Lakefront Landscapes Built by Your Neighbors
Long Lake is one of those rare western Hennepin County communities that has kept its small-town identity intact. With a population of roughly 1,800, the village wraps around the eastern and southern shores of its namesake lake, creating a neighborhood where lake access is not a luxury — it is the reason people moved here. Our landscape work in Long Lake reflects that connection to the water.
The lakefront properties along North Shore Drive and Willow Beach Road present unique challenges that standard landscaping companies often underestimate. Steep grades running down to the shoreline, exposed root systems from mature oaks and elms, sandy and gravelly soil that shifts seasonally, and strict watershed regulations all demand a contractor who has done this kind of work hundreds of times. That contractor is us.
We are based in Shorewood, about 10 minutes southeast on Highway 12. Long Lake has been part of our regular service route since we started the company, and we have built relationships with homeowners here that span multiple projects over many years — a retaining wall one season, a patio the next, then lighting to bring it all together.
Services Long Lake Homeowners Trust Us For
Shoreline Restoration
Long Lake's shoreline is under constant pressure from wave action, ice push, and foot traffic. We install boulder riprap, bioengineered bank stabilization, and native plantings that protect your property while meeting Minnehaha Creek Watershed District requirements.
Lakefront Retaining Walls
Many Long Lake properties have steep drops from the house to the water. Our retaining wall systems create usable terraces, stabilize eroding hillsides, and provide safe access to the shoreline — all while handling the hydrostatic pressure that comes with being near a water table.
Paver Patios & Fire Pits
Long Lake evenings call for an outdoor space that faces the water. We design and build paver patios positioned to capture lake views, with integrated fire pits for gathering after the sun goes down. Proper base work prevents settling in Long Lake's sandier soils.
Landscape Design & Build
Lakefront lots require design that works with the natural slope and protects views. Our 3D renderings show how retaining walls, plantings, and hardscape elements integrate with your lake vantage point — so nothing blocks the reason you bought the property.
Boulder & Natural Stone Steps
Natural boulder steps and outcroppings are the most requested feature on Long Lake properties. They create safe, attractive pathways from upper yards down to docks and shoreline areas while blending with the natural lakeshore environment.
Landscape Lighting
Properly placed lighting transforms a lakefront property after dark — illuminating pathways to the dock, highlighting retaining walls and plantings, and creating ambiance on the patio without washing out the view of the water at night.
What Makes Long Lake Landscaping Unique
Long Lake sits within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, which regulates any construction activity near the lake's ordinary high water level. That includes retaining walls, shoreline work, grading, and even some patio installations close to the water. Getting a project approved requires accurate surveys, proper erosion control plans, and experience navigating the MCWD review process. We handle all of this as a standard part of our project management — no extra charge, no surprises.
The soil around Long Lake varies significantly by location. Properties on the north and east shores tend to sit on sandy, well-draining soil — good for drainage but requiring deeper base preparation for patios and walls. The south side closer to Orono has more clay content, which holds water and creates frost-heave risks. We test soil conditions at every job site and adjust our specifications accordingly, because the base is where hardscape projects succeed or fail.
Many of Long Lake's homes date to the mid-20th century, with a mix of original cottages that have been expanded and fully renovated properties. This means lot sizes, setbacks, and existing conditions vary wildly from one property to the next. We treat every Long Lake project as a custom engagement — because in a village this size, there is no such thing as a standard lot.
Common Questions from Long Lake Homeowners
If your project is within 100 feet of the lake's ordinary high water level, you will likely need a Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) permit. This applies to retaining walls, shoreline restoration, grading, and sometimes patios. Projects further from the water still need a City of Long Lake building permit for walls over 4 feet. We determine what permits are needed during our initial site visit and manage the entire application process.
Yes — shoreline restoration is one of our core services. We evaluate the erosion pattern, soil type, and wave exposure to determine the right approach. Options range from boulder riprap for high-energy shorelines to bioengineered solutions using native vegetation and coir logs for gentler areas. Every shoreline project includes proper permitting through MCWD and is designed to last through Minnesota's ice cycles.
Absolutely. Terraced retaining walls are one of the most effective solutions for steep lakefront lots. We create level areas for patios, seating, and gardens at different elevations, connected by natural stone steps. This turns an unusable hillside into functional outdoor living space while actually improving slope stability and drainage. Many of our Long Lake projects involve exactly this kind of transformation.
Long Lake's older lots are often narrower than modern subdivisions, with mature trees, fences, and limited driveway access. We use compact excavators, mini skid-steers, and even hand-carry methods when necessary. Grant evaluates access during the initial consultation and plans equipment logistics before the project starts — not on day one when the crew shows up. Protecting your property and your neighbors' property during construction is non-negotiable for us.
Your Long Lake Landscape Project Starts Here
Schedule your free on-site consultation. We will walk your lakefront lot, assess the grade and soil conditions, and deliver a detailed proposal tailored to your property.