Landscaping tips to complement your exterior renovation can transform a good home improvement project into a stunning one. When you invest in a new roof, siding, windows, or deck, coordinating your landscaping with these upgrades creates a cohesive, polished look that maximizes curb appeal and property value. At Weatherguard Construction, our family-owned team has worked alongside homeowners across Stillwater, Woodbury, and the Twin Cities for over 25 years, and we have seen how thoughtful landscaping elevates every exterior project.
Planning Landscaping Around Your Renovation Timeline
Timing is critical when coordinating landscaping with exterior renovations. Heavy equipment, material staging, and construction activity can damage existing landscaping, so plan accordingly. If you are replacing your roof or siding, protect existing plantings with tarps and fencing, and plan major landscaping work for after construction is complete.
For deck construction, consider how the new structure will affect sunlight patterns, drainage, and views before finalizing landscaping plans. A deck''s footprint often changes the dynamics of your yard, creating new opportunities for planting beds, privacy screens, and container gardens.
Foundation Plantings That Protect and Beautify
Foundation plantings serve a dual purpose: they enhance your home''s appearance and protect the foundation from moisture issues. When selecting plants near your home, follow these guidelines for Minnesota landscapes.
Keep plantings at least 18 to 24 inches from your foundation and siding to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Choose plants that will not grow to interfere with your siding or gutters. Avoid trees with aggressive root systems near your foundation, as roots can crack foundations and clog drainage systems. Use native Minnesota plants that are adapted to our climate and require less maintenance.
Well-chosen foundation plantings frame your home beautifully and draw the eye to architectural features like new windows, updated trim, and fresh exterior paint. Evergreen shrubs provide year-round structure, while perennials add seasonal color and interest.
Hardscaping to Complement Your Exterior Updates
Hardscaping elements like walkways, patios, retaining walls, and borders should complement your home''s updated exterior. When choosing hardscape materials, consider how they coordinate with your new siding color, roofing tone, and overall architectural style.
Natural stone pairs beautifully with cedar and composite decking, while concrete pavers in neutral tones complement modern siding styles. Retaining walls can solve drainage issues that protect your gutters and foundation while creating attractive, tiered planting areas.
If you are adding or updating your deck, consider extending hardscaping to create a seamless transition from deck to yard. A paver patio at the base of deck stairs, a stone walkway connecting the deck to a garden feature, or a fire pit area adjacent to the deck creates an integrated outdoor living space that buyers love.
Tree and Shrub Placement for Home Protection
Strategic tree and shrub placement does more than look good. Properly positioned deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home provide summer shade that reduces cooling costs by 15 to 35 percent. In winter, when leaves drop, sunlight reaches your home and helps with passive solar heating.
Evergreen trees and shrubs on the north and northwest sides create windbreaks that reduce heating costs by blocking Minnesota''s harsh winter winds. This natural insulation complements the performance of your siding and windows.
Keep all trees trimmed at least 10 feet from your roof to prevent branch damage during storms and reduce leaf accumulation in your gutters. Overhanging branches are one of the leading causes of roof damage and gutter clogging in Minnesota.
Lighting Your Landscape to Showcase Your Renovation
Outdoor lighting transforms your landscape and highlights your home''s exterior upgrades after dark. Use uplighting to showcase architectural features, new siding textures, and beautiful trees. Path lighting guides visitors safely while adding warmth and ambiance. Accent lighting on your deck creates an inviting evening gathering space.
LED landscape lighting is energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in warm tones that complement most exterior color schemes. Solar-powered options eliminate wiring costs and are easy to install and adjust as your landscaping evolves.
Drainage and Grading Considerations
Any landscape design must account for proper drainage to protect your home''s foundation and exterior components. Grade the soil away from your foundation at a slope of at least six inches over the first ten feet. Ensure downspouts from your gutters discharge onto splash blocks or into underground drainage systems that carry water well away from the house.
Rain gardens are an attractive, eco-friendly solution for managing stormwater runoff. Positioned at a low point in your yard where gutter discharge and surface water naturally flow, rain gardens filter water through native plantings and prevent erosion while adding beauty to your landscape.
Weatherguard Construction coordinates exterior renovations with homeowners throughout Minnesota, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO. Call us at (651) 439-4320 or book a consultation to plan your exterior upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start landscaping after an exterior renovation?
Wait at least two to four weeks after construction is complete to allow disturbed soil to settle and ensure all construction debris is removed. Spring and early fall are the best times to plant in Minnesota.
How much does landscaping cost to complement a renovation?
A basic landscaping refresh with foundation plantings, mulch, and minor hardscaping typically costs $2,000 to $8,000. More extensive work including walkways, retaining walls, and mature plantings can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.
Will landscaping damage my new siding or foundation?
Not if planned properly. Maintain clearance between plantings and your siding, avoid aggressive root systems near the foundation, and ensure irrigation systems do not spray directly onto your siding or windows.
Should I coordinate landscaping with my contractor?
Absolutely. Your exterior contractor can advise on drainage requirements, access needs, and timing to ensure landscaping and renovation work together seamlessly. Contact Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 for coordinated project planning.
