biota - Landscape Design + Build

We have a small south Minneapolis backyard and three Great Danes. I have been trying to figure out how to keep my dogs happy, less dirt and grime in my house and be realistic with what my yard can do. Jim and his company were so helpful and patient with this whole process. They went above and beyond to research what would be safest for my dogs. They were also very complete with explaining the process, what I can expect from my yard, and future considerations and upkeep. We have done a lot of work on our house and have run into issues with incomplete projects, poor communication or people who just never return calls etc. This company was very prompt, professional and had great communication. Their level of detail and follow up was very impressive and reassuring that the job would be done well. And it was. We are thrilled with our backyard. I look forward to ongoing projects with this company and highly recommend their work.

We are excited about our new patio area that Biota Landscapes created for us. Eric presented us with a beautiful design for a tupelo limestone patio, two entry pathways and adjacent planting beds. When the project got underway, we appreciated how professional, friendly and hardworking everyone was. It was very clear to us ---- Biota wanted the end result to be something we would love and enjoy for years to come. We do love the patio and enjoy the warm, old-world feel of the tupelo limestones. Great job! Thank you, Biota!! Nancy & Jim, Minneapolis

Beautiful and practical design, best in class project management and get it done contractors From the start when Elizabeth created a design, she got what we wanted when we didn’t even know. She created a beautiful multi season low maintenance yard with the shade and social areas we wanted. Our neighbor asked how we found contractors willing to work late and early in the landscaping season, one word Biota Also Tom, the landscape lead gave us in person and email updates. Super detailed and awesome diligent team! With a significant yard overhaul we did have a few issues pop up during construction, but Biota took care of it with redesign, and strong relationships with vendors to get the issues fixed to our satisfaction. I highly recommend Biota. We would hire them again in a heart beat.

We were so impressed with Biota. They were absolutely wonderful to work with - knowledgable, prompt, and very communicative. We could not be more pleased with our yard - highly recommend!

We live in the Summit-University neighborhood of St. Paul, and in summer 2018 we had a weed patch masquerading as a lawn, dying hedges (because the previous owner planted sun-loving shrubs in our shady yard), a wobbly brick patio, and a falling-down fence. We hired biota to re-do the whole space—to add a patio in front to facilitate hanging out with our awesome neighbors, to add an entertaining area in the back, and to re-plant the whole yard with low-maintenance species that would thrive despite the shade. Although we clearly knew how we wanted to *use* the space, we didn’t have very clear ideas for style or design. I believe we (rather unhelpfully) said, “Modern, but not too modern.” This didn’t deter Eric! He had us discuss some pictures of biota’s previous work to get a sense of what we liked, and then he went to work. We were thrilled with his initial designs and pleased with how he integrated the few suggestions we had for modifications. Eric worked with us to design a beautiful and functional space that stayed within our budget. When the time came for the build, the crew was amazing! They worked efficiently, and (our favorite part) the foreperson (Joe) sent daily emails updating us on what they accomplished that day and what was planned for the next day. Throughout the process, the communication with everyone at biota was phenomenal. The build crew worked efficiently, and our yard was done before we knew it! At the very end, Eric walked through the space with us to make sure we were happy with everything (we were!) and to go over how to maintain it all. If we ever need landscaping done in the future, we will 100% work with biota again.

Really reliable. They notified us when the work will be done, Their management of the work is perfect. Great staff, they help with landscaping, suggestions and do quality of work.. Well worth the cost and I will continue working with them.

Biota was recommended to me by my gardener who was unable to continue. I was nervous about going with a "company" because of the perceived expense and lack of personalization and attention to detail. But I called them because she spoke so highly of them. She was right. Jim Saybolt and his team are AWESOME. Every time they're expected, I get an email letting me know when they're coming and what they plan on doing. After they've left, I get an email letting me know what they've done, and any recommendations they have. Their prices are very reasonable, given the attention to detail and quality of work. Every one of their team members is delightful to work with. (Nick... I'm talking about you! And Gabie!). I highly recommend Biota.

We have used Biota for landscaping and maintenance of our yard for 2 years and will continue to do so. They do awesome work, they care, and have made our yard beautiful - it's a sanctuary thanks to them. I would recommend them in a heartbeat.

Wow. These guys are so awesome. We first met Eric a couple summers ago when we were just beginning to dream about our landscaping project. He was so organized, knowledgeable, and thoughtful, not to mention calm, cool, and collected. We weren't able to get our project going as quickly as we had hoped (some other pressing exterior maintenance projects needed to be addressed first), but Eric patiently waited until the next spring for us to reach out and let Biota know we were ready for them! Eric was able to draw up some really cool CAD drawings that helped us envision what our new outdoor spaces could look like. When the labor crew showed up on day 1, we were blown away by their professionalism, energy, timeliness, and daily clean-up. Tom runs a tight ship! Every afternoon at 4:45 pm we would receive a detailed email from Tom summarizing the day's work. How refreshing! Overall, we could not be happier with the way our project turned out, and with the fluidity with which the Biota machine operates. We look forward to maintaining our relationship with Biota as we add more plants and improvements to our exterior in the coming years. Thanks guys!

Biota did a fairly major landscaping project using boulders, mulch and various native plants. They showed up as scheduled and finished on time and under budget. They were very reasonable about replacing plants that didn't survive the first winter. Their workers were friendly and professional.

We loved working with all of the people at Biota! They were exceptionally responsive, listened to our wishes and managed to coalesce it into a marvelous plan. Our new landscaping has changed the way we enjoy our yard. We have our own vacation spot right outside our doors. The water feature makes all the difference to our enjoyment, it also has the additional function of moving water away from the house since it captures the water from the gutters and the sump pump. We cannot say enough positives about the people... each one was marvelous, professional and personable. They worked SO hard and paid attention to the detail. We highly recommend Biota from start to finish!

My Biota experience started with a pretty awesome and thorough consultation. Jim came over and we talked about "what I was really looking for." And he listened. Then we went in the rain to measure, talk some more and plan. Within a few weeks, the crew was here. Amazingly friendly and respectful guys working on my patio. They told me step by step what was going on and what the plan was. Throughout the three day project, the team continued to ask for input, opinions, thoughts. I got an email from the foreman at the end of each work day. They cleaned up the mess every day, I barely knew they were digging dirt, hauling rock, crushing concrete, and creating a whole new environment. Truly, I would come home at the end of the day and the work would be tidy, tools put away, and no sign of a mess. The day they finished the patio, I come home to a beautiful new space and a gift and a card, "hope you enjoy your new space!" for me after they have done all the hard work. And on top of all of that, they went above and beyond and helped me get rid of random concrete pieces in my yard- hauled them away for me. Super helpful and nice guys! I would call them again in a heartbeat. Top notch aesthetic, incredible work ethic but more importantly a joy to work with.