Landscaping Rules in Saint Paul, MN (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Saint Paul, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Saint Paul requires grass and weeds below 8 inches under Chapter 45. The city may mow non-compliant properties and bill the owner. Managed natural landscapes are exempt under MN Stat. 561.19.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsSaint Paul DSI - Property Code Enforcement (Tall Grass and Weeds)
Property Code Enforcement plays a critical role in maintaining our City's neighborhoods and the standards that help to keep Saint Paul a great place to live and work. Listed below are some simple rules related to many commonly reported property maintenance issues: [...] Overhanging Vegetation Any overgrown vegetation, including trees, obstructing the public right of way, sidewalk, boulevard, an...
Tree Trimming
Saint Paul requires a free Forestry permit for trimming or pruning public boulevard trees. Licensed contractors must perform the work. Private trees need no permit outside the Tree Preservation District.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsSaint Paul Parks and Recreation - Boulevard Tree Permit (Permitting Process and Fine Print)
Boulevard Tree Permit Permit All maintenance work being performed on public boulevard trees, including planting, stumping, treating, trimming or removal, requires an approved permit issued by Saint Paul Forestry. There is no fee for a tree permit application. Tree Work Permit Application - 2026 This is a FREE permit application - there is no fee associated with obtaining a tree permit. Permitti...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Saint Paul requires a Forestry permit for boulevard tree removal. In the Tree Preservation District, removing trees 12+ inches in diameter needs a $273 plan with 1:1 to 3:1 replacement ratios.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Saint Paul enforces weed abatement under local and state law. MN Stat. §18.75 (Noxious Weed Law) enforced by county agricultural inspectors.
Saint Paul Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Saint Paul enforces odd-even outdoor watering during droughts. Watering is limited to before noon or after 6 PM. Hand-held hoses and tree watering bags are exempt.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Saint Paul allows rainwater harvesting without a permit for outdoor use. Minnesota has no restrictions on rain barrels. The Capitol Region Watershed District offers cost-share grants.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Saint Paul supports native plantings through its 2016 Pollinator Resolution. MN Stat. 561.19 requires cities to allow managed natural landscapes exempt from grass height limits.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Saint Paul does not prohibit artificial turf on residential properties. The zoning code requires ground cover that controls erosion and dust, which artificial turf generally satisfies.