Permeable pavers and Sustainable Landscaping Minneapolis & St. Paul

Sustainable Landscaping

Green, Earth-friendly and Sustainable

By helping our clients design and build sustainable, earth-friendly landscapes – and by changing how we think and act – Southview Design is committed to "green in action."

Experts in Landscaping Best Practices

Southview designers and crews are Minnesota Green Star-Trained. This means we are experts at using landscaping best practices to reduce the environmental impact of building and remodeling projects, and to restore air and water quality. For an example of one of our sustainable landscape projects, see Green Luxury.

Our active participation in the Minnesota Green Star program, and service to the organization, is proof of our commitment to healthy and sustainable landscaping practices. Minnesota Green Star is a non-profit organization that educates homeowners, builders and remodelers, and certifies green building and remodeling residential projects.

In Our Own Backyard

In addition to our participation in Green Star, we look for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in our homes and at work. We’ve significantly cut the amount of waste we generate in the office, and we have completed many landscaping projects using permeable pavers and stormwater management practices.

sustainable landscape design dry creek bed for drainage in inver grove heights mn

No-mow backyard conserves water and time by replacing the lawn with a hardy garden.

Inver grove heights backyard plunge pool and artificial grass

Diminutive plunge pool and hyper-realistic artificial grass are two landscaping elements that can help conserve water.

Sustainable Garden and Front Yard Landscaping in Minneapolis Mn

We took extra measures to preserve a mature oak tree when we installed this garden and walkway. Trees that shade your home on summer's hottest days can keep you cool and save energy (and money).

up close view of permeable pavers

Permeable patio with two contrasting patterns and colors.

rustic yet modern green home with sustainable landscaping in Minneapolis, MN

Award-winning net zero home and sustainable landscape design.

permeable paver seating patio

Permeable paver sitting patio.

brick paver circle driveway front yard landscape with curb appeal

This brick paver patio is designed to protect nearby water ways by allowing stormwater to infiltrate into the ground to prevent toxic runoff.

permeable lake house drive way and sustainable garden plants

A permeable driveway and garden of native flowers and grasses protect the lake from stormwater and fertilizer runoff.

hillside forest landscape with wrap around patio

In this hillside landscaping project, we were able to add a wrap-around patio, staircase, and waterfall without disturbing the established pine trees.

New construction with a rain garden sustainable landscape in the front yard.

This rain garden mitigates storm runoff.

rain barrel and hose in minneapolis

Use a rain barrel to water your garden with storm water all summer long.

A Video Story

"Design Process was absolutely wonderful"

Northern Tool Director – Real Estate + Facilities, Scott Stocke was looking for a way to dress up the property for employees. The project team created an outdoor patio with the Northern Tool logo inlayed in pavers. Engineering a new entry was a challenge! Scott says it was an amazing construction process that turned out "better than anybody expected it to be."

More Video Stories

Explore More MN Landscape Design & Architecture

Related Landscape Projects


Plymouth Landscape Upgrade

These homeowners love their unique home. Unfortunately, their existing outdoor spaces were inadequate for entertaining.

Award-Winning Small Yard

Minneapolis backyard landscaping includes a dining area, water feature, sunning patio, night lighting, and edible garden without feeling cramped.

Minnesota River Overlook

Perched on a bluff above the Minnesota River, this Eden Prairie landscape design has unbeatable views, two fireplaces, and patios for dining and sunbathing.

Taming of the Hill

Front yard landscape design in Eden Prairie sculpts hill using modular retaining wall materials to create classic look and curb appeal.

Modern Backyard Patio

A simple backyard for modern sensibilities. This small landscaping project created a space for spending time with friends and family in Cottage Grove.

Outdoor Living at Every Level

Empty nesters in the process of moving back to Minnesota from California, these homeowners envisioned a tranquil and relaxing backyard with a walk-out patio with wood burning fireplace. Upstairs, they wished for a private dining patio close to their kitchen.