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Dean Bjorkstrand Inc

About us

Minneapolis Landscaping Design Company. Specializing in Natural Stone patios, retaining walls, and walks. Our Landscape installation is of the highest quality. Owner Designed and Supervised since 1983. Serving the twin cities metro area. Many other services are offered from Gutter Cleaning to Window Cleaning. Award winning.

Business highlights

42 years of experience

Services we offer

Landscaping design & installation, arbors, drainage correction, excavation, fountains, garden design, gutter cleaning & minor gutter repair, irrigation and water features, landscape lighting, natural stone patios, perennial and shrub gardens, pergolas, pondless waterfalls, ponds, roof snow & ice removal, shrub trimming & pruning, snow plowing & shoveling, tree installation, walkways, waterproofing, window cleaning & pressure washing., wood structures

Accepted Payment Methods

  • CreditCard
Reviews
4.475 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
63%
4
23%
3
8%
2
3%
1
3%
Showing 1-25 of 75 reviews
Matthew B.
Jul 2017
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,400
Dean Bjorkstrand did a good job with my regrading project. The work was completed in 2 days once they began. The process was painless from the initial consultation to project completion, and payment. There was some confusion about the final price, however Dean worked with us and we were able to come to an acceptable compromise. I can not give an A rating due to communication issues as there were huge lapses in communication after signing the contract to project completion. A tentative date was never set, even when I inquired. I was told they would complete it within a "couple of weeks." They also came out to the property for a final survey prior to starting the project without telling us and the only notice I had was after the fact when I was told he was there and that our project was to begin within the next "couple" of days. Then when they did start the project, there was no advanced that they were coming that day. As stated, the final product is very well done and I would consider using their services again, hopefully with some better communication.

Candi O.
Aug 2016
N/A
Yes, I recommend this pro
Contacted Dean after viewing Angie's List listing and his website. After initial contact, Dean came to our home to view and understand our landscape needs. Within a few days, Dean returned to our home with full scale landscape plans, thumb drive of 3D images and pictures of plants planned for our project. Dean is knowledgable and took time to explain structural and functional necessity of the hardscape retaining wall, along with installation approach for our sloped hill. Installers were great to work with, even through minor modifications to the plan. Only downside is grass seed was put down over the worn / torn up area that the bobcat and trucks passed over during the project. Wish sod was part of the bid as it may have held back some of the heavy rains that followed the project, which washed away some of the new mulch and made for a muddy yard.

RITA M.
Feb 2016
5.0
$100
Dean was prompt and personable.  Took only a few days after initial meeting to come up with  beautiful landscaping
solutions, giving some options, as I told him cost could be an issue.  He came with a schematic drawing that very clearly depicted his ideas , was in color and even named the plants he was recommending. I really liked Dean's design but it was over the top for this
neighborhood and too expensive for me. I think the cost was $100 for the bid and design which I think was very fair.

KIMBERLY D.
Jun 2015
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro

This is the second large project I have done with Dean.  He's got quality people working with him and all went very smoothly.  The only thing I would do differently is to have somewhat smaller rocks for the dry river bed, because it is an ankle twister walking on big rocks, and I wish that the grass that was chewed up was replaced with sod rather than seed.




BARB I.
Apr 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$10,000
We have used this business multiple times and have not been disappointed.  One year we even had them shovel the snow off the roof.  Dean is very knowledgeable and a great designer and does excellent landscaping work.

