The area between the sidewalk and the curb is most commonly called a hellstrip, boulevard, or tree lawn in the United States, depending on the region and context.
Quick Fact
The narrow zone between sidewalk and curb is most often called a hellstrip, boulevard, or tree lawn in U.S. cities, with typical widths ranging from 2 to 10 feet.
It sits in the public right-of-way and handles stormwater, pedestrian access, and neighborhood aesthetics. Ownership varies by municipality, though maintenance duties are often shared between city crews and property owners.
Geographic Context
This space exists in nearly every U.S. city and suburb, located between the sidewalk and the curb within the public right-of-way.
It separates private property from the street and affects drainage, heat island effects, and visual appeal. In arid regions like the Southwest, cities increasingly promote drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce water use and support pollinators. In colder climates, snow storage and freeze-thaw durability are key design considerations. (Honestly, this is the best approach for keeping maintenance manageable.)
Key Details
Common terms, uses, and ownership vary widely by region and local ordinance, even within the U.S.
| Term |
Common Use |
Typical Ownership |
Typical Maintenance Responsibility |
| Hellstrip |
Gardening and local communities |
City or county right-of-way |
Often shared: city for infrastructure, homeowner for landscaping |
| Boulevard |
Urban planning and engineering |
Public land |
City crews or contracted maintenance |
| Tree lawn |
Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. |
Municipal public land |
Homeowner (in some states, e.g., Ohio and Michigan) |
| Parkway |
California and Western U.S. |
County or city public land |
Property owner (California law assigns responsibility) |
| Verge |
UK and Commonwealth countries |
Public highway authority |
Local council or municipal team |
Local codes govern what you can plant, build, or store in these strips. Always check with your city’s public works or planning department before making changes. (Seriously, don’t skip this step—fines aren’t fun.)
Interesting Background
The term “hellstrip” originated in the 1990s from horticulturist Lauren Springer Ogden, who described the harsh conditions that make planting difficult.
These zones were historically overlooked and often paved or left barren. Now cities like Seattle and Portland actively encourage residents to convert them into rain gardens, pollinator habitats, and edible landscapes. The tactile warning pads at curbs—called detectable warnings—were standardized nationwide under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 2001 to aid visually impaired pedestrians. In California, property owners are legally responsible for sidewalk maintenance, including the adjacent parkway area, per California Streets and Highways Code § 5610.
Practical Information
Many cities now offer free or low-cost programs to help residents landscape hellstrips, but local permits and plant choices are critical to safety and compliance.
Take Seattle’s Green Infrastructure program, for instance—it gives away free native plants and soil amendments for rain gardens. Portland’s Healthy Hoods initiative even hosts workshops on edible landscaping and pollinator-friendly designs. Before you start digging, check if your city requires permits for plants, mulch, or small structures. Stick to low-growing, drought-tolerant species like creeping thyme or sedum. Avoid invasive plants—English ivy and bamboo spread like weeds and can cause headaches. In snowy climates, Siberian iris or yarrow handle freeze-thaw cycles better than most. Keep plants under three feet tall so drivers can see around corners. A small sign explaining your project never hurts—it might even inspire neighbors to join in.
Planting Ideas
Residents often turn hellstrips into pollinator havens, edible gardens, or drought-resistant landscapes, but choices depend on local climate and codes.
For pollinators, try native wildflowers like purple coneflower or milkweed. Want food? Dwarf fruit trees or berry bushes work in most zones. In dry areas, succulents and ornamental grasses thrive with minimal water. Just avoid anything that blocks sightlines or violates local rules. (Trust me, you don’t want to redo this project next year.)
Legal Considerations
Local ordinances usually dictate what’s allowed in this space, from plant height to storage rules.
Some cities ban structures entirely, while others allow small benches or bike racks. Storage rules vary—some places let you keep a trash bin there, others forbid it. Call your city’s public works department before you buy a single plant. (Seriously, one call can save you a ton of trouble.)
Costs and Savings
Transforming a hellstrip can cost as little as $50 for DIY native plants or over $1,000 for professional landscaping and irrigation.
Free programs in many cities cut costs dramatically. Seattle’s rain garden giveaways, for example, save homeowners hundreds. Even without help, drought-tolerant plants reduce long-term water bills. (That’s money back in your pocket.)
Community Impact
Well-designed hellstrips boost neighborhood pride, lower urban heat, and even improve safety by calming traffic.
Studies show green strips reduce runoff and filter pollutants. They also give residents a shared project to bond over. (Who knew a strip of land could do so much?)
Common Mistakes
Homeowners often plant too tall, choose invasive species, or ignore local rules—mistakes that lead to fines or wasted effort.
Avoid woody shrubs that block sightlines. Skip aggressive spreaders like mint or bamboo. And always check height limits—some cities cap plants at 18 inches. (Yes, those rules exist for good reason.)
Seasonal Care
Hellstrips need different care in summer, winter, and spring, especially in extreme climates.
In hot months, water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. When winter hits, protect plants with mulch or burlap. Come spring, trim dead growth and replace any plants that didn’t survive. (A little seasonal love goes a long way.)
Case Studies
Cities like Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis have seen success with hellstrip transformations, from rain gardens to edible landscapes.
Seattle’s program reduced stormwater runoff by 30% in some neighborhoods. Portland’s edible gardens feed dozens of families. Minneapolis turned barren strips into pollinator corridors. (These cities prove it’s worth the effort.)
Resources
Local extension offices, city programs, and gardening groups offer guides, workshops, and sometimes free plants.
Check your county’s extension service for native plant lists. Many cities host “hellstrip hack” workshops—Portland’s even gives away free soil tests. Online forums like Reddit’s r/hellstripgardening share real-world tips. (You’re not alone in this!)
