About Us
Our Approach
Plant Specialists
Leaf and Lake Consulting is dedicated to providing the finest tree, shrub, garden and lake care management available. In an industry that consists primarily of low-paid and untrained transients, our team consists of a Master Gardener and Certified Arborist. Our experienced Plant Disease Diagnosticians are licensed, seasoned arboreal, botany and aquatic pest professionals. We work closely with The University of Minnesota as well as the U.S. and MN Depts. of Agriculture and Forestry to bring you the best, most cost-effective and ecologically safe solutions to every plant problem.
Integrated Pest Management
As professionals - dedicated to protecting our client's landscape, finances and the environment - we practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
IPM focuses on using sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to pest problems whenever possible. We use a combination of methods to control pests including biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical controls. Our approach is tailored to the unique needs of each client, plant and situation.
Urban Forest Management
Trees are a valuable asset but - without a clear plan to maintain them - they quickly can become a liability. We can help any city formulate and document the strategies and procedures for managing their trees. Strategies include relationship to planting, preservation, maintenance and operation, tree removal and replacement, risk management, storm response/emergency planning, public outreach and education and inventory & appraisal.
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At Leaf and Lake Consulting, we take a holistic approach to plant care and management. We believe in working with nature, not against it. Our team of experts will work with you to create a customized plan that meets your unique needs and maximizes the health and productivity of your plants and trees. We are committed to using sustainable and eco-friendly solutions that protect the environment and promote a healthy ecosystem.
Our Story
Our company is a story planted over 150 years ago. It's a tale of seven generations of gardeners, landscapers, foresters, farmers and green house owners - men and women who tilled the land, cultivated their crops and grew their dreams season by season.
Leaf and Lake Consulting is simply the continuation of those multiple families who were shepherds of the land and guardians of our natural world.
Our founder, Shawn Sweeney is an ISA Certified Arborist, Master Gardener, Plant Disease Diagnostician, Integrated Pest Management Practitioner and Licensed Aquatic Pesticide Professional.
Shawn is a published author and in-demand public speaker. When he's not helping clients, he's an accomplished musician, singer and humorist. He has worked with musical icons such as John Denver, Mel Torme, James Taylor and members of the Doobie Brothers. Shawn still performs when he has time.
He's also an aspiring chef, so-so carpenter and a doting grandfather.