Paula F.
Sep 2014
1.0
$600
I bought a coupon for $600 for $1,200
worth of labor.  Dean come over and was on time and seemed very
knowledgeable.  He had some good ideas and then sent me an estimate for
around $5000.  The estimate was not itemized, at all, so it was hard to
figure out where the costs were, but I imagine he would have been able to break
it down.  Regardless, it was more than we planned to spend at the time, as we
had just completed a very expensive interior remodel.  I asked him if we
could do it the following year -- he said "sure, anytime". 
When I got back to him this year, we
set up a time to meet again.  He followed up to tell me that the time had
expired and I would just get the amount I paid.  I understand that was in
the fine print, which is common with these deals, but it is also common that
the provider continues to honor them after the time period, especially if you
have started the process.  I just sent him a note to say it would have
been helpful if he had mentioned that last year when he told me it was fine to
wait -- it was just basic feedback and I was not confrontational.  At that
point he became really hostile and completely rude, sarcastic, disrespectful
and condescending.  He went on to tell me that he will never do a big
deal, again.  I'm sorry that he doesn't think it worked out for him, but
if not for that deal, we would have never called him.  If he hadn't
treated me so poorly, we might have spent a great deal of money with him and, assuming
he does good work, our neighbors with the same beach issues would have used him,
too. 
  It would have been really easy for him to simply apologize to his customer for the
misunderstanding.  He wouldn?t have
had to honor any more than the $600 ? I wasn?t even asking him to do
that.  Instead, I have a really
uncomfortable relationship with him and I don?t like him or trust him.  It?s really too bad, because our initial
meeting was very pleasant.  I feel like
he got burned by a bunch of customers only hiring him for the $1,200 worth of
work and he is taking it out on me. 
I regret that I didn?t just have him start the work, get my $1,200 worth and then
decide if I wanted to bring him back this year for the additional work.   I
thought deferring the whole project was more fair to him, and since he was open
to that (without mentioning that he wouldn?t honor the deal), I assumed that
since we started our discussions before the coupon expired, it would just carry
forward.  Still, I recognize that I didn't get the work done before the expiration and I accept that responsibility.  I just don't accept the way he responded to me.  Since he and I went back and forth, I sent him a note to say he should
work directly with my husband, instead, since our relationship was now
fractured.  I thought that would be better to have a fresh start.  He
was very surprised that I thought our relationship wasn't good.  Not
only is he rude and a complete jerk, but he doesn't even realize it. 
That could be a big part of the problem. 
I stepped aside and had him deal directly with my husband.  He sent another bid to do less work, but the cost was higher than the first bid.  They tried to find some middle ground, but within a week, my husband was so annoyed with him.  Dean denied that the prior bid included certain aspects that we definitely discussed.  Anyway, by the time they were done talking, we decided to just have him send a "crew" to help spread sand on the beach.  He sent one nice guy, but he came pretty unprepared to do any labor (didn't even have proper work shoes).  Since Dean deducted the time he spent arguing with me and then my husband, we didn't have a full day of work out of this deal.  One of our neighbors came over and helped us finish the job and we got more out of him (for a 6-pack of craft beer) than we did with the $600 investment in Dean Bjorkstrand.  Dean said he will not do another Big Deal and I will not buy another Big Deal.  I can see from the reviews that others bought the deal and didn't want to spend any additional dollars.  Obviously, that wasn't what he expected and I get that.  However, I planned to spend more money with him but then he behaved so badly.  It was a lose-lose situation.


Harlan P.
Aug 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,000
Overall we are very pleased with the outcome of this project.   Dean readily understood what we wanted and translated it into a beautiful landscape plan.  The work was completed in a timely manner. and the workers were respectful of us and our property.   The shrubs and plants survived the harsh winter and are growing and thriving and we like the change in our yard.  The Fond du Lac stone walking path and stones around the gardens really add something to the property, and we like their natural look.  An old cherry tree was accidentally damaged during the work.  Dean replaced it with a fresh new cherry tree this spring.

Curt C.
Aug 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$125
A June deluge caused seepage in our basement.  Before having our basement torn up to install drainage tiles and a sump pump, I decided to investigate an exterior solution first.  Dean is a landscaper but he also works with drainage issues.  He looked at the grade around our house and neighboring lots, at our gutters and downspouts, and at a rain barrel.  His advice was to clean our (covered) gutters and move the rain barrel.  He returned a few days later to clean the gutters (for an additional agreed charge), but after testing with a hose, he determined that it wasn't necessary.  He walked around the roof and cleaned off the gutter covers (for no additional charge).  I asked about installing a French drain or a rain garden but he said he thought the existing swale is sufficient.  He certainly could have made more work for himself, but advised that the two  measures he mentioned were sufficient to avoid future problems, and declined to charge any more.  Craig responded intelligently to all my questions, and I trust his judgement.  He probably saved us several thousands of dollars for unnecessary and disruptive work.

