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

Are you planning to remove buckthorn on your property this year? Good for you!

1. Please start on the Workshops & 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!

2. Anticipate the need to replant or seed into buckthorn control areas, to reduce resprouting and weedy growth in the area. See our native plant sale for options.

3. 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. Here's what you need to know about this option:

• Buckthorn pick-ups are scheduled several times a year, between April and November - we are not able to offer pick-up on demand.
• City staff will assign each participating address one pick-up date per year; additional pick-ups may be available but are not guaranteed.
• Pick-ups are for buckthorn only - debris piles may not include other plants or debris.
• Remove buckthorn only on your property, not on neighboring private property or city property. Contact city staff for tips about locating property lines.
• Cut buckthorn to lengths of 6 feet or smaller.
• Store buckthorn debris out of sight of the street (in compliance with city code 835.015) until your pick-up has been scheduled. Then follow the instructions provided by city staff to prepare for your pick-up.

If you are able to meet these criteria and would like to request a pick-up, please complete a Resilient Minnetonka application (available Apr. 1-Sept.30) and the program coordinator will get back to you.