Healthy Street Planters

For many new permanent Healthy Street locations, neighbors can choose to replace the standard concrete sign base with planters. Where feasible, SDOT will install planters at Healthy Street intersections based on the requests we receive from neighbors. Neighbors who request planters are responsible for maintaining the planters after installation.

Updated July 2025

What's Happening Now?

Thank You for adopting Planters in Aurora-Licton Springs, Georgetown, and South Park!

A big thank you to all the neighbors who requested planters for signs in the intersections near their homes. We’ve distributed plants to neighbors who signed up to maintain planters in Aurora-Licton Springs (west segment), Georgetown, South Park, and Central District (22nd Ave).

As we make other Healthy Streets permanent, we will continue reaching out to neighbors with information about adopting planters on their Healthy Street. You can sign up for email updates about your Healthy Street to receive information about future opportunities to adopt a planter.

Neighbors attending the plant pick-up event for Cedar Park Healthy Street and children planting and watering in one of the new planter bases

Neighbors pick up plants for their planters on the Cedar Park Healthy Street.

About Healthy Street Planters

For Healthy Streets that are becoming permanent, we're installing planters at intersections along the Healthy Street where feasible. We will open the planter sign-up form for specific Healthy Street locations based on the installation schedule for permanent Healthy Street features.

As we make Healthy Streets permanent, we’ll reach out to neighbors with information about signing up to adopt a planter. Please subscribe to Healthy Streets email updates, since we will notify you via email about open planter sign-up forms.

Depending on availability, we can also provide starter plants to help those wanting to adopt a planter. The planter sign-up form will have various plant options for you to decide. 

Two people on bikes on a Healthy Street with signs in planters

Example of how planters are located on Healthy StreetsNeighborhood Responsibilities

Coordinate: If you do not live directly at the corner where a Healthy Street Planter can be placed, you can work with your neighbors to create a partnership for a Healthy Street planter.

Maintain: Healthy Street planters will need to be watered and maintained by neighbors. You can find helpful tips and information for maintaining your planter. on our fact sheet, or see our FAQ below.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

How do I water the plants in my planter?  

When you first plant new plants, top water (with a hose or watering can) the plants to moisten the soil and provide initial moisture for the plants. In addition to top watering, fill the water reservoir via the opening at the top of the planter, until water just begins to weep out of the drain hole at the planter base. This indicates that the reservoir is full. Do not overfill, as overfilling can lead to overflow and water damage.  

Over the next few days, top water the new plants 2-3 more times. Once the plants are established, you no longer need to top water, the water reservoir will supply all necessary moisture for the plants. Keep topping up the water reservoir, especially when the weather is hot and dry (June – September).  

How much water does the planter’s water reservoir store?  

The water reservoir’s full capacity is 50 gallons of water.  

Can I add fertilizer to the planter?  

You can add liquid or water-soluble nutrients to the water reservoir to encourage plant growth.  

Will the planter impact visibility on my street?  

The planter and signage have been carefully vetted by SDOT’s Traffic Operations team to ensure visibility for people driving, walking, biking, and rolling. However, neighbors who have adopted a planter must prune their plants as needed to maintain visibility. For open plants, please keep them below the sign, and for dense plants, please keep them about half the height of the post (between the planter and the sign).   

How do I care for my planter in the winter?  

Since the walls of the planter are hollow, you don’t need to drain the planter reservoir during the winter, because any potential ice will expand into the hollow walls. Winter is Seattle’s rainy season, so you may not need to fill up the reservoir as often in the winter.  

Can I paint my planter?  

We do not recommend painting your planter. The manufacturer does not guarantee that paint will adhere to the planters, and paint could compromise the planter’s UV protection.  

How do I best care for and maintain the planter?  

Please regularly inspect the planter for any signs of leaks, cracks, or wear and tear. Clean the planter and reservoir components periodically to prevent algae growth or clogs. Check that the drainage holes are clear and not blocked by soil or debris.  

If you have additional questions about the Healthy Streets planters, please email HealthyStreets@seattle.gov, or call (206) 900-8760.  

Transportation

Adiam Emery, Interim Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.