Landscaping Rules in Minneapolis, MN (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Minneapolis, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Minneapolis Code Chapter 227 limits turf grass and weeds to 8 inches in height. Taller vegetation is treated as a public nuisance, and after a warning notice the city can mow and assess the cost to the property tax bill.
Minneapolis Grass Height Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Minneapolis requires boulevard trees to be pruned by licensed contractors under MPRB Park Board permits. Private-yard trimming is unregulated except for power lines, oak wilt season, and EAB quarantine rules.
Minneapolis Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Minneapolis enforces strict tree removal rules tied to Dutch elm and emerald ash borer. Boulevard trees belong to MPRB. Diseased elms and infested ash must be removed under MN Statute 18G.
Minneapolis Tree Removal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Minneapolis enforces an 8-inch vegetation limit under Chapter 227 plus the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law (Statutes 18.76 to 18.91). Wild parsnip, Canada thistle, and other listed noxious weeds must be controlled.
Minneapolis Weed Ordinances
Heavy RestrictionsMinn. Stat. § 18.75
It is the policy of the legislature that residents of the state be protected from the injurious effects of noxious weeds on public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, and other property.
Water Restrictions
Minneapolis uses a year-round odd-even outdoor watering schedule under Code Chapter 509, with additional drought-stage restrictions. Lawn irrigation is banned between 11 AM and 5 PM citywide to reduce evaporation.
Minneapolis Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Minneapolis encourages rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation. Minnesota has no statewide permit for residential rain barrels, and the city promotes them through stormwater utility credits under Chapter 510 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Minneapolis actively supports native plant landscaping through Chapter 227 (Noxious Weeds and Tall Grass) which exempts managed natural landscapes from the 8-inch grass height limit when registered with the city. The Minneapolis Pollinator Resolution and pollinator-friendly ordinances encourage prairie and native gardens.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Minneapolis does not generally prohibit artificial turf on private property, but its use in required landscaping, front yards, and boulevards is restricted under Chapter 530 (Site Plan Review) and Chapter 535 (Regulations of General Applicability). Artificial turf typically does not count toward required pervious surface or green space.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Some RestrictionsLooking for Hennepin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Minneapolis city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Hennepin County →