TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

SITE CONSULTATION

A site consultation is a free, one-hour visit to your property, where an expert can help you begin to identify and prioritize ways to build resilience into your landscape. While funding lasts, site consultations may be provided through the city or your watershed district, and are scheduled in blocks through the growing season (typically May-Sept.).

If you’d like to request a site consultation or learn more about this option, please complete a Resilient Minnetonka application and the program coordinator will get back to you with more information.

RESIDENTIAL BUCKTHORN PICK-UP

Buckthorn is an invasive shrub that reduces diversity in woodlands, edges and other natural areas. If you’re planning to remove buckthorn on your property this year, please start on the Education tab, where you’ll find links to our online learning module (available any time) and our buckthorn workshop (video available any time; in-person workshops held every March, September and October) to learn the most effective strategies for success. Good planning is crucial!

While planning your buckthorn control strategy, you’ll want to decide how to manage the debris. Options include:

• Haul the debris to the city's brush disposal site (open seasonally).
• Keep the wood for woodworking or landscaping projects.
• Use the stems to stabilize slopes on your property.
• Request a buckthorn pick-up from the city – This option is free, and is offered periodically through the year. Participants must be able to fulfill the criteria listed below.

Criteria for residential buckthorn pick-up:

• City staff will assign each participating address one pick-up date per year; additional pick-ups may be available but are not guaranteed.
• Remove buckthorn only on your property, not on neighboring private property or city property. Contact city staff for tips about locating property lines.
• Cut debris to lengths of 6 feet or smaller. Store out of sight of the street (in compliance with city code 835.015) until your schedule pick-up month. Do not mix other debris with the buckthorn.
• No more than two weeks prior to your scheduled buckthorn pick-up (but before 7 a.m. on the designated date):
  • Build a tidy pile of up to 10 cubic yards (15’ long x 6’ wide x 3’ high). (Note: An exception to city code has been made for this initiative, allowing a larger debris pile only for your designated pick-up date.)
  • The pile must be set up within 10 feet of the street.
  • Stack debris firmly to prevent spillage. Cut ends of buckthorn must face the street.
  • Piles may not contain any material other than buckthorn.
• The city’s contractor (SavATree) will collect as much of your stack as possible and strive to avoid damage to the yard. You are responsible for cleaning up any loose material left behind.

If you are able to meet these criteria and would like to request a pick-up, please complete a Resilient Minnetonka application and the program coordinator will get back to you.