Start your boulevard garden
Before you start your garden
Boulevard garden guidelines
Read the City's boulevard garden guidelines for information about:
- Where the boulevard is
- Boulevard gardening rules
- Clearance around fixed objects
- Height restrictions near intersections and driveways
Boulevards are public spaces
They can be accessed by:
- Animals
- Neighbors
- Utility companies
- Other residents in the area
This means plants may be damaged, contaminated, or picked.
Always respect boulevard gardens and those who plant them.
Evaluate your soil
Soil quality
Boulevard soil quality can vary in both safety and ease of growing.
The boulevard is a public space where you might have limited control over:
- Soil quality
- Soil contaminants
Pets and other animals may contaminate or damage your plants.
Soil testing
The best way to make sure your soil is safe and good to grow in is to do a soil test.
Testing helps you learn about your soil's:
- Nutrients
- Contaminants
The University of Minnesota offers tests for soil quality.
Soil contamination
If you are concerned about soil contamination, you should consider:
- Planting ornamental plants
- Growing food in raised beds
Risk of exposure is higher from direct soil contact, so be sure to thoroughly wash garden produce and hands.
Road salt in gardens
The boulevard may have salt deposited from when snowplows push snow onto them.
Road salt can make growing in your boulevard challenging.
Consider selecting plants that are:
- Salt-tolerant
- Drought-resistant
Dig safely
Check before you dig
Make sure you do not damage underground utilities. You are liable for this safety risk.
Check for underground utilities for free by calling Gopher State One Call or visiting their website. Make sure to do this at least three business days before you dig.
Minimize risks of digging and take care of boulevard trees by sticking to hand digging at a shallow depth.
Do not cut tree roots to allow for planting.