Business Details
21 Years
experience
Award-Winning Landscape Design & Build Services in Minneapolis
biota Landscapes is an award-winning landscape design, build, and horticultural firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our mission centers on creating innovative designs that invite interaction and inspire imagination through high-quality plants, materials, and construction techniques. We prioritize sustainable practices, including solar-powered operations and battery-operated tools, to minimize environmental impact. Our team actively engages in community initiatives, offering expertise through outreach, action, and fundraising. With decades of combined experience, our professionals deliver residential and commercial projects that foster lasting stewardship and enjoyment.We emphasize collaboration during consultations, sharing design fees, timelines, and examples of past work to align with client goals. Our horticultural services ensure landscapes remain vibrant year-round through eco-friendly maintenance practices. By integrating native plants and biodiversity, we create ecosystems that support local wildlife while enhancing client properties. Our commitment to sustainability extends to composting, recycling, and using locally sourced organic fertilizers. Together with our clients, we transform outdoor spaces into sustainable, functional environments that reflect individual needs and ecological values.
Services
Design Services
Construction Services
Horticultural Services
Sustainable Landscaping
Community Projects
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined experience in sustainable landscaping.
- Our solar-powered facility and battery tools reduce environmental impact.
- Team includes ASLA-certified designers and CLP professionals.
- We actively support community initiatives through landscaping projects.
- Our eco-friendly practices include composting, recycling, and native plant use.
Associations and certifications
- MN Licensed General Contractor
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Certified Landscape Professional (CLP)
Services
Design Services
Our design services create innovative outdoor spaces using native plants and sustainable materials. We collaborate with clients to develop CAD renderings, 3D models, and planting plans tailored to their property's biota. Our ASLA-certified team ensures functional, aesthetically pleasing designs that enhance biodiversity and client enjoyment.
Construction Services
We transform designs into reality with full construction services, including hardscaping, lighting installation, and ecosystem integration. Our MN-licensed contractors use eco-conscious techniques to build durable, sustainable outdoor environments that align with client visions and ecological principles while maintaining strict quality standards.
Horticultural Services
Our horticultural team provides year-round maintenance, seasonal plantings, and pest management using battery-powered equipment charged by solar energy. Certified professionals ensure landscapes thrive through green mulching, composting, and organic fertilizers derived from invasive species, maintaining ecological balance and aesthetic appeal.
Sustainable Practices
We implement solar-powered operations, battery tools, and locally sourced organic fertilizers to minimize environmental impact. Our initiatives include green mulching, container reuse, and debris sorting for composting, ensuring every project supports biodiversity and reduces carbon footprint through renewable energy and responsible resource management.
Community Projects
Since 2005, we've partnered with local organizations to create community gardens, playgrounds, and disaster recovery landscapes. Our team volunteers expertise for initiatives like invasive species management and educational gardens, fostering environmental stewardship and social equity through hands-on landscaping projects that benefit underserved populations.
People
Steve Modrow
Founder - Design
ASLA-certified designer and former Minnesota State Designer Selection Board member. Holds a master's in landscape architecture from the University of Minnesota. Leads biota's design team with expertise in innovative, sustainable outdoor spaces.
Jim Saybolt
Founder - COO
MN Licensed General Contractor and Harvard GSD-trained landscape architect. Combines construction management expertise with environmental science background. Oversees operations while balancing business growth with family life.
Elizabeth Wynne
Designer
Award-winning CLP-certified designer with an associate degree in landscape design. Serves on the MNLA Board of Directors. Specializes in creating award-winning residential and commercial landscapes that integrate ecological principles.
Tim Dyer
Manager - Construction Services
25+ years in the green industry with a University of Minnesota education in construction management. Holds CLP certification. Brings diverse experience from laborer to leadership roles, ensuring quality across all construction projects.
Gentry Schweiger
Manager - Horticultural Services
CLP-certified horticultural manager with expertise in garden maintenance and client relations. Develops customized care plans for landscapes, focusing on sustainable practices and seasonal adaptations to maintain ecological balance.
Questions
What services does biota Landscapes offer?
We provide landscape design, construction, and horticultural maintenance services with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.
Are your landscaping practices eco-friendly?
Yes, we use solar power, battery tools, native plants, composting, and locally sourced organic fertilizers to minimize environmental impact.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we create customized outdoor spaces for both residential and commercial clients in the Minneapolis area.
What sustainability certifications do you have?
Our team includes ASLA-certified designers and CLP professionals, and we follow MNLA sustainability standards in all projects.
Do you participate in community projects?
Yes, since 2005 we've partnered with local organizations on tree planting, community gardens, and disaster recovery landscaping initiatives.
Reviews (3)
Cathy Bruer-Thompson
Aug 14, 2017
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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! Everyone loves our new front and back yards!
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! Everyone loves our new front and back yards!
Robert Kittle
Jul 22, 2017
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My husband and I recently had Biota put in a retaining wall and replace a lot of our existing landscaping.
Terri Hoy
Sep 06, 2016
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After looking at Biota's web pics, I was a little concerned that my city lot landscape project might be too small of a job for them to consider. Not so. Designer Eric worked with me to accomodate both the aesthetic and practical components needed in my yard. Due to weather, the start date was delayed on occasion but I was kept informed about situation - Biota strives to keep their customers happy!
Project Foreman Tom and his crew did an excellent job tearing out turf and rock, planting trees and installing my new patio. The crew worked efficiently and cleaned up everything daily. They are skilled professionals who pay attention to detail and care about their work, and their customer's satisfaction. I am very happy with how my job turned out and have recommended Biota Landscape to family and friends.
Project Foreman Tom and his crew did an excellent job tearing out turf and rock, planting trees and installing my new patio. The crew worked efficiently and cleaned up everything daily. They are skilled professionals who pay attention to detail and care about their work, and their customer's satisfaction. I am very happy with how my job turned out and have recommended Biota Landscape to family and friends.
