Planting around our mailboxes?

What are the rules on planting around the mailbox?

As they get ready to turn over more streets to VDOT, there's been some rumblings about people's plants getting ripped out and grass put in. Are we really not supposed to plant around the mailbox? I'd rather not have to mow around the post, and didn't think a some flowers would be against the rules.

Anyone know what the real rules are?

 

VDOT does not allow plantings of anything other than grass in the VDOT right of way, which covers the area from the curb to the end of the concrete apron of your driveway. For those with all concrete driveways, this is the area that is 'flared' near the road.

Once the area has been turned over to VDOT, you can plant what you want. However, if VDOT needs to do some maintenance on the area where you have plantings, all they will do is reseed with grass.

For more information, you can contact the HOA office.


Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

VDOT recently went through our street for inspection. Some plants near mailboxes had to be ripped out. We asked them what were the rules. They told us nothing that would be taller than 24 inches at its maximum height. Basically, nothing taller than the mailbox. We had 5 different types of perennials planted and a decorative grass. The grass was the only thing we had to remove. They gave us plenty of advance notice (a letter and a personal visit) which gave us time to move the plant ourselves. For those neighbors who didn't comply, VDOT ripped the stuff out.

One homeowner had a tree they had planted in their front yard cut down. Apparently it was too close to the curb and could potentially impede a driver's view.

 

FWIW ... my advice about 'nothing but grass' until VDOT takes over the street is the best advice. Saves you from alot of problems.

While the 2 foot rule is correct, why bother until the road is turned over, as until it is turned over, you run the risk of them replacing curbs, sidewalks, driveway aprons, reseating mailboxes, etc, basically ruining any landscaping you place in that area.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

It may be the best advice, but we've been here over five years and only just getting the VDOT inspections! I didn't want to wait around for that. The perennials I planted are pretty tough - they were able to handle the mailbox being moved back two inches and some curb repair. If not, I would've had to out pay out another $5 at the garden center for a new one.