Backyard Conservation
Most of the land in Minnetonka is in private yards. That means that the way you and your neighbors manage your property can have a major effect on the environment of the city and beyond. The chemicals applied to your lawn and garden can get into ponds, wetlands and streams. Your trees cool the air, host birds, and provide beauty to the neighborhood.
Because you are part of Minnetonka’s environment, you are also affected by what happens in the larger area around you. If there are too many deer in town, your garden may be nibbled. If invasive plants like buckthorn are taking over the woodlands, they will probably be in your yard too. If there’s a restored prairie nearby, you may see more butterflies and birds.
The citizens of this city are particularly good about leaving nature alone. Most people do not feel to need to mow down to the edge of a pond or right around the trunk of every tree. This information is designed to encourage residents to maintain, restore, and manage their part of Minnetonka’s environment.
Natural landscaping
- Lakeshore landscaping
- Native plant gardening
- Native plant suppliers (PDF)
- Buckthorn removal
- Invasive terrestrial plants (PDF)
Buckthorn
- Buckthorn removal
- Buckthorn removal tips
- MN DNR Buckthorn
- Buckthorn: a threat to our native woodland ecosystem (PDF)
- Replacement plants for Buckthorn (PDF)
Garlic mustard
Lawn and garden care
- Chemical use
- Composting
- Diagnosing plant diseases
- Lawn fertilizers
- Watering restrictions
- Wood mulch
- Tree care
- Trees and Forestry
- Diseased tree removal program
