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Business Details
43 Years
experience
Award-Winning Landscaping Services in Minneapolis
Natural Environments has been crafting extraordinary landscapes since 1983, combining over four decades of expertise with a passion for sustainable design. Our award-winning team specializes in creating functional, aesthetically stunning outdoor spaces that harmonize with Minnesota's natural environment. From shoreline restoration to custom outdoor living installations, we prioritize client satisfaction through personalized service, hassle-free permitting, and meticulous attention to detail.

Our commitment to quality extends beyond installation, offering ongoing maintenance to ensure landscapes thrive for years. As a licensed general contractor, we manage every project phase with precision, delivering high-end results that align with client goals and budgets.
Services
Landscape Design Lawn Care Retaining Walls Outdoor Kitchens Driveways Fences Rip Rap Stormwater Management Pergolas Snow Removal
Details
  • Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
  • We offer 40+ years of Minnesota-specific landscaping expertise
  • Our team includes on-site plant specialists and certified designers
  • Hassle-free permitting with local authorities like Minnesota DNR
  • Award-winning designs recognized for sustainability and innovation
  • Comprehensive maintenance programs ensure long-term landscape health
What people say
5-Star client satisfaction Award-winning designs 40+ years expertise Hassle-free permitting Sustainable solutions
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates customized outdoor spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality. Using native plants and sustainable materials, we develop plans that enhance property value while addressing specific needs like erosion control or outdoor entertainment. Clients receive multiple design concepts with transparent pricing and ongoing support from concept to completion.
Retaining Walls
Professional retaining wall construction prevents soil erosion while adding architectural interest. We use durable materials like natural stone and concrete to create structures that withstand Minnesota's climate. Each installation includes proper drainage solutions and integrates seamlessly with surrounding landscaping for both practical and visual benefits.
Outdoor Kitchens
Custom outdoor kitchens transform backyards into functional entertainment hubs. Our designs feature premium materials and built-in appliances tailored to client preferences. From compact grilling stations to full-service culinary spaces, we ensure weather-resistant construction and seamless integration with existing outdoor living areas.
Snow Removal
Residential and commercial snow removal services ensure safe, accessible properties during Minnesota winters. Using modern equipment and eco-friendly de-icing solutions, we offer 24/7 emergency response and scheduled maintenance plans. Services include driveway clearing, walkway maintenance, and commercial parking lot management to minimize business disruptions.
Rip Rap Installation
Professional rip rap solutions stabilize shorelines and prevent water erosion. We use strategically placed stones to create natural-looking barriers that comply with Minnesota DNR regulations. This service includes site assessment, proper material selection, and installation techniques that preserve waterfront aesthetics while providing long-term structural protection.
People
Terry Sanders
CEO
Terry Sanders leads with 40+ years of landscaping expertise, overseeing strategic growth while maintaining hands-on involvement in project execution and client relations.
Troy Sanders
President
Troy Sanders manages daily operations, ensuring project quality and client satisfaction through his deep understanding of Minnesota's landscaping challenges and regulations.
Dan Sontowski
Operations Manager
Dan Sontowski coordinates project logistics, leveraging his experience to maintain efficient workflows and uphold the company's high standards across all service areas.
Jessica Sanders
Sales & Design Manager
Jessica Sanders connects clients with tailored solutions, combining design expertise with practical knowledge to create landscapes that meet both aesthetic and functional needs.
Matthew Kunari
Landscape Designer
Matthew Kunari develops creative design concepts, focusing on sustainable practices and native plant integration to deliver unique, environmentally responsible outdoor spaces.
Questions
What landscaping services do you offer in Minneapolis?
We provide comprehensive landscaping including design, installation, and maintenance. Services include retaining walls, outdoor living spaces, snow removal, and sustainable shoreline solutions.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we serve both residential and commercial clients with customized solutions for properties of all sizes across the Twin Cities metro area.
How does your design process work?
Our process includes consultation, site assessment, concept development, and final design approval. We collaborate closely with clients to ensure designs meet their specific needs and budget.
Are your landscaping solutions eco-friendly?
Yes, we prioritize sustainable practices using native plants, permeable materials, and erosion control methods that support local ecosystems and reduce environmental impact.
What areas do you service?
We primarily serve Minneapolis and surrounding communities including St. Paul, Edina, Plymouth, and other Twin Cities metro areas.
Do you offer maintenance services after installation?
Yes, we provide ongoing maintenance programs including seasonal cleanups, plant care, and irrigation management to preserve landscape health and appearance year-round.
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Reviews (6)
Jennifer Osterbauer
Jun 16, 2022 Report
I feel like good customer service is becoming harder and harder to find but working with them I found excellent customer service! Services: Grading & resloping, Outdoor step construction, Backyard landscaping
Sue Quinn
Jul 31, 2021 Report
Best experience with contractors we've ever had, hands down. From start to finish the whole team was very diligent and showed great integrity in all aspects of the project. Everyone was personable, communicative, and, man, they work hard! Our boulder retaining wall was challenging, but through hard work on the crew's part we're left with a landscape that we can trust and enjoy for decades to come. I would recommend NEC to anyone looking for a company that communicates, is knowledgeable, and goes above and beyond. Thanks Troy, Dan and George, you guys rock!
Ashley Funke
Jun 09, 2021 Report
We just had NES finish up a large landscaping project at our home. Extremely happy with the workmanship and finished product, as well as their professionalism. They always picked up at the end of the day and were extremely responsive to our barrage of questions throughout the process. Highly recommend!
Gullible Gus
Jun 05, 2020 Report
Our project - remove an existing block retaining wall and replace it with 2 boulder walls. From the initial quote that Jessica and Terry provided right up through the last bit of clean up on site, the NEC team did a fantastic job. The on site work was done in an extremely professional manner and was completed much more quickly than I had anticipated would be the case. Total time from start to finish was 4.5 work days. Ryan did a great job minimizing unnecessary damage to areas adjacent to where the boulder walls were being placed and was a master when it came to maneuvering the equipment and the boulders in the relatively tight confines of our backyard.

I would highly recommend NEC to anyone looking for a reputable professional landscaping company. P.S. - Don't let the "Gullible Gus" name confuse you. I typically use this email address to screw with the scammers who send me scammy emails. This is a legitimate review and I am legitimately impressed by the high quality work of NEC.
Anonymous An
Oct 07, 2019 Report
This landscape design team was great work with. Ideas were super, workmanship tops and the result was everything we wanted. They stood by everything they said, were neat and left the area clean and beautiful. I would use this landscaping company again.
Alison
Jun 21, 2017 Report
Finally, I found a Minneapolis landscaping professional I could trust! After meeting with about 5 other landscaping companies in Minneapolis, I found two landscapers that were just as professional as can be, but what I like about NEC is that they are reliable, timely and good with communication, which is very important to me. The communication between us and NEC were a two-way street like for years my husband and I had had a clear vision for revamping our gardens which Terry incorporated into his landscaping plans. The NEC crew worked very hard throughout the very hot day to finish the job, and we were very pleased with their work. Thank you!