BRAD K.
Jul 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$600
It went well. They had someone come out to plan the project, then sent a worker out to do the work. It was done quickly and cleaned up pretty well.

Tom A.
Mar 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$600
Couldn't have been better or quicker!!!!

Michelle R.
Mar 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,650
The project was completed in one day, and the results are exceptional.

Marian P.
Feb 2014
3.0
$4,179
The total result of the front yard was disappointing.It looks nothing |remotely like the pictures on Bjorkstrand's Web site.The project was very |costly for what was done.I resent it was suggested I give a positive |review,also, suggesting what to include in the review. It seems to me if it |were a job well done a great review would be automatic.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"This project was completed 6 months ago. There has not been sufficient time for your project to look like the projects on my website. All my projects are designed to look their best when the plant material is fully mature (3rd season and beyond for most shrubs and perennials). Your project was a major upgrade to what you had and looks very nice. I was completely taken by surprise that you are unhappy, I heard nothing but praise while we were working on your project and when we were finished with your project. Please contact me next summer and I would be happy to address any of your concerns."

Roger R.
Dec 2013
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"Thank you for your very well written review of our working together. I very much appreciate your accuracy of most of the review you wrote. The only discrepancies from my end are that I never stopped out once the project was finished and that you requested several more stones in an area for visual impact. I have been by and have taken a look at your place after the crew was finished. I may have missed something and if I did I apologize, but I do not recall receiving an email or a phone call from you about adding additional stone to what we already changed. Please contact me if this has not been resolved to your satisfaction. I am happy to stop out and go over it with you on site. Thanks Again, Dean"

Audrey G.
Dec 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200
Service was very good.  They were on time and answered all my questions.  I would highly recommend them.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"[member name removed], we appreciate you taking the time to write a review and we thank you for your business."

Helen B.
Nov 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$219
Dean Bjorkstrand's crew is reliable, effective and efficient, arriving as planned and getting the job thoroughly done. Careful placement of ladders and equipment resulted in no damage to plants and shrubs below. I recommend their service without any reservations.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"Thank you for being a long standing customer and for writing a review for us. Dean Bjorkstrand"

Robert S.
Oct 2013
2.0
$600
Each project cost a certain amount and they were a lot more expensive than I thought that they would be. I was irked by the service as it was suppose to be for 12 hours of service and he said his drawing up the plans were 6 hours of the service. I asked what I could get for the six hours additionally and I basically could not get anything. They do window cleaning and I asked about them doing that and he would not do it as it was not part of the deal. He sent two guys out for 4 hours, as the time of the plans he added 2 hours additionally for that. The two guys trimmed some lilac bushes and they did not do a good job at all. The plans that he drew up were very nice but the other things that happened were not good.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"Hello [member name removed], I am sorry that I could not deliver what you wanted. With that said, I am surprised at the poor grading you gave me/us (I personally worked with you on your design as I do with all of our customers). The big deal was for landscaping services, not window cleaning which you continually asked for. I met with you, discussed a major landscaping plan (per your request), measured your entire property, completed the design, met with you again to go over the plan, provided a complete itemized cost proposal for each service that was detailed on that plan. Yes all the various patios, pergolas, fire features, stone edging, plantings, rock removal, tree removal, sod replacement, excavation, complete garden renovation, plantings, mulching, and disposal all have a different cost associated with them. The two in home consultations, the extensive design plan, and the cost proposal actually took more time for us than the 16 hours the big deal offered. I offered you 6 extra hours as I hoped you would want to use that time as a credit discount for the landscaping plan you hired me to create. You had implied that you would want to move forward at least with stage 1 of the project. When you asked me to clean your windows for the remaining 6 hours I was surprised to say the least. That is when I informed you that the big deal offer you bought was for landscaping. For your "extra" time you had asked us to trim a lilac hedge that was about 12 feet tall and 100 feet long. I informed you that we would not be able to finish it in the time you had left and that we would not be able to haul the debris unless you paid extra. We did all and more than you asked. I disagree with your review and the grades you gave me. In my opinion we delivered an A+ grade in all aspects."

