Guides
Twin Cities Landscaping Guides
Patios
How Much Does a Paver Patio Cost in the Twin Cities? (2026)
In the Twin Cities, a professionally installed paver patio typically costs $38 to $62 per square foot. A standard 300-square-foot patio runs roughly $11,000–$18,000. The biggest cost drivers are excavation and base depth, drainage, paver choice, and design complexity.
Read guidePatios
Pavers vs. Concrete in Minnesota: Which Lasts Through Our Winters?
For most Minnesota patios, pavers are the better long-term choice. They flex with freeze-thaw movement instead of cracking, cost about the same as stamped concrete, and can be repaired one paver at a time. Concrete is cheaper upfront but tends to crack in our climate.
Read guideRetaining Walls
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost in Minnesota? (2026)
In Minnesota, retaining walls typically cost $50–$75 per square foot of wall face installed, with most projects running $4,000–$10,000. Walls taller than 4 feet usually require engineering and a permit. Drainage, not the block, is what determines whether a wall lasts.
Read guideDecks & Patios
Deck vs. Patio in Minnesota: Which Is Right for Your Yard?
Choose a deck for sloped or raised yards, second-story access, and a wood/composite look; choose a paver patio for ground-level spaces, lower long-term maintenance, and durability against Minnesota freeze-thaw. Many Twin Cities homes combine both.
Read guideFire Pits
Backyard Fire Pit Ideas & Cost in Minnesota
A custom built-in fire pit in Minnesota typically starts around $2,000–$6,000+ depending on materials, size, and whether it's wood or gas. A permanent stone or paver fire feature extends the short Minnesota outdoor season well into fall.
Read guideDrainage
How to Fix a Soggy Yard in Minnesota (Drainage Solutions)
A soggy Minnesota yard is usually fixed by regrading to slope water away from the house, a French drain to intercept subsurface water, downspout extensions for roof runoff, or a dry well. The right fix depends on where the water comes from, so diagnose it first.
Read guidePricing
How Much Does Landscaping Cost in the Twin Cities? (2026 Guide)
In the Twin Cities, front-yard landscaping runs $1,650–$5,500, smaller projects $2,500–$5,000, and full installations $3,000–$15,000+. Labor is the biggest line item, often 40–65% of the total. Late winter is the cheapest time to book.
Read guidePlanting
15 Low-Maintenance Native Plants That Thrive in Minnesota
The best low-maintenance native plants for Minnesota include purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, wild bergamot, and little bluestem. Natives are drought-tolerant once established, survive harsh winters, support pollinators, and return every year with minimal care.
Read guideHoliday Lighting
Professional Holiday Light Installation in the Twin Cities: What to Know
Professional holiday lighting in the Twin Cities is best booked in October–November, before deep cold. A full-service install includes design, commercial-grade lights, installation, in-season maintenance, takedown, and storage, so you never climb an icy ladder.
Read guideHiring
How to Choose a Landscaper in the Twin Cities (Questions to Ask)
To choose a Twin Cities landscaper, hire local, ask how they build for Minnesota's freeze-thaw climate, confirm insurance and permits, get a written itemized estimate, and review real local work. Beware vague ballparks and skipped base prep.
Read guide