Bare Root Natives
Native landscape design rooted in ecology, beauty, and resilience.
WHO WE ARE
Designing landscapes that belong.
Bare Root Natives transforms residential, civic, and commercial landscapes into ecologically rich places rooted in beauty, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. We specialize in native plant design informed by site analysis, historical ecology, and artistic composition.
Our work helps clients move beyond turfgrass toward landscapes that support wildlife, reduce runoff, and create a stronger sense of place. From private homes to community spaces, we blend restoration, education, and design to create living landscapes that reconnect people to the land.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Designing with native plants means working with the land rather than against it.
Each project begins with a careful study of soil, sunlight, hydrology, and historical ecology. The result is a landscape that evolves through the seasons while supporting biodiversity and long-term ecological resilience.
Select Projects
FEATURED WORK
Site Preparation. Broadcast Seed Application
Vegetation management (Plugs/Seed + FireRx)
Client
The Wild Patch Prairie Project
Client
The Mount Carmel Bluffs Project
Campus-wide Assessment & Planning
Consultation - Native habitats / Sensory gardens
Grass/Sedge Installation
08/2025 - Spring 2026, Wildflower Installation
Client
The Modern Kessler Project
Client
The McAndrew Urban Project
Site Preparation
10/2025 - Spring 2026, Installation
WHAT WE DO
Our Services
Native Landscape Design
Site-specific planting plans that integrate native plant communities with artistic composition and ecological function.
Ecological Consultation
In-depth site analysis including soil assessment, hydrology study, and historical ecology research to inform design decisions.
Installation Strategy
Comprehensive installation planning and oversight to ensure native plantings establish successfully and thrive long-term.
Where We Work
Bare Root Natives works throughout the Dubuque region and surrounding Midwest communities, partnering with homeowners, municipalities, and developers to create resilient native landscapes rooted in ecological wisdom and enduring beauty.
01
Observe
Walk the land. Study light, water, soil, and the existing plant community to understand the site's story.
OUR APPROACH
Design Process
02
Analyze
Research historical ecology, assess soil conditions, and map hydrology to inform a resilient design strategy.
03
Design
Compose a planting plan that balances ecological function with artistic beauty, creating layered plant communities.
04
Install
Carefully establish native plantings with attention to spacing, soil preparation, and seasonal timing
05
Steward
Guide the landscape through its first years with adaptive management, ensuring long-term ecological health.
THROUGH THE SEASONS
A Living Landscape
Native landscapes reveal beauty in every season. Even in winter, grasses and seedheads provide texture, movement, and food for wildlife.
Spring
EMERGENCE
Summer
BLOOM
Fall
COLOR
Winter
STRUCTURE
Bring your project to life.
Whether you are transforming a backyard, planning a development, or designing a public space, Bare Root Natives helps create landscapes rooted in ecology and beauty.