The narrow strip between sidewalk and curb goes by several names: hellstrip, boulevard, tree lawn, parkway, verge, or tree belt. In most U.S. cities, this skinny zone stretches from the curb to the sidewalk, usually 2 to 10 feet wide depending on local rules. Honestly, it’s one of those spots most people walk past every day without giving it a second thought—but it quietly handles stormwater, keeps sidewalks accessible, and even helps cool the neighborhood.
Quick Fact
Common name: Hellstrip, boulevard, or tree lawn
Typical width: 2–10 feet
Ownership: Mostly city or county, though maintenance gets shared around
Key feature: Often filled with tough plants or just plain grass
Geographic Context
You’ll find this little patch in nearly every city and suburb across the U.S., right where sidewalks meet the street. It sits between public right-of-way and private property—usually owned by the city or county but with rules that vary by neighborhood. How it’s designed affects everything from rainwater runoff to summer heat and even how pretty the block looks. Out West, especially in dry places, native plants are taking over to save water and feed bees.
Key Details
| Term |
Common Use |
Ownership |
Typical Maintenance Responsibility |
| Hellstrip |
Casual, gardening circles |
City right-of-way |
Depends—often the homeowner or the city |
| Boulevard |
Urban planning lingo |
Public land |
City crews or contractors |
| Tree lawn |
Northeast and Midwest |
Municipal |
Homeowner (in some states) |
| Parkway |
California and the West |
County or city |
Property owner (in California, state law says so) |
| Verge |
UK and Commonwealth countries |
Public highway authority |
Local council |
Interesting Background
The word “hellstrip” got its start with horticulturist Lauren Springer Ogden in the 1990s. She called it “hellish” to grow anything there because the soil is terrible, the pavement reflects heat like an oven, and people keep stepping on it. These days, cities such as Seattle and Portland are pushing residents to turn these strips into pollinator gardens and rain gardens to soak up extra water and help bees make a comeback. And those bumpy pads at crosswalks you feel underfoot? They became standard nationwide in 2001 thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, so visually impaired pedestrians can feel the curb edge.
In California, state law (California Streets and Highways Code § 5610) says property owners—not the city—must keep sidewalks in good shape, even though the land itself is public. That’s why you see everything from spiky succulents in L.A. to wildflower meadows in San Francisco turning once-forgotten patches into neighborhood pride.
Practical Information
By 2026, plenty of towns are rolling out free or cheap programs to help residents plant hellstrips. The City of Seattle, for instance, hands out free native plants and soil boosters for front-yard rain gardens. Over in Portland, Oregon, the Healthy Hoods program runs workshops that show how to swap pavement for edible gardens.
Before you grab a shovel, check local rules—some cities need permits for trees or sheds. Stick to tough, low-growing perennials like creeping thyme, sedum, or native grasses. Skip invasive troublemakers such as English ivy or bamboo; they’ll crack sidewalks and clog sewer pipes. If you’re in a cold climate, freeze-thaw cycles can heave plant roots—pile on thick mulch and pick tough survivors like Siberian iris or yarrow.
When you plan your hellstrip garden, think about sightlines. Keep plants under three feet so drivers and walkers can still see each other at corners. A small sign or plaque explaining your garden can spark conversations—and maybe even inspire the whole block to go green.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
