Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a non-native insect that destroys ash trees. This invasive species was accidentally brought to the United States from Asia in the 1990s. It was first discovered in Michigan in 2002. Since then it has been found in several states. It has now been discovered in Minnesota.

Expanding globalization introduces non-native plant and insect pests that threaten our native environments. These pests:

• Out-compete native plants for nutrients, light and moisture
• Form an impenetrable layer of vegetation
• Degrade wildlife habitat
• Threaten the future of forests, wetlands, prairies and other natural habitats
• Lack natural controls like insects or disease that would curb their growth

Find information on invasive terrestrial plants at Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Invasive Terrestrial Plants.

Vegetation Enforcement

To view the current City Ordinance regarding Vegetation Management & Enforcement, view the City Code (Section 807 – Vegetation Management). To report a weed issue, please call 763-509-5958 or click the button at the top of this webpage to fill out the form.

Vegetation Management: Right-of-Way

For most properties, land ownership technically extends to the middle of the street. However, the city has easement rights over the land between the center of the street to an area beyond the edge of the street, extending into your yard. This area is called the right-of-way. This strip of land is intended to be used for roads, crosswalks, sidewalks, trails or utilities.

The city’s easement allows us to monitor and manage the right-of-way, ensure safe vehicle and pedestrian travel and use the right-of-way for snow storage and public infrastructure. Property owners may check their certificate of survey, abstract or deed for easement and property line information. While the city has public ROW easement, the management of vegetation is the responsibility of the abutting property owner.

City Code Section 807 – Vegetation Management

Property means and includes the land lying within the boundary of a lot or parcel, together with directly abutting boulevards (roadway rights-of-way) and directly abutting trail or sidewalk outlots.

For purposes of this Section, if an abutting trail or sidewalk outlot lies between and abuts a roadway, the term “property” shall include the trail or sidewalk outlot and boulevard area extending to the nearest edge of the roadway, and if such abutting trail or sidewalk outlot abuts another property, the term “property” shall include the trail or sidewalk outlot area extending to the nearest edge of the trail or sidewalk.

Noxious Weeds & Tall Grass

Please note that complaints regarding noxious weeds and tall grass for the 2025 season will no longer be accepted after September 12, 2025. If you still have concerns after this date, please contact the Weed Inspector in Spring of 2026. For requests related to other property issues, please contact the Housing Inspector at 763-509-5445. Thank you for your cooperation. 

If tall grass – exceeding eight inches tall – and/or noxious weeds are identified on your property, you will receive a weed eradication notification letter (PDF). You will have 14 days to correct the nuisance.

To view the current City Ordinance regarding Vegetation Management & Enforcement, view the City Code (Section 807 – Vegetation Management).