Craftsmanship for Greenwood's Premier Properties
Greenwood occupies a stretch of Lake Minnetonka's south shore between Excelsior and Shorewood, with roughly 300 households spread across wooded, rolling terrain. There is no downtown, no traffic, and no density — just large residential parcels with generous setbacks from the road and expansive views toward the lake. The community's character is defined by the quality of its homes and the natural landscape that surrounds them.
Properties in Greenwood tend to be substantial — multi-acre lots are common, and many homes have been extensively remodeled or rebuilt over the past two decades. This means landscape projects here are often part of a larger property improvement plan, coordinated with architects, builders, and interior designers. We are comfortable working within that collaborative environment and have the project management experience to keep our scope on schedule alongside other contractors.
Our Shorewood office is adjacent to Greenwood's eastern border, making us quite literally the closest professional landscape contractor to most Greenwood addresses. That proximity translates to faster response times, easier site visits during active projects, and the deep local knowledge that comes from working in this neighborhood for over two decades.
Services for Greenwood's Finest Properties
Tiered Retaining Wall Systems
Greenwood's steep topography between the bluff and the lakeshore often requires multi-tiered retaining wall systems. We engineer walls that manage grade changes of 10 feet or more while integrating stairs, terraced planting beds, and drainage infrastructure.
Grand-Scale Paver Patios
Greenwood entertaining spaces match the scale of the homes. We design and install expansive paver patios with outdoor kitchens, fire features, and defined zones for dining, lounging, and gathering — built on properly engineered bases for lasting performance.
Full-Property Design
Greenwood homeowners often commission comprehensive landscape plans that address the entire lot — from the street frontage to the lakeshore. Our 3D rendering process lets you see the complete vision, phase by phase, before any dirt moves.
Shoreline & Bluff Stabilization
Greenwood's south-facing shoreline on Lake Minnetonka is exposed to the prevailing summer winds. We install engineered boulder and riprap systems designed for this specific wave exposure, combined with native buffer plantings that meet MCWD requirements.
Natural Stone & Boulder Features
For properties where natural aesthetics take priority, we design boulder outcroppings, flagstone terraces, and dry-stacked stone walls that look indigenous to the site. Each boulder is individually selected and placed to create a naturalistic composition.
Architectural Landscape Lighting
On large Greenwood properties, lighting design is as important as the hardscape itself. We create layered lighting plans — uplighting on specimen trees, wash lighting on stone walls, path lighting along terraced walkways, and accent lighting that frames lake views after dark.
What Makes Greenwood Landscaping Unique
Greenwood's topography is defined by a prominent bluff that runs parallel to the lakeshore, creating significant elevation changes between the road and the waterline. Many properties drop 20-40 feet from the house to the lake, requiring carefully engineered terracing, stairs, and retaining systems to make the entire yard functional. This is not work for general contractors — it demands geotechnical understanding and hardscape engineering experience.
The soils in Greenwood reflect its glacial history: a mix of glacial till on the bluff top, sandy deposits along the slope, and lake sediment near the shore. This layered soil profile means water moves through the hillside at different rates, creating seepage points and saturated zones that must be addressed with proper drainage behind any retaining structure. We core-sample and evaluate soil conditions as part of our design process for every Greenwood project.
Greenwood also maintains strict building and impervious surface regulations that protect its rural residential character. The community coordinates closely with MCWD on watershed management, and lakefront projects require both a city permit and a watershed permit. We navigate both processes simultaneously and have working relationships with the officials who review these applications.
Common Questions from Greenwood Homeowners
Yes — this is one of our specialties. Bluff properties in Greenwood often need multi-tiered wall systems engineered for 15-30 foot total grade changes. We design these as a series of terraced walls with drainage channels, deadman anchors, and geogrid reinforcement. Each tier is typically 4-6 feet tall with planting terraces between levels that soften the visual impact and manage surface water runoff. Engineering drawings are prepared for permit review.
Many Greenwood landscape projects happen alongside home renovations or new construction. We work directly with your architect and general contractor to coordinate grading, drainage tie-ins, utility locations, and construction scheduling. Our design files are compatible with standard architectural formats, and we attend site meetings to ensure our work integrates seamlessly with the broader project. We are used to operating within multi-contractor environments.
Lakefront projects in Greenwood typically require two permits: a city building permit for structures like retaining walls, and a Minnehaha Creek Watershed District permit for any work within 75 feet of the ordinary high water level. MCWD reviews erosion control plans, stormwater management, and buffer zone compliance. We submit both applications concurrently and coordinate review timelines. Expect 4-8 weeks for MCWD approval.
Many Greenwood projects are phased over two or even three construction seasons. We might complete retaining walls and grading in year one, patios and outdoor living spaces in year two, and plantings and lighting in year three. Each phase is designed from the start as part of a master plan, so every stage connects to the next without rework. Phasing also spreads the investment and allows you to see each element before committing to the next.
On Greenwood's large lots, we establish dedicated equipment access routes, material staging areas, and tree protection zones before construction begins. We use track equipment that distributes weight across soft ground, install silt fencing and erosion blankets on slopes, and coordinate material deliveries to minimize trips across the property. After construction, we restore any disturbed areas with topsoil, seed, or sod as part of the project closeout.
Your Greenwood Landscape Project Starts Here
Schedule your free on-site consultation. We will walk your property from road to lakeshore, evaluate conditions, and deliver a detailed proposal — typically within one week.