Judy G.
Oct 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$15,000
The job went well! The showed up when they said they would. They were courteous and creative. We trusted their judgement about changing the size of the path from smaller to wider and they were right it looks so nice. We also went with their design for plants and layout. I can't say enough positive things about their work. The results are wonderful and easy to care for. We get many compliments from our neighbors. I highly recommend them and will use them again.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"Thank You [member name removed]! We are glad to hear that you and your neighbors are happy with your new Landscaping. We were happy with the wonderful transformation as well."

JEAN B.
Oct 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,100
After a few consultations, we came up with a good plan. One of the reasons I used this company was because he was more enthusiastic about the project, and had several good ideas   It was fun to throw ideas back and forth.  He also gave ideas and advice on other little projects I'd be doing myself. ;-)  I have a large garden in the front, but the side by the driveway was still just weeds and old rocks. It looks wonderful now.  The other side of the driveway was mostly just weeds and dirt - now it has nice flagstone pavers and grass.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"Thank you. It was fun to throw ideas back and forth with you as well. You are doing a great job with your gardens, keep up the good work. The addition of the Pavers and Flagstone looks great."

Kai T.
Oct 2013
3.0
$1,600
Very nice guy, on time, and once we agreed to the work he did it very quickly.  Had a couple of clean up items I asked him to do after the job and promptly came back and fixed it.
I wouldn't recommend the Angie's list "big deal"  which offerred 16 hours of labor for $600.  Bought it this summer, and completely due to me I didn't have him do the work until this September.  Pretty sure he spent the $600 bucks, and just bid the job with the $600 bucks gone.  I figured the work he did was was 2 guys working for a day which should have been previously paid for plus materials which should have been no more than $500.  I ended up paying another $1000, and his first bid was for more.  I ended up getting one guy working for a day and still paying another $1000 (in fairness materials were $500).  In my mind I just paid him full price for what the job was worth and it still wasn't cheap.
The end result was good, but I can't help but feel the $600 for 2 days of labor was just a teaser to get bid a larger project.  I'll never fault anyone for making money, but if that's what he charges for work I don't see myself using him for any further work.  Don't buy the Angie's list "Big Deal"! 
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"Thanks, I appreciate your review. Sometimes the big deal is not suited for the work wanted. I believe this is the case with your project. The big deal that was offered did not include material, machine usage, disposal, or power tools. The big deal offered was strictly meant for on site l labor such as planting small plants, weeding, applying your supplied mulch or your supplied pavers. As described in the offer is that any materials, machine labor, truck hauling and the like would cost extra. You were aware of this but I think the big deal just did not suit your project very well. I appreciate you trying this out and hope you enjoy your new side yard and overgrown shrub filled entryway."

Merrilee H.
Oct 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,500
I contacted Dean three years ago about having him do a layout for my yard.  I had used him in the past for gutter cleaning and ice dam removal and his people did a nice job.  His design was set up to be done over three years and included lighting and irrigation.  He just finished the final phase last week and my yard is a showcase in the neighborhood.  I have had many compliments.  There is a nice mix of shrubs, flowering plants, perennial incorporating the plants I wanted left and not dug up, i.e. my rose and rhododendron area.  I can now give away my lawn mower - how good is that!  I will continue to use Dean's services as he is a thorough professional, always available in a timely manner when I call or e-mail, always pleasant.  His workers clean up when they're done and I have never had to pick up behind them after they left.  I would highly recommend Dean for any landscaping or other services one might be interested.  I am very pleased with the work he and his staff provide.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"Thank You for the kind words [Member name removed]. It has been a pleasure working with you over the years."

Melanie Z.
Sep 2013
3.0
$900
The overall experience was fine ? with the exception that the Big Deal did not disclose that using power equipment was NOT included ? and that we would would only receive HALF of what we paid for (we would receive one day of work instead of two days).
That was incredibly frustrating and very disappointing.
The quality of the work was good. (However, I was surprised about how torn up my yard was afterwards ? my expectations in regards to what condition the yard would be in afterwards were not set.)
The project details:
We hired them to dig out a space for a paver patio and we paid extra for a load of Class 5 rock and sand for the base. The cost of the materials was $300 (average). They used a Bobcat to do this work and had it finished in the 8 hours. Since we paid for 16 hours, I thought they would also be able to the pavers, but because they used the Bobcat, we only got the 8 hours and we ended up installing the pavers.
The work was good, the people were good. But the price and accuracy of the Big Deal left us not feeling good.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"I am sorry that you were not happy with the big deal that you purchased. I too get frustrated when a coupon is not what I expected. However, it did state manual labor not machinery, hauling, and the like. I wanted to do the work that you requested as best I could so that is why I suggested using the machinery for 8 hours. We were able to get 4 times the amount of work done that we would have for you if we gave you 16 hours of the crew with shovels, and wheel barrows. I know it does not seem like it but you actually got a way better deal than you would have otherwise. I did discuss the damage that would happen to your lawn with your husband and he said that it was to be expected and not a concern. We used a small machine that treads much lighter than a skid steere or bobcat would. If I did a poor job explaining that I am sorry. Thank you for using our service."

