St. Paul, MN · Updated
Landscaping Company FAQ for Homeowners in St. Paul
Landscaping design and installation in St. Paul includes grading, retaining walls, and garden features; costs vary based on size and materials.
Free to use in St. Paul. One matched pro, named up front.
- No cost to you.
- Never a list of five.
- Pro named up front.
- Ranges before any ask.
What types of landscaping can homeowners choose in St. Paul
Homeowners in Saint Paul can choose from various landscaping options, but must follow local rules about fence heights, boulevard gardens and tree work to avoid fines or delays in their project.
Fencing is a common choice for privacy, but residential fences in Saint Paul cannot exceed 6 feet 6 inches overall, with front setback areas limited to 4 feet (Fence Requirements, Sec. 33.07 (Saint Paul DSI, rev. 02/03/2015)). Corner lots have additional restrictions: no structure over 2 feet is allowed within a 10-foot sight triangle unless it's more than 80% open (Fence Requirements, Sec. 33.07 (Saint Paul DSI, rev. 02/03/2015)). These limits help maintain visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers. If you plan to build a fence, be sure to account for these height restrictions in your design and layout.
Boulevard gardens are another popular option but must follow strict rules. Before digging, a Gopher State One Call utility locate request is required at least 48 hours in advance (Boulevard Gardens and Boulevard Rain Gardens (Saint Paul Public Works)). These steps ensure that your garden meets city standards and avoids damaging underground utilities. Approval from the City forester is also necessary if you plan to use herbicides or pesticides on boulevard gardens (Boulevard Gardens and Boulevard Rain Gardens (Saint Paul Public Works)).
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.
| Local rule or condition | What it changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Paul's 2015 fence handout listed a permit fee of $37 for the first 200 lineal feet and $13 for each additional 100 lineal feet | A fence permit in Saint Paul costs $37 for the first 200 lineal feet and $13 for each additional 100 lineal feet (source) | Fence Requirements, Sec. 33.07 (Saint Paul DSI, rev. 02/03/2015) |
Illustrative example based on the public data cited on this page (October 2026), not a quote — your contractor's written contract sets the price.
How to obtain a landscape license in St. Paul
Obtaining a landscape license in Saint Paul involves understanding permit requirements for different types of work, including grading, fencing and retaining walls, which vary based on location and scope.
Retaining walls over 4 feet tall need a building permit, regardless of whether they support a surcharge (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)). These rules help ensure that landscaping work aligns with city planning and safety goals.
These costs and requirements are important to consider when planning any landscape work that involves structural elements.
What details should a proper landscaping quote cover in St. Paul
A proper landscaping quote should detail materials, installation methods, and expected lifespans of components like irrigation systems and fencing in St. Paul homes. This ensures clarity on long-term maintenance and replacement needs.
A landscaping quote must include the service life of major components such as in-ground sprinklers and valves, which NAHB estimates at 20 years (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1). Including this information helps you plan for future replacements. Underground PVC irrigation piping is expected to last 25 years (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1). Irrigation controllers typically last 15 years in areas not prone to lightning strikes (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1) These details help you understand the longevity of the systems installed. Fencing materials, such as polyvinyl, are listed as 'Lifetime' by NAHB (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1), but this depends on installation and maintenance practices.
Quotes should also specify materials like organic mulch, which should be applied 2–4 inches deep in a wide ring kept at least 3 inches from the root flare to avoid girdling roots (University of Vermont Extension, "Beware the mulch volcano"). Irrigation systems that include WaterSense controllers can reduce water waste by adjusting schedules based on weather or soil moisture, potentially saving up to 50% of residential irrigation water (U.S. EPA WaterSense, WaterSense Labeled Controllers). Including these specifics helps you compare options and make informed decisions for long-term use.
How does xeriscaping reduce water use in St. Paul homes
Xeriscaping reduces water use in St. Paul homes by using drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems, which can cut outdoor water consumption significantly over time. This approach helps lower utility bills.
Using WaterSense controllers can reduce outdoor irrigation water use by up to 50% by adjusting schedules based on weather or soil moisture (U.S. EPA WaterSense, WaterSense Labeled Controllers). These systems prevent overwatering, which is a major cause of wasted water in residential irrigation (www.epa.gov). In areas with low rainfall or frequent droughts, xeriscaping becomes even more important for managing water use efficiently. By incorporating native and drought-tolerant plants, homeowners can minimize the need for regular watering. Efficient irrigation systems help avoid runoff and soggy turf, which are signs of overwatering (www.epa.gov). These strategies lead to measurable water savings in St. Paul homes.
