biota Landscapes

Business Details

21 Years

experience

Award-Winning Sustainable Landscaping Services

Founded in 2005, biota Landscapes is an award-winning landscape design, build, and horticultural firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our mission centers on creating innovative, interactive outdoor spaces that inspire imagination through high-quality plants, materials, and construction techniques. We prioritize sustainable practices, including solar-powered operations and battery-powered tools, to minimize environmental impact. Our team actively engages in community stewardship through outreach, volunteering, and fundraising initiatives.

With expertise in residential and commercial projects, we combine ecological responsibility with artistic design to transform landscapes into enduring gems. Our collaborative approach ensures clients receive tailored solutions that align with their vision and values while fostering long-term enjoyment of their outdoor spaces.

Services

Design Services Construction Services Horticultural Services CAD Renderings Sustainable Landscaping

Details

Year established: 2005

Highlights and features

We are an award-winning firm with 20+ years of combined team experience in sustainable landscaping.
Our solar-powered facility and battery-operated tools reduce emissions and environmental impact.
We prioritize community stewardship through volunteer programs and local ecological initiatives.
Our team includes ASLA-certified designers and MNLA-certified landscape professionals.
We implement innovative practices like green mulch and invasive species management.

Associations and certifications

MN Licensed General Contractor
Certified Landscape Professional (MNLA)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

Website

Update Listing

Services

Design Services

Our design services create modern, sustainable outdoor spaces tailored to client needs. We utilize CAD renderings, 3D modeling, and hardscape design to develop ecosystems that support biodiversity. Native plant selection enhances ecological value while aligning with the site's biota. Clients receive customized plans that balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility.

Construction Services

Full landscape construction transforms designs into reality using premium materials and techniques. Our team implements hardscapes, planting plans, and lighting systems while maintaining sustainability through low-emission equipment. Projects prioritize durability and ecological integration, ensuring spaces meet functional needs while preserving natural balance.

Horticultural Services

Ongoing horticultural care includes seasonal plantings, pest management, and garden refreshes. Our battery-powered tools and organic fertilizers minimize environmental impact. Services maintain landscape health year-round, with expertise in invasive species control and composting practices to sustain thriving ecosystems.

Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainable practices include solar-powered operations, green mulch alternatives, and locally sourced organic fertilizers. We reduce waste through container reuse and debris sorting for composting. Projects emphasize native plantings and renewable energy integration, creating landscapes that support local wildlife and reduce carbon footprints.

CAD Renderings

We create detailed CAD renderings and 3D models to visualize landscape transformations. These tools help clients explore design options before implementation. Our digital planning ensures precise execution of complex elements like lighting systems and hardscape features while maintaining ecological integrity.

People

Steve Modrow

Founder - Design

ASLA-certified landscape architect with a master's degree from the University of Minnesota. Serves on the Minnesota State Designer Selection Board and previously led the MN ASLA chapter.

Jim Saybolt

Founder - COO

MN Licensed General Contractor and MNLA Fellow with dual degrees in natural resources and environmental sciences. Completed Harvard's landscape architecture program and SBA Mini-MBA.

Elizabeth Wynne

Designer

Award-winning CLP-certified designer with an associate degree in landscape design. Currently serves on the MNLA Board of Directors and specializes in residential projects.

Tim Dyer

Manager - Construction Services

25+ years in the green industry with a University of Minnesota degree in construction management. Holds CLP certification and has held roles from laborer to regional director.

Gentry Schweiger

Manager - Horticultural Services

CLP-certified horticultural manager with expertise in garden maintenance and client relations. Joined biota in 2018 after specializing in landscape ecology and plant care.

Questions

What services does biota Landscapes offer?

We provide landscape design, construction, and horticultural maintenance services for residential and commercial properties using sustainable practices.

How does biota incorporate sustainability into its work?

We use solar-powered equipment, battery-operated tools, green mulch alternatives, and locally sourced organic fertilizers to minimize environmental impact.

Are your team members certified professionals?

Yes, our team includes ASLA-certified landscape architects and MNLA-certified landscape professionals with extensive industry experience.

Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?

Yes, we serve both residential and commercial clients, creating customized outdoor spaces that align with their specific needs.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Alana Wynne

Nov 03, 2021 Report

We are absolutely thrilled with our landscaping! Its always been dream to have big gardens and we now have a great foundation to grow with.
Biota team was great to work with and Eric our designer was awesome!

Megan A.

Aug 29, 2021 Report

We are so happy with our experience working with Biota! Eric was great with our design and Joe handled everything on site amazingly! I cant tell you how relaxing it was working with them. The team was flexible, hard working and wanted to do a good job. We got an email every day going over what was done and what was planned to be done the next day. The crew cleaned up everything every night. Highly recommend and plan to keep working with them future.

Brett Cadogan

Apr 25, 2021 Report

Had a very bad experience working with Biota Landscapes. They did not deliver on what they promised and the project renderings were very much a bait and switch. In trying to work through a resolution and remediate the issues directly with the owner, he offered up an equitable solution but then reneged on it. I've since worked with two other landscape companies and found that they offered much higher quality service for a fraction of the price.

Kaisa Johnson

Apr 22, 2021 Report

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

Eric Snyder

Dec 06, 2020 Report

After the removal of several trees due to Emerald Ash Borer, our backyard needed an overhaul. After meeting with several landscape companies, we decided to go with Elizabeth and her team from Biota. She executed the exact vision we had discussed in the design phase while also being very responsive to changes. During construction, Joe and his crew brought to life exactly what Elizabeth had designed and was was great at providing updates or answering my many questions. Elizabeth, Joe, and the whole Biota team added new, and worked with the old, to create a "up north" modern retreat in the middle

Julia Messerli

Aug 25, 2020 Report

We used Biota for our Backyard patio and retaining wall project. Elizabeth helped us design a perfect use of our space including a spot for a new sauna and Tom and crew came out and executed. We received daily updates as to how the project was going and what would happen next, the crew cleaned up every night and were so respectful, and to top it off the project is GORGEOUS! We couldnt have dreamed of better service. Even Jim the owner was involved making sure the project was what we we had hoped. Highly recommend!!

Carah Hart

Jan 28, 2020 Report

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!