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Backyard Landscaping in St. Paul, MN

Nearest priced landscaping (design/install) job

  • $8,050 – $10,150 Artificial turf installation. · related job's range

Backyard landscaping: no sourced St. Paul range yet. Nearby job prices ↓

No cost to you, one St. Paul pro, and you hear their name before any call.

Backyard landscaping in Saint Paul offers many design options, but local rules and material choices affect how you plan. Consider height limits for fences, boulevard gardens, and sight triangles to avoid violating regulations.

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Part of the Landscaping in St. Paul guide for St. Paul homeowners.

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St. Paul price range.

Typical backyard landscaping cost around St. Paul.

A sourced range for St. Paul homes, shown before we ask you for anything.

Backyard landscaping has no sourced St. Paul range yet; the related landscaping (design/install) jobs below each cite one.

  • Retaining wall.$3,800$6,250$10,200
  • Sod installation.$1,300$2,150$3,800
  • Artificial turf installation.$8,050$9,000$10,150

A range, not a quote. Public price data adjusted for St. Paul; the written contract sets the price.

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Tell us about the job and we match you with one St. Paul landscaping (design/install) pro, named before they contact you.

Other landscaping (design/install) jobs.

Related landscaping (design/install) services in St. Paul.

Three steps.

From range to one quote.

  1. Two-minute request. Say what the St. Paul job involves and when it should start; nothing to sign up for.
  2. Matched, then named. One landscaping (design/install) pro who serves St. Paul is matched, and you hear the name first.
  3. Yours to decide. Read the written St. Paul quote at your own pace; there is no obligation to go ahead.

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Before you sign.

Reading a backyard landscaping quote in St. Paul.

What a solid written quote covers

  • Soil prep spelled out
  • Warranty on hardscape work
  • Materials and plants, with quantities
  • Removal costs listed
  • Sprinkler work included or extra

Questions to put to the pro

  1. Who handles 811 markings?
  2. Who replaces dead plants?
  3. How deep is the base?
  4. Is watering set up for me?
  5. Will you draw the layout?

Asked often.

Backyard landscaping questions from St. Paul homeowners

What are St. Paul landscaping costs for boulevard gardens?

Boulevard garden projects require utility locate requests 48 hours before digging (Boulevard Gardens and Boulevard Rain Gardens (Saint Paul Public Works)). Additional permit and form requirements may increase the cost of such projects compared to private yard work alone.

How to start a landscaping company in St. Paul?

To start a landscaping business, you must comply with local rules such as utility locate requirements for boulevard projects and obtain permits for public tree work.

Backyard landscaping in St. Paul: the full guide.

St. Paul permits, costs and checklists in full

Design ideas for backyard landscaping in Saint Paul

Backyard landscaping in Saint Paul involves local rules about fencing, boulevards, and tree planting. Consider these details when planning to avoid delays or violations of city guidelines.

Saint Paul requires a site plan and elevation drawing for fences in historic districts (Fence Requirements, Sec. 33.07 (Saint Paul DSI, rev. 02/03/2015)). This ensures that new structures align with the character of the area. If you are planting boulevard trees, Saint Paul Forestry only plants them during specific seasonsstpaulmnlandscapeguide.comspring (April-June) and fall (October-November)stpaulmnlandscapeguide.comso timing your project accordingly may help avoid delays (Boulevard Trees (Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Forestry)). These seasonal restrictions can impact planning for new tree installations along public roads.

Herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers are not allowed on Saint Paul boulevard gardens without written approval from the City forester (Boulevard Gardens and Boulevard Rain Gardens (Saint Paul Public Works)). This rule helps protect local waterways and wildlife.

What are options for backyard landscaping design services in Saint Paul?

Choose design professionals who understand Saint Paul’s rules on fencing, boulevards, and waste disposal. Consider using native plants and materials that comply with local policies and last longer in the climate.

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Local data notes for St. Paul
  • These regulations ensure safety for residents and workers handling older materials.

What changes the price in St. Paul

Each local rule or condition below changes what to do, choose or pay for this job; sources included. More rows: full table.

What in St. Paul changes a backyard landscaping job
Local rule or conditionWhat it changesSource
Saint Paul requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or of any height if supporting a surchargeA retaining wall over 4 feet tall requires a building permit for this job (source).When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)

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Permitting guidelines for backyard landscaping projects in Saint Paul

Understanding local rules helps avoid delays and ensures compliance with city guidelines.