Related for St. Paul homeowners: Landscaping.
Xeriscaping is especially effective when paired with mulch that retains soil moisture, reducing the frequency of irrigation cycles. Fixed irrigation schedules often overwater plants, leading to unnecessary use of up to 50% of residential water (www.epa.gov). Weather-based controllers adapt watering schedules in response to local climate conditions, which can vary significantly across seasons and years (www.epa.gov). This flexibility ensures that plants receive the right amount of water without excess waste. In dry areas with water restrictions, these systems are critical for reducing outdoor water use (www.epa.gov).
Does a landscaper need to be licensed in St. Paul
A landscaper in St. Paul may need permits depending on the project. Certain work requires a building permit or zoning review.
Contact Saint Paul’s Department of Safety and Inspections at 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220 for permit details or call 651-266-9008 for zoning questions (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)). If you’re unsure whether a permit is needed for your project, contact Saint Paul’s permit office directly.
Does weather affect landscaping costs in St. Paul
Weather in Saint Paul affects when you can landscape but not necessarily the cost of materials. Timing is key for planning projects around seasonal conditions and freeze dates in the area.
The growing season in the Twin Cities typically runs from April 23 to October 18, with a median of 176 days free of freezing temperatures (NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 annual/seasonal normals, MSP). This means that planting or installing features like rain gardens should ideally be done within this window. Outside these dates, frost may damage plants or delay installation. The Twin Cities average 51.2 inches of snow a year and about 90 days with at least 1 inch of snow on the ground (NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 annual/seasonal normals, MSP) This can affect access and timing for outdoor work, especially in winter months.
Saint Paul also has restrictions on applying fertilizers or pesticides on public boulevards without prior approval (Boulevard Gardens and Boulevard Rain Gardens (Saint Paul Public Works)), which may influence how you manage your garden seasonally. Weather conditions can affect the timing of work but not necessarily the cost of materials; however, planning around seasonal limitations ensures your project is completed effectively.
When can St. Paul homeowners handle grading themselves
In St. Paul, older homes may have simpler grading needs due to older construction methods, while newer homes often require more precise grading for drainage and compliance with modern landscaping standards.
Homeowners in Saint Paul can handle minor grading tasks like leveling small areas or adjusting slopes around their property, but larger projects may need professional help. For more complex grading, especially involving drainage systems or retaining walls, consulting a professional is advisable to avoid long-term issues like erosion or water pooling.
Grading done by homeowners should prioritize proper slope for water runoff to prevent soil saturation and root damage. Mulch application also plays a role in moisture managementstpaulmnlandscapeguide.comorganic mulch should be applied 2–4 inches deep in a wide ring kept at least 3 inches from the root flare out to the drip zone (University of Vermont Extension, "Beware the mulch volcano") Improper mulching, such as piling it against the trunk (volcano mulching), can lead to decay and pest infestations (www.uvm.edu). These considerations help maintain both landscape health and structural integrity.
When you might not need a pro
Minor landscape adjustments like planting gardens or installing small planters can be done without professional help. Retaining walls over 4 feet tall require permits and should be handled by a professional (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)).
A fair quote should state
- Scope of work includes grading or retaining walls over 4 feet tall (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout))
- Warranty or guarantee on materials and workmanship
Next steps
- Check if your project needs a permit at the Saint Paul Building Permit Office before starting.
- Consider historical rules if your home is in a Heritage Preservation District (When Is a Permit Required? (Saint Paul DSI handout)).
Questions and answers
Should landscaping be capitalized in St. Paul?
Landscaping improvements are not typically capitalized on tax returns unless they add significant value to the property. Consult a tax professional for guidance on deductions or credits related to home improvements.
What is a landscaping company in St. Paul?
A landscaping company in St. Paul provides services such as grading, retaining wall installation, and garden design. These companies are typically hired on a project basis. They may also offer seasonal maintenance or annual contracts.
Related in St. Paul.
Guides for St. Paul homeowners
Next step.
Answer four quick questions and we look for one St. Paul pro who does this work.
- No cost to you.
- Never a list of five.
- Pro named up front.
Get matched with one St. Paul pro
Before a pro contacts you, we give you their name so you can ask them for proof of insurance and business registration.