Edina has a little bit of everything. Classic homes from the 1920s and 1930s in and around the Country Club District, mid-century ramblers on tree-lined streets, and brand new homes where an older house used to stand. Each one needs something a little different.
This guide walks through Edina home care season by season, including the local rules that trip people up.
Older homes need a gentler touch
Many of Edina’s older homes have original details worth protecting. Wood trim, older windows, brick, and stucco all hold up for decades, but they don’t love harsh treatment.
- Washing. Soft washing is the safer choice for older siding, stucco, and painted trim. High pressure can force water behind siding and chip away at old paint.
- Painting. Any home built before 1978 may have lead paint. Federal rules require lead-safe work practices when a contractor disturbs painted surfaces on these homes, so ask any painter you hire how they handle it.
- Windows. Older windows with storms have more surfaces to clean, and the tracks collect grit. A careful spring cleaning keeps them working.
Newer homes have their own needs. Large windows, fresh sod, and new irrigation systems all do best with a little attention in the first few years.
Edina’s watering rules
Edina uses an odd and even schedule. Homes with even numbered addresses water on even dates, and odd addresses water on odd dates. On your days, you can water before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
A few details are worth knowing.
- The Morningside neighborhood gets its water from Minneapolis and follows Minneapolis watering rules instead.
- Homes on private wells aren’t affected.
- New sod or seed can get a watering permit from Public Works for the first couple of weeks.
- Fines start at $50 and go up for repeat violations within three years.
The city’s watering restrictions page has the full rules. Setting your irrigation to run early in the morning keeps you within them and cuts down on water lost to evaporation.
Yard waste in Edina works differently
This one surprises people. The city of Edina doesn’t collect yard waste, and there are no yard waste drop-off sites in Edina. You have two choices:
- Set up yard waste pickup through your garbage hauler
- Take it to a compost or brush site elsewhere in the metro
If you set bags out for pickup, they need to be paper or clearly marked compostable, not just “biodegradable.” They can’t go to the curb more than 12 hours before pickup. And leaves and grass can’t be raked or blown into the street. Edina’s yard waste page spells it out.
With Edina’s big trees, fall leaf cleanup is a real job. Planning for it early, whether that means booking help or lining up your hauler, saves a scramble in November.
Lawns under big trees
Mature oaks, maples, and lindens give Edina its character, but they make growing grass harder. Shady lawns grow slower, thin out faster, and lose the battle with roots.
A few things help.
- Mow higher in the shade, and never take off more than a third of the blade
- Aerate and overseed with a shade tolerant mix in late summer or early fall
- Mulch around trees instead of fighting for grass right up to the trunk
For the timing of each lawn job, see our Minnesota lawn care calendar.
Windows and gutters
Big trees and big windows go together in a lot of Edina homes. Spring and fall window cleaning keeps the light coming in, and gutters usually need attention after the leaves drop. Our post on how often to clean your windows goes into more detail.
Winter
Edina’s winters are like everyone else’s in the metro, so the basics apply. Keep snow out of the street, clear around hydrants and mailboxes, and use salt sparingly. Clogged gutters and warm attics are what lead to ice dams, so a clean gutter in fall is your first line of defense.
How we help Edina homeowners
Our own crews handle lawn care, soft wash house washing, window and gutter cleaning, snow removal, and holiday lighting in Edina and across the southwest metro. Starting in 2027, licensed, insured partners that we manage handle painting, handyman work, and cleaning.
You can book any service on its own, or bundle the year in a membership plan with priority scheduling and savings on everything else. We are booking now for 2027. Request a free quote, or call or text (612) 977-3662.
Questions from Edina homeowners
When can I water my lawn in Edina?
On your odd or even date, based on your address, before 11 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Morningside follows Minneapolis rules.
Does Edina pick up yard waste?
No. You need yard waste service from your garbage hauler, or you can take it to a site outside Edina. Bags must be paper or marked compostable.
Is soft washing safe for an older home?
Yes. Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution, which is much easier on older siding, stucco, and paint than high pressure.