Sherry A.
Sep 2013
4.0
$599
They were okay. I didn't pay more than the big deal purchase. They're just kind of average. Dean, the owner is very nice and professional. I felt like the workers were a little bit on the cranky side. Parts of the work were good but other parts weren't so great. They didn't split some of the plants that needed to be split. It was not done properly. I would probably not use them in the future.

Lori N.
Sep 2013
1.0
$8,000
everything was fine for the first few days, there was an issue with the worker putting decorative rock on black dirt without poly initially, talked with worker was not very receptive.  I contacted Dean and he made sure the problem was taken care of and had someone come out in the following couple of days to redo the job with the rock.  the patio was nice.

Update as of 10/21/13: He came out to repair it but he does everything when I?m not home. I don?t think he should do work for anybody. He is totally unwilling to do anything. I had two other companies come out and check their work. They said they would have to rip out everything and do it again because they didn't put in any leveling sand. When I walk on it, the stones lifts up. There's no repair that was done because it looks exactly the same from when he came out. 
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"I have met with her and discussed the problems she was having with the patio. The patio is exactly what we agreed upon in our contract together. It is NOT dangerous, looks great, and performs as agreed upon. I personally cam out to level some of the stones she had complaint about (this was after her and I met and agreed on the leveling needed.) This is a permeable Bluestone patio that has space for water to filter and a base of 1 1/2 inch drainage rock. If her kids try to manipulate the permeable Bluestone patio, which is essentially laying on a bed of drainage stone, of course it will move and will not sit correctly. She is located in a very wet area with a city drainage pond 50-75 feet from her house. The patio was built this way because the patio she had (that we removed) was pavers and set on a base of class 5 leveling sand (not granite sand that we installed.) Her old patio shifted immensely, which was why she said she hired me and which is why she needed a permeable patio set on rock. The patio we installed takes specific craftsmanship to build. I do not believe that she understands this. I have not been in business for 30 years because I do bad work. I care about my clients, employees, and my finished projects."

Carolyn Q.
Aug 2013
4.0
$599
It took a long time before we were able to ask to get Dean Bjorkstrand here because of all the rain we had. It was advertised as an 8-hour day and when the men came they said it was a 7-hour day. They got most of the work done that Dean had thought they can get done. They were trimming some bushes for us and their saw-chain broke so they couldn't complete that but everything worked fine. Two men came for one day and one of the men seem to do most of the work and the other men seem to do most of the sighting. It just seemed a little light.
Response from Dean Bjorkstrand Inc
"Thank you for your feedback [removed members name]. The deal was for 16 hours. The deal includes 2 hours for initial consultation and walk through with Dean and 14 hours with the crew on site. That is what we provided. We were able to get a lot of work done for 1 day. I'm glad to hear you were happy with the work we provided."

George B.
Aug 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$412
I sent the followiing e-mail to Dean after the work was done:
Dean:
 
Your men did a good job.  They analyzed the situation, came up with a plan, discussed it with me, and got to work.  It looks good.
George
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FAQ

Dean Bjorkstrand Inc is currently rated 4.4 overall out of 5.

Dean Bjorkstrand Inc accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard

No, Dean Bjorkstrand Inc does not offer free project estimates.

No, Dean Bjorkstrand Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, Dean Bjorkstrand Inc does not offer a senior discount.

No, Dean Bjorkstrand Inc does not offer emergency services.

No, Dean Bjorkstrand Inc does not offer warranties.