How to Convert Your Grass Park Strip into a Mini Meadow

How to Replace Your Park Strip with a Water-Wise Mini-Meadow

If you’ve ever looked at that narrow strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street and thought, "Why is this even here?" you’re not alone!

Known as a park strip or hell strip, this small section of lawn is one of the least efficient parts of your yard to maintain. It’s hard to water properly, prone to weeds, and doesn’t offer much to the environment.

Using my own Salt Lake City park strip as an example, we embarked upon a multi-part video series to walk you through how to transform that high-maintenance grassy strip into a beautiful, drought-tolerant mini-meadow that supports local wildlife, saves water, and adds curb appeal.

We’ll walk you through every step, from ripping out the grass to selecting the right plants for your climate, so you can create your very own pocket prairie.

Why Traditional Grass in Park Strips is Inefficient

First things first—why should you remove grass from your park strip? Bluegrass, which is often used in lawns, needs a lot of water to thrive. However, for park strips that are typically less than 3 feet wide, the inefficiency is staggering. Grass in these narrow sections wastes water due to sprinkler over-spray, and it often results in watering concrete or asphalt instead of plants. For optimal irrigation, experts recommend having at least an 8-foot-wide section of grass to justify using sprinklers.

Instead of wasting water and energy on a strip of grass, converting it into a native plant garden makes much more sense.

Before you get started on the actual labor, some research and planning is necessary (trust me, you'll thank me later) to ensure you're making the right choices for your unique site. Region, microclimate, and existing conditions will affect everything from your plant choices to their irrigation requirements. You'll save yourself a lot of stress, time, and money by planning ahead. Here's how: 

Step 1: Research Local Incentives and Programs

Before you start digging, research local incentives that could help fund your park strip transformation. Many states and cities offer rebates for removing grass and installing drought-tolerant landscapes.

For example, in Utah, there’s the "Flip Your Strip" program, which offers up to $1.25 per square foot for converting bluegrass into water-wise plants. There’s also the Utah Water Savers Program, which provides $3 per square foot for larger areas. These programs can significantly reduce the cost of your project.

To find rebates in your area, simply Google “[Your City] landscaping incentive programs” and explore the available options.

Step 2: Check City Rules and Regulations

Next, you’ll need to check your city’s regulations regarding park strips. Most cities have guidelines about what kinds of plants and trees can be used, especially when it comes to height and safety. For example, trees often can’t exceed 20 feet tall if there are power lines overhead, and plants taller than 24 inches may not be allowed in park strips to ensure visibility.

Some cities also have rules about the ratio of hardscape (e.g., gravel or pavers) to softscape (plants), limiting hard, impermeable surfaces to less than 50%. Be sure to review your city’s regulations to avoid fines and ensure your new landscape meets all the requirements.

Step 3: Plan for Constraints

Every project has its constraints, and this one is no exception. Common constraints in park strips include underground utilities like gas and electric lines, which will affect where you can plant and dig. You’ll want to avoid planting trees or large shrubs directly above these lines for safety reasons.

For example, if there’s a gas line running beneath your park strip, it’s best to stick with low-growing perennials rather than deep-rooted trees. Planning around these fixed elements ensures you stay safe while making the most of your space.

Please call 811 to have your city come out and mark any utilities that cross your park strip—that way you can plan accordingly.

Step 4: Choose the Right Plants for Your Mini-Meadow

Now comes the fun part—designing your mini-meadow! The goal is to select drought-tolerant native plants that not only look great but also support local wildlife and pollinators. Focus on native prairie grasses and flowering perennials that thrive in your microclimate.

In many regions, native plants like yarrow, blue grama grass, or blanketflower are perfect choices. They require minimal watering once established and are well-adapted to the local environment. However, be mindful of city regulations regarding plant height. Opt for species that stay under 24 inches tall to avoid any compliance issues.

We'll get into plant selection more in future videos, but your primary task is this: Search for native plants to you that you like, and narrow your list down to all plants smaller than 24" tall. 

Step 5: Budgeting and Preparing for the Project

A key aspect of any project is the budget. Depending on whether you DIY the labor or hire help, transforming a park strip can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The most expensive aspect will likely be labor—especially if you need help with excavation, soil preparation, or planting.

If you're hiring out the work, expect to pay around $600 or more for excavation alone, depending on the size of your park strip. If that's out of your price range, make a plan to sodcut or manually dig out the grass yourself! You'll also need to factor in costs for topsoil, mulch, and plants, though rebates may cover some of these expenses.

Final Thoughts: The Benefits of a Native Mini-Meadow

Replacing your park strip grass with a native mini-meadow not only makes your life easier but also helps conserve water, reduce heat, and support local wildlife. Plus, you may even receive financial assistance through rebate programs!

So, whether you’re excited about the idea of a low-maintenance landscape or looking for ways to make your yard more eco-friendly, flipping your park strip is a step in the right direction.