For minor alterations exceeding $500 in material and labor costs, a permit is also required (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)).

New build backyard landscaping may require permits if it includes structures like retaining walls or grading changes. Detached sheds under 200 sq ft do not need a building permit but must still meet zoning requirements (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)). If you're unsure whether your project needs a permit, contact Saint Paul's Department of Safety and Inspections at 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220 for guidance (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)). For fencing, a permit fee applies based on linear feet, but this is not directly relevant to xeriscaping unless fences are involved.

What is the process for installing a backyard drain near Saint Paul?

Installing a backyard drain may require a grading permit if it involves significant earthwork or changes drainage patterns. Contact the Department of Safety and Inspections at 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220 for specific guidance on your project.

Related for St. Paul homeowners: Sod Installation and Front Yard Landscaping.

Permit rules from When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout). Rules change — confirm with the St. Paul building/permit office before you start.

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How to locate a skilled professional for your Saint Paul backyard landscaping?

To find a skilled backyard landscaping professional in Saint Paul, consider local rules and material lifespans. Check for knowledge of heritage district approvals and hardscaping materials that suit the climate.

When selecting a contractor for your Saint Paul backyard landscaping project, be aware that exterior work in Heritage Preservation Districts or Sites requires approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)). This adds an extra step to any permit process involving visible changes. Ensure your chosen professional understands these requirements to avoid delays and ensure compliance with local regulations. Such oversight ensures historical character is preserved while allowing for modern improvements.

It’s an important detail to verify when discussing grading, drainage, or hardscaping near your property's entry points.

How to choose professional backyard hardscaping services in Saint Paul?

Opt for contractors who use durable materials like polyvinyl fencing and brick pavers, known for long lifespans. Verify they understand irrigation system components such as controllers and valves, which have specific service lives. These choices ensure your landscaping remains functional and low-maintenance over time.

What should I look for in backyard landscaping contractors near Saint Paul?

Look for experience with materials that last through local weather, such as polyvinyl fencing and brick pavers. Ensure they are familiar with irrigation systems' lifespans and proper installation techniques. These factors contribute to a more sustainable and visually appealing landscape.

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When you might not need a pro

For small projects like planting flower beds or installing a simple pathway, a homeowner may handle the work without hiring a pro.

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Checking a backyard landscaping quote in St. Paul

  • Scope of work includes grading, planting, and hardscaping as per local utility locate requirements
  • Materials used for planting and irrigation must comply with Saint Paul's public tree permit rules
  • Schedule aligns with the city's yard waste pickup hours April-November and weekend-only collection December-March

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What to do next on a St. Paul backyard landscaping job

  1. Schedule a Gopher State One Call utility locate request at least 48 hours before digging near boulevards (Boulevard Gardens and Boulevard Rain Gardens (Saint Paul Public Works))
  2. Check Ramsey County's yard waste pickup times and rules for seasonal collection (Yard Waste collection sites (Ramsey County))

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Why St. Paul MN Landscape Guide

St. Paul yards, planned for a short season.

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Page history
  • stpaulmnlandscapeguide.com Updated 100% of the text; new sections: Design ideas for backyard landscaping in Saint Paul, What in St. Paul changes a backyard landscaping job, Permitting guidelines for backyard landscaping projects in Saint Paul; removed: When should I consider backyard landscaping in St. Paul?, What backyard landscaping costs in St. Pault, Permit or code rules for backyard landscaping in St. Paul
  • stpaulmnlandscapeguide.com Updated 100% of the text; new sections: When should I consider backyard landscaping in St. Paul?, What backyard landscaping costs in St. Pault, Permit or code rules for backyard landscaping in St. Paul; removed: Design ideas for backyard landscaping in Saint Paul, What in St. Paul changes a backyard landscaping job, Permitting guidelines for backyard landscaping projects in Saint Paul
  • stpaulmnlandscapeguide.com Updated 100% of the text; new sections: Design ideas for backyard landscaping in Saint Paul, What in St. Paul changes a backyard landscaping job, Permitting guidelines for backyard landscaping projects in Saint Paul; removed: When should I consider backyard landscaping in St. Paul?, What backyard landscaping costs in St. Pault, Permit or code rules for backyard landscaping in St. Paul
  • stpaulmnlandscapeguide.com First version

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