Minnesota is the home of diverse cultures. The state has a multitude of terrains including hiking trails, hills, and farmlands. The city is rich culturally too. There are numerous museums and historic locations that enrich the city’s heritage. The city has interesting anecdotes to share. After all, it’s called the Arrowhead Country. Read this article to learn about the gardening and landscaping laws in Minnesota.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has stunning water bodies that attract travelers. Verdant plants and dense forests only add to the experience. Minnesota’s topography is said to be vast and for good reason. Half of the state is filled with gently rolling plains. The northern part is the home of rough ridges and deep lakes.
With its rich farmlands, it’s no surprise Minnesota is a leading agricultural state. The top agricultural products include grain, soybeans, hogs, dairy, and cattle. Farmers are also seen to grow beets, barley, oats, wheat, and flaxseed. Other fruits and vegetables include apples, potatoes, sweet corn, and peas.
Landscaping and gardening in this state are bound to bring benefits. Both in terms of production and aesthetics. Let’s take a closer look at the regulatory guidelines.
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Landscaping Laws in Minnesota
The landscaping laws in Minnesota are pretty straightforward. You need to think about the community’s needs along with your own. Your landscaping projects shouldn’t interfere with drainage. It can’t intervene with the maintenance of public utilities either.
Any public areas you disturb due to your work needs to be replaced immediately. Unless you have the approval to do otherwise. The front yard, side yard, and back yard of your home need a setback line. You can’t disturb the existing vegetation either. If it is, you need to replace it with plants that meet the state requirements.
Rules Regarding Planting
There are some general guidelines you must follow when it comes to planting. Existing vegetation must be conserved. If possible, you must integrate them into your landscaping plan. There are minimum sizes that must be met when it comes to trees.
Deciduous trees must have a caliper of at least two inches while ornamental ones require an inch and a half. On the other hand, evergreen trees need to be at least six feet tall. All residents need to provide at least one overstory shade tree on the street side for 40 linear feet.
Any land you didn’t dedicate to trees must be covered with grass or shrubs. Gravel isn’t considered to be a substitute. All parking areas should be hidden from public view. Your landscape must incorporate nature as much as possible. If you need to plant more trees to screen it, do so.
Laws Regarding Maintaining Landscapes
All your plans must be submitted for approval before execution. Your landscaping plans should have every nitty-gritty detail. Once carried out, you need to ensure regular maintenance. You have to minimize potential property damage by safeguarding it from hazards.
Maintenance includes removing decaying plants or broken branches. Anything that obstructs public property must be taken care of immediately. Your landscaping projects must be free of pests too. You need to regularly weed as well. Most importantly, you need a proper irrigation system.
If one of your plants damages the surrounding property, you need to replace it. Such properties include sidewalks, trails, and streets. The errant plants must be removed and replaced timely. You’ll get a notice from the city council. You’re typically given thirty days to sort this out.
Gardening Laws in Minnesota
In Minnesota, you have the constitutional freedom to the garden. With restrictions though. Yes, you can sell the potatoes you grow in your soil while maintaining certain protocols. You may plant flowers, vegetables, and other plants in your garden. Granted that they’re maintained regularly.
No plants of yours can encroach the curb, footpath, or streets. The herbicides or pesticides you use must be approved by the city council as well. There are only certain chemicals you can use. Contact a forester to make sure the one you’re using is approved.
Some claim that the current legislature is restrictive. Others claim it’s supportive. Here’s a weird example. If you can’t handle the weeds in your garden, you can reach out to the commissioner to get rid of them. As long as you claim the infestation is beyond your capacity, you can act on this welfare law.
Conclusion
Starting a vegetable garden in your Minnesota home is the perfect plan. The soil is rich and can accommodate multiple varieties of crops. Selecting the plants is harder in the north but it’s fine. With some professional advice, you can grow healthy vegetables.
As for landscaping, the whole community gets together to create a lush environment. Whatever you do, consider the existing vegetation before putting your plans in place. Gardening and landscaping laws in Minnesota are easy to follow. Just pay a little and you can create your desired haven.
Also Read: Gardening and Landscaping Laws in Florida – State Gardener
