Apple Valley, MN Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Apple Valley Code of Ordinances § 94.35 defines weeds and rank vegetation as noxious weeds including but not limited to a named list of 33 plants. The list includes Buckthorn, Purple Loosestrife, Leafy Spurge, Canada Thistle, Musk Thistle, Poison Hemlock, Wild Parsnip, Wild Carrot, Wild Garlic, Wild Mustard, Field Bindweed, Quackgrass, Russian Thistle, Johnsongrass and Oxeye Daisy. Two more categories follow the list: grapevines growing in groups of 100 or more and not pruned, sprayed, cultivated or otherwise maintained for two consecutive years, and nuisance weeds as defined by state statutes and rules.

This is a duty-to-remove rule, not a sales or planting ban. Section 94.36 requires all property owners within the city to remove, cut, dispose and prevent the growth of weeds, grasses and rank vegetation or other uncontrolled plant growth on their property in excess of eight inches in height. A violation constitutes a public nuisance, and the section states that a violation is a petty misdemeanor. The rule does not apply to natural areas defined as woods, pastures, parks, bogs, marshes and agricultural areas.

The health-nuisance list in § 94.15(H) separately declares all noxious weeds and other rank growths of vegetation on public or private property a public nuisance affecting health. Under § 94.01, the owner or occupant must abate within five days of the date of the city's mailed notice, or the city can perform the current service. Weed elimination from public street boulevard areas or private property is a listed current service. The owner and occupant are personally liable for the cost, an invoice is immediately due, unpaid charges carry monthly service charges, and they can be specially assessed against the property under M.S. § 429.101. The definition of property owner in § 94.35 includes a person occupying the property, the holder of legal title, or a person controlling property of another such as a right-of-way, easement, license or lease.