Our Services

Field Small Yards

Big Design for Small Spaces

Small yards come with big opportunities. When space is limited, design and function matter more than ever. Field Outdoor Spaces specializes in creating outdoor areas that make the most of every square foot: places that feel open, connected, and intentionally designed. Whether you want a peaceful retreat, a gathering spot, or a garden that thrives in tight quarters, we’ll help your space live larger than its footprint.

Why Choose Field for your Small Yard Design?

Space-Savvy Design

Designing small yards is a craft of precision. We consider every inch—where to create depth, where to open views, and how to bring balance. Our layouts make small spaces feel purposeful, not crowded.

Built-In Functionality

From seating walls that double as planters to storage that disappears into the design, we build in features that make your yard more livable without sacrificing beauty.

City-Smart Experience

We’ve spent years designing outdoor spaces for Minneapolis and St. Paul homes where every square foot matters. We understand shade, drainage, and privacy challenges common to compact city lots.

Lasting Simplicity

We believe small spaces should be easy to care for and built to last. Our material choices and planting plans are made for durability, low maintenance, and timeless appeal.

See What’s Possible in Small Spaces

Explore how intentional design turns compact yards into beautiful, functional outdoor rooms.

Ready to Maximize Your Space?

How It Works

Consultation & Design

We listen to your needs and help you make informed choices that have the greatest impact for your budget. Through our process, we get to a final design solution quickly

Material Selection

We love working with natural stone and boulders. More rocks? More plants? You control the budget.

Professional Installation

With the most experienced crews in the industry, we make sure every part of your project is done right and built for the long-run.

Enjoy your new slope

Feel the excitement in knowing that your new slope is a unique work of art created just for your space.

What Our Customers Say

★★★★★

"It was such a lovely collaborative group of staff. When we’ve had construction workers in the past, we always feel slightly uncomfortable around them and we never felt that way with Field."

-- Amy B.

★★★★★

"We appreciated everyone we worked with and the installation crew was great for all phases of the project. We have enjoyed working with Carolyn on design."

-- Jane H.

★★★★★

"We appreciate the flexibility and help cleaning up the stump mess. And great communication. You made us feel taken care of and built a lot of trust. Thank you!"

-- Damon B.

★★★★★

"Excellent design. Hard working and conscientious crew. Definitely recommend Field Outdoor Spaces to anyone."

-- Jeff D.

★★★★★

"Everyone from Field team was great and very communicative! From our designer Karina to the project managers Rob & Johannes they kept us updated and responded quickly to our questions."

-- Debbie M.

★★★★★

"I always receive excellent care and service from your team. You have done all my projects over the years and will continue to! Thank you!"

-- Kari G.

Frequently asked questions

I have a small yard. How can I make the most of my space?

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Field has been installing small yard landscape design for 20 years, and we know that small spaces are powerful spaces. They can do just about anything. A couple of principles to keep in mind: (1)Use all your spaces. Side yards can be great for veggie areas. Front yards are great for raingardens and natural spaces. Backyards can have dining, lounging, grilling, and play areas. (2)Make spaces expandable. When connected with lawn, a small patio that is perfect for your nightly family dinners can expand to work for a graduation party. Separating the dining patio from the firepit can be the perfect way to have a “kids” area and an “adult” area in larger gatherings. (3)Little private “tucked away” areas for a couple of chairs or a hammock can end up being your favorite space and always look calming when you see them from your kitchen sink window. Make toddler areas “natural play areas” that can convert to adult spaces like firepit areas as your kids get older.

How do I create privacy from my neighbors?

Fences and small trees are a couple of essential elements to create privacy in small spaces. A 6’ cedar fence with a tree like a serviceberry that has its leaves from 4’ to 15’ works for sound and cuts down on visual noise. Adding shrubs, ornamental grasses, and evergreens to the planting creates even more buffer.

I really love trees – is my space too small for trees?

Trees are the beginning of all landscape design. We first assess existing trees to make sure they are healthy parts of the future landscape. There is nothing worse than designing a landscape around a tree that dies 3 years later. A functional small yard has both sun and shade, so we make sure to put the right trees in the right place. A small yard may only support 2 large trees like maples and oaks, but can have 3-5 medium and 3-5 small trees and still have areas for lawn, vegetables, and sun. Grouping trees is especially healthy for the trees and a great design approach. The right-placed tree defines patios and bed shapes.

I would like a natural-looking yard, but I want to keep maintenance low – is that possible?

Low-maintenance planting design is at the center of our company, and we believe that it can be done in a way that looks natural, provides pollinator and butterfly habitat, as well as seasonal color and interest. Decisions on the amount of planting area and selection of plants include careful conversations to make sure you understand the expectations of the tasks included in establishing those areas and maintaining them long-term. We provide an “Owner’s Manual” that details the seasonal tasks and things to look out for so you have a resource to help you manage your new landscape.

Don’t Wait to Create Your Dream Patio

Limited slots available this season — book your consultation today!

Patio Spaces - Schedule a Consult

What Field
Clients Say

I was watering last night and walking around my yard noticing the landscaping. It is so beautiful. You did such a thoughtful design that is balanced with similar plants in many locations creating lovely textures and colors. The prairie is thriving. I feel like my home is a showpiece in my neighborhood!

-- Pam E. – Golden Valley
We are so very happy with our new outdoor patio!! James and crew did amazing, professional and conscientious work right down to clean up and seeding. We love the boulder placement and stepping stones! And Aaron Johnson’s team made a perfect back stoop!

-- Sharon H. – Minneapolis
We love our front yard landscape. It is basically self-sustaining and the plants have done great through the drought. We just cut things back every once in a while and let it do its thing!

-- Mark & Lisa L. – Minneapolis
We couldn't be happier with our backyard transformation by Field. Our new construction yard started as a boring square of sod, and ended with 6 trees, a fire pit, and beautiful perennial beds of native plants that fully matured in just 2 years. Our formerly sterile lawn is now a lush secret garden full of bees, butterflies, and even fireflies!

-- Megan C. – St Paul