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How to Prep Your Yard for a Major Landscape Renovation

By The Three Timbers Team · June 19, 2026

ChatGPT Image Apr 16, 2026, 11 59 39 PM

Major landscape renovations go smoothly or badly based almost entirely on what happened in the two weeks before the crew arrived. Here is the realistic prep checklist for a Minnesota homeowner.

Minnesota backyard prepped for a landscape renovation with utility flags, staged pavers and a mini excavator

Table of Contents

Step 1: Gopher State One Call

Minnesota state law (Chapter 216D) requires anyone doing excavation to notify Gopher State One Call at least 48 business hours before digging. Call 811 or visit gopherstateonecall.org to request a utility locate.

Utility companies will mark underground lines with color-coded paint and flags. Crews cannot dig within 2 feet of any marking without hand-digging or vacuum excavation.

Your contractor often handles the locate call, but it is your property. Verify the locate was placed before work starts.

Step 2: Site Access Prep

Major landscape crews need access for excavators, skid steers, and material deliveries. Prep before they arrive:

  • Clear a continuous path from street to work area (remove stored items, movable planters)
  • Confirm minimum 8-foot access width for small equipment, 12 feet for larger
  • Plan material staging area (driveway, side yard, or street with city permit if required)
  • Identify where portable toilet will sit

Step 3: Tag Plants and Features to Save

Walk the project area with the crew lead and flag anything you want saved:

  • Trees and specimen plants
  • Landscape lighting fixtures to re-use
  • Existing edging or stones you want retained
  • Irrigation heads that need to remain functional

Flagged items written into the contract are protected. Unflagged items are fair game for demolition.

Step 4: Prep the Home

Interior prep tasks for a multi-week install:

  • Close windows during dust-generating work
  • Move vehicles off the driveway each work morning
  • Let neighbors know about the install window
  • Plan for daily noise from 7 AM to 5 PM on most Minnesota sites
  • If irrigation will be off, plan for manual watering of retained plants

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays for the utility locate call?

It is free to the homeowner or contractor. Gopher State One Call is state-funded. Damage to unmarked utilities (because no locate was done) becomes the digger’s liability.

Can my contractor start before the utility locate is complete?

No. The contractor is legally required to wait for marks before digging. Exceptions exist only for emergency work with separate notification.

How long does a typical major landscape renovation take?

Medium scope (patio, retaining wall, planting): 3 to 6 weeks. Large scope (outdoor kitchen, pergola, multi-phase plantings): 8 to 16 weeks. Weather delays add 10 to 20 percent to most schedules.

Ready to Get Started?

Three Timbers serves Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Chaska, Victoria, Excelsior, Waconia, and Mound with full-service landscape and hardscape work. Call (612) 214-1955 or request a free estimate from our Chanhassen landscaping team. You can also see our full Minnesota landscaping and hardscape services.

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