Landscaping Rules in Woodbury, MN (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Woodbury, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Woodbury city code requires that all grass and lawn vegetation be kept under eight inches in height, measured from the ground to the tallest point of any stalk, stem, blade or leaf. Tall grass over eight inches is one of the city's most common code-enforcement violations.
Woodbury Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Woodbury does not require homeowners to obtain a permit to prune trees on their own private property. The city's Forestry Division maintains boulevard trees in certain older subdivisions; residents are responsible for trimming trees in other boulevards and on private land, and the city offers pruning guidance.
Woodbury Tree Trimming Rules
Few RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Woodbury does not publish a permit requirement for removing healthy trees on private residential property. Boulevard (right-of-way) trees are different and may be city-managed in some subdivisions. The city runs a Private Ash Tree Removal Assessment Program to help homeowners finance ash removal driven by emerald ash borer.
Woodbury Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Woodbury enforces an eight-inch height limit on weeds and grass as a nuisance, and requires property owners to control or eradicate noxious weeds. Noxious weeds are defined by Minnesota state statute, with Canada thistle a commonly cited example. Managed native plantings are exempt from the height rule but never from the noxious-weed prohibition.
Woodbury Weed Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Woodbury enforces a year-round Lawn & Landscape Watering Policy. Residential properties may irrigate only two days per week based on an assigned irrigation zone, and never between noon and 5 p.m. Violations bring a $50 administrative citation that doubles with each repeat offense in the same calendar year.
Woodbury Lawn Watering Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Woodbury allows and encourages rainwater harvesting. Rain barrels and rain gardens are promoted as ways to cut summer water use under the city's strict watering policy. Discounted rain barrels are sold through Washington County, and rain gardens may qualify for cost-share grants from the South Washington Watershed District.
Woodbury Rainwater Harvesting and Rain Barrels
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Woodbury allows native and pollinator-friendly landscaping. Native plantings, bee lawns and water-saving gardens are exempt from the eight-inch grass-height limit as long as weeds stay a minor portion. This follows Minnesota Statute 412.925, which bars cities from prohibiting managed natural landscapes on private land.
Woodbury Native Plant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Woodbury does not publish a specific ordinance authorizing or banning residential artificial turf. There is no dedicated synthetic-turf code section, so installations are governed by general zoning, landscaping, drainage and property-maintenance standards. Confirm requirements with the Planning Department before installing artificial turf, especially in front yards.
Woodbury Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting is allowed in Woodbury and is one of the city's recommended ways to comply with Minnesota's landfill ban on yard waste. Residents may compost on their own property, drop yard waste and food scraps at Washington County sites, or have a hauler take it to a compost facility. Discounted compost bins are sold through Washington County.