On any given week, Green Oasis crews can be found throughout the Twin Cities in areas such as Eagan, Woodbury, and Cottage Grove, designing and caring for outdoor spaces that feel like natural extensions of the home. While the company operates out of three main branches, River Falls, Eau Claire, and Rice Lake, WI, their work throughout the Twin Cities has become part of their regular rhythm.
Zach Schuster, River Falls Branch Manager, explains that flexibility has always been part of the company’s mindset. Whether it’s a complete outdoor renovation or ongoing property care, Green Oasis approaches every property with the same level of attention. The goal isn’t just a finished project. It’s creating spaces people actually want to spend time in.
Built Over Generations
Green Oasis began its story in Eau Claire nearly five decades ago. Founder Wayne Bollinger started in irrigation, later purchasing the company he worked for and gradually expanding into lawn care and exterior maintenance throughout the 1980s and 1990s. As the business grew, so did its footprint.
The River Falls location joined the company around 2008, originally operating as Greens Keepers before becoming part of the Green Oasis name. That name officially took hold in 2014, reflecting a broader vision beyond turf alone. In 2025, the Rice Lake location was added, continuing the growth of a business rooted in long-term relationships.
While Wayne Bollinger still owns the company, day-to-day operations are now largely led by his son, Nate. That continuity matters. Many family-run companies struggle to last beyond a generation, but Green Oasis has carried its values forward by investing in people, systems, and knowledge that evolve without losing their foundation.
Design That Starts with Listening
Anyone can mow a lawn or install a patio. What sets Green Oasis apart is the way projects begin: with conversation. Zach points out that the team spends time understanding how clients live, gather, and relax. Outdoor areas are planned to support daily routines, not just special occasions.
That approach shows up in everything from patios and entryways to gardens and outdoor rooms. Carpentry, decking, and landscaping are treated as parts of one cohesive plan, rather than separate services. The result feels intentional, not pieced together.
Senior Designer Ben Graf notes that today’s homeowners want outdoor spaces that work harder and feel more personal. Design is about shaping areas that match the way families actually use their homes.
Trends Shaping Outdoor Spaces in 2026
According to Ben, several clear design directions are emerging as homeowners think beyond a single patio or planting bed.
Multi-level outdoor living is gaining momentum, with tiered layouts creating distinct areas for dining, lounging, and gathering around fire features. These designs help spaces feel organized while still inviting movement and connection.
Warm, natural hardscape palettes are also taking center stage. Tans, buffs, and weathered limestone-inspired textures are replacing cooler grays, bringing a softer, more timeless feel to patios and walkways.
Integrated outdoor carpentry continues to grow in popularity. Pergolas, pavilions, and privacy screens are now planned as architectural extensions of the home itself. Shade structures are no longer afterthoughts. Now, they’re part of the initial design conversation.
Low-maintenance planting is another major shift. Clients are choosing fewer plant varieties with thoughtful massing and year-round interest, creating clean lines without constant upkeep.
Finally, fire and lighting are becoming focal points. Rather than accessories, these features are planned from the start to shape how spaces are used after sunset.
Lighting That Extends the Day
Green Oasis offers both landscape and architectural lighting solutions, helping homeowners enjoy their spaces long after daylight fades. Whether highlighting a new deck, paver patio, or garden path, lighting adds depth and warmth to outdoor areas.
Some clients prefer permanent lighting that frames the home itself, while others focus on softer illumination that sets the mood for evening gatherings. In both cases, lighting is treated as part of the overall design, not a last-minute addition.
Seasonal holiday lighting is another specialty. From trees and shrubs to wreaths and garlands, Green Oasis handles installation, takedown, and storage. With their own lift equipment, even larger displays are handled safely. For homeowners who’ve already decorated, the team can step in to remove lights once the season ends.
More Than Maintenance
In addition to design-build projects, Green Oasis provides full-service lawn care, weed control, pest management, and irrigation. These services allow homeowners to enjoy their property without spending weekends managing it.
Zach says one of the most rewarding parts of his role is meeting people, both clients and team members, and seeing how outdoor spaces change the way families spend their time. Giving people their weekends back, their evenings outside, and moments together is what the work is really about.
A Partner for Every Project
Green Oasis approaches every job with the same mindset: no project is too large or too small. From a single planting refresh to a full outdoor transformation, each space is treated as part of someone’s home and daily life.
With nearly 50 seasons behind them, the team brings perspective shaped by years of changing styles, materials, and client needs. That history allows them to guide homeowners toward choices that fit their vision today while still making sense years from now.
At its core, Green Oasis isn’t just about lawns or patios. It’s about care, respect, and creating places where families can slow down, gather, and feel at home, right outside their door.
“We help people get their time back by creating outdoor spaces that feel personal, thoughtful, and connected to everyday life.”