Streetwise Tidy

“Small actions, like picking up rubbish, make a big difference.” Unknown

Small Actions Big Difference

Phil Kohr’s timely post on how small initiatives can create big impacts, had me thinking. I close our driveway gate every day; often I find debris on the street berm and footpath. Just bits of windblown paper, discarded drink containers and sometimes nasty shards of glass. I pick them up to keep our part of the public thoroughfare tidy.

Setting an example in your suburban neighborhood is well worth the effort. Keeping the path and road berm outside your home tidy has its benefits. I know when returning home I can’t help but appreciate a newly mown grass berm in the neighborhood. It looks nice, often prompting me to think about my own lawns, when do they need tending to? There are other benefits, safety, community, and potentially even property value.

Pride and Street Appeal:

• A well-maintained berm and path contribute significantly to the overall street appeal of your property and the neighborhood. It creates a positive first impression for visitors and passersby.

• Taking care of this public space can foster a sense of pride in your home and its surroundings.

• For years I walked by this property round the corner from where I live. It is a large home on a large slightly sloping section. Ours is a working class, light industry area of modest means. No matter the season, rain, wind or sunshine, this property always had finely mown lawns, immaculate edging, the house outside clean and fresh, painted light yellow. The house was sunshine all year long. I always admired it as I walked by.

Improved Safety:

• Clear Visibility: A tidy berm ensures clear line of sight for pedestrians and drivers, especially at intersections and driveways. It reduces the risk of accidents. Overgrown vegetation or obstructions can block views.

• Reduced Hazards: Removing litter, debris, and keeping vegetation trimmed eliminates potential tripping hazards for everyone.

• Pest Control: Untidy areas can attract pests like rodents and insects. Keeping the area clean reduces the likelihood of infestations near your home.

• Fire Prevention: Regularly mowed grass on the berm reduces the risk of fire, especially during dry seasons. It is a risk, but I am not aware of any reported incidents. In my travels I go through the wealthy inner suburbs to blue collar areas of the outer suburbs. I took it for granted that no matter which suburb I drove through, most berms were well cared for. There was a time that I was shocked to see berms unmown in a wealthy inner suburb. It was noticeable because this was one main route, from the inner city to the airport. The grass looked to be about knee height, possibly a fire risk. It was unkempt for months, but finally whoever owned those properties, fell in line with the rest of the city, mow your berms yourself or contract someone to do it. Rumour has it, those owners expected the council to do it, legally the berms belong to the city.

Community:

• A well-cared-for streetscape is what most of us desire, a more pleasant and inviting environment for everyone in the community.

• It can encourage a sense of community spirit when residents take pride in maintaining their surroundings.

Environmental Benefits:

• Preventing litter accumulation on the berm stops it from potentially washing into drains and waterways, reducing pollution. We have all seen from news reports what happens when rubbish is left uncollected for whatever reason. Not pleasant or healthy.

• Maintaining healthy grass cover can help prevent soil erosion.

Potential Increase in Property Value:

• While not always direct, a well-maintained exterior, including the path and berm, can contribute to the overall perception of care for the property, which can be a positive factor if you ever decide to sell.

Small Initiatives Big Impact

In many areas, homeowners have a responsibility to maintain the berm adjacent to their property. Embracing this task brings about these valuable benefits for you, your neighbors, and the wider community. Small initiatives, big impact.