Landscaping

Landscape Design Principles

Landscaping is a mandatory and integral part of home design at Round Mountain.
High-quality, mature landscaping:
- Adds property and community value
- Improves lifestyle comfort (shade, wind protection)
- Enhances street appeal
Native plants are strongly encouraged to:
- Integrate homes with the natural bushland setting
- Support local wildlife and biodiversity
- Reduce water use and maintenance
Landscapes should be:
- Low maintenance (minimal front-yard turf)
- Drought tolerant
- Biodiversity-friendly
- Visually appealing to the streetscape
A landscaping covenant bond is required and refundable once landscaping is completed and established.
Alternative landscape designs may be approved by the DRP if they meet the intent of the guidelines.

Minimum front landscaping coverage:
- Lots ≤10 m wide: at least 25%
- Lots >10 m wide: at least 40%
One shade tree required in the front yard:
- Minimum 100-litre pot size or 1.8 m height
Garden beds must be:
- Edged (approved materials only)
- Finished with mulch
Impermeable surfaces limited to 60% of the lot frontage.
Irrigation systems are strongly recommended.
Planting design must consider:
- Shade, screening, ventilation, and security
- Solar access and prevailing winds
Large trees must not be planted near retaining walls.
Additional minimum planting quantities apply to front yards.

Minimum planting standards per lot based on lot frontage widths:

Lot Frontage (width)	Trees	Shrubs	Groundcovers
10.99m and less	1	8	22
11m to 12.99m	1	9	28
13m to 14.99m	1	10	30
Greater than 15 metres	2	15	45
Minimum Plant Size	100L pot or 1.8m when planted	140mm pot	140mm pot

Four pre-approved landscape designs are available.
Designs include planting and material palettes prepared by a qualified Landscape Architect.
Homeowners may adapt these designs to suit their home details.
Full details are included in the Landscape Guidelines section.

All landscaping must be approved by the DRP .
Landscaping (including fencing) must be completed within 3 months of occupation .
A DRP inspection is required for a partial bond refund .
$1,000 of the bond is retained for 12 months to ensure landscaping establishment.
The remaining bond is refunded once landscaping is confirmed as compliant and well established.

Front yards play a key role in shaping the overall character and sense of place of the Round Mountain community.
Homeowners are encouraged to design their front yard using one of four pre-approved landscape typologies , each with a distinct look and feel:
- The Mountain: Strong, sculptural, nature-inspired with rugged materials and hardy planting.
- The Creek: Soft and flowing, with curved forms, lush native plants, and wildlife-friendly qualities.
- The Parkland: Open and welcoming, featuring shade trees, greenery, and community-focused spaces.
- The Urban: Sleek and contemporary, with clean lines, bold planting, and modern materials.
Well-designed front yards do more than enhance appearance:
- Support biodiversity and wildlife habitat
- Help cool streets and reduce the urban heat island effect
- Contribute to a sustainable, green community vision
Each front yard contributes to the collective identity and visual quality of Round Mountain.

The provided resources help homeowners and designers deliver compliant, high-quality landscape outcomes:

Material Recommendations: Approved surfaces, finishes, and structural elements for each typology.
Character Palette: Colours, textures, and forms that define each landscape style.
Sketch Plans and Perspectives: Visual examples to illustrate street and plan views.
Minimum Planting Standards: Clear requirements to ensure functionality and consistency.
Planting Matrix: A guide to plant selection based on planting use and biodiversity value, supporting local fauna and pollinators.
Please refer to the Landscape Guidelines within the Design Guidelines for further details