a public utility right of way
- [ ] For designated parking of vehicles
- [ ] Selling commercial goods
- [ ] Building additional living spaces
> **Explanation:** The primary purpose of a parking strip is to serve as a public utility right of way. It is a non-paved area mainly planted with vegetation but designed to allow access for public utility needs.
### What is one important consideration before planting in the parking strip?
- [ ] Securing a building permit
- [ ] Choosing ornamentals that can withstand heavy foot traffic
- [x] Checking local ordinances for plant height and type
- [ ] Avoiding any form of vegetation
> **Explanation:** Before planting in the parking strip, it's important to check local ordinances for restrictions on plant height and type. These regulations are in place to ensure visibility and compliance with community standards.
### How can winter road treatment impact a parking strip?
- [x] Salt from the road can negatively affect it, especially affecting plant health
- [ ] It makes the ground fertile
- [ ] Increases plant growth by providing essential nutrients
- [ ] Helps to keep the strip clear of weeds
> **Explanation:** In winter climates, road salt used for surface treatment can have a detrimental effect on the plants or grass in the parking strip. The salt can damage plant health or inhibit growth, making maintenance more challenging.
### What dictates the type of planting or surface material used on a parking strip?
- [x] The width of the strip
- [ ] The color of the sidewalk
- [ ] Neighborhood regulations on color schemes
- [ ] Seasonal weather changes
> **Explanation:** The width of the parking strip will often dictate the type of planting or surface material that can be used. Wider strips might accommodate trees and larger plants, while narrower ones might only support grass or smaller flowers.
### What might be considered unnecessary before planting in the parking strip?
- [ ] Checking for plant height restrictions
- [x] Securing a parking permit
- [ ] Checking the impact of road salt
- [ ] Assessing the required maintenance level
> **Explanation:** While securing a parking permit might be necessary for vehicle placement, it is generally not required for planting in the parking strip. More relevant actions include checking local regulations and assessing maintenance needs.
### Why is it advised to assess the maintenance level required before planting on a parking strip?
- [ ] Because municipal workers will invoice homeowners for non-compliance
- [x] To make sure the plantings are sustainable and manageable
- [ ] To sell the strip to a commercial entity
- [ ] As a means to reduce water bill costs
> **Explanation:** Considering the maintenance level before planting ensures that homeowners can manage the upkeep effectively, ensuring the strip remains aesthetically pleasing and congruent with municipal regulations.
### Which of the following materials can be used to cover a parking strip?
- [x] Crushed stone
- [ ] Asphalt
- [ ] Concrete
- [ ] Corrugated metal
> **Explanation:** Alongside plantings like grass, annuals, or trees, parking strips can also be covered with materials such as crushed stone or hard pack, providing a variety of aesthetic options and practical solutions.
### What must be integrated into the surrounding landscape design while planning the parking strip?
- [ ] Bright neon signage for visibility
- [ ] Additional driveway space
- [x] The general aesthetic and design theme
- [ ] Portable storage units
> **Explanation:** When planning a parking strip, the design should be easily integrated into the surrounding landscape. This ensures a cohesive and appealing look that fits seamlessly with the existing environme
