Best 5 Landscaping Companies in Des Moines, IA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

You might have some basic lawn maintenance knowledge. However, landscaping requires advanced skills, heavy equipment, and intense labor. Complicated landscaping projects, such as adding an irrigation system or fire pit, also require construction and machinery experience.

Small landscaping projects, such as adding flower beds or removing overgrown plants, can be easy projects to DIY. If you don't have basic lawn expertise or are planning a complete yard overhaul, consider hiring a professional.

Hiring a landscape designer or architect helps prevent you from making costly mistakes. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to elevate your outdoor space, recommend cost-effective upgrades, and help develop a plan for long-term maintenance.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an Des Moines Landscaping Company

Hiring the right landscaper involves finding one with enough experience that also meets your budget and service needs. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for landscaping contractors.

Services Offered

You should assess your landscaping needs before choosing a company. If you’re looking for assistance with yard health and maintenance, find one that offers lawn care services. These services might include mulching, pruning, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds. Some companies provide additional pest control services and tree removal.

A full-service landscaper is your best option if you're planning to revamp your whole yard or install architectural elements such as retaining walls, sprinkler or irrigation systems, and fire pits. These companies specialize in outdoor designs and upgrades, such as landscaping rock projects, adding hardscapes, and gardening. Some also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Landscapers often have advanced training and certification in areas such as outdoor design, horticulture, and lawn maintenance. A company should have the appropriate licenses from the Des Moines city government. It might also employ the following certified staff members:

• Certified fertilization or pesticide specialists
• Licensed arborists
• Licensed horticulture specialists
• Licensed or certified landscaping designers or architects

It might also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Professional Landcare Network. While not mandatory, these certifications are an added bonus. Request a certificate of insurance or a company's insurance numbers before starting a project. All landscapers should be insured and bonded. Contractors normally have liability insurance for protection against property damage or bodily injury.

Reputation and Reviews

We recommend using third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of a company's reputation and customer experience. Avoid companies with largely negative reviews or frequent mentions of unreliable customer service, delayed projects, or poor project results. Try to choose a company with positive customer ratings.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance companies will have before and after photos of past projects to demonstrate the quality of their work. Ask to see your provider's portfolio. You can specifically ask to see other projects similar to yours, so you can see how your yard might look, and even get some inspiration.

Sustainability Practices

A landscaping company's sustainability practices are essential. These practices include water conservation, eco-friendly material options, and waste management. Landscaping contractors should use native plant life—such as swamp milkweed, wild columbine, and cup-plant—for best results. Any work completed on your property shouldn't impact existing vegetation. The company should advise of any sustainability practices for your project and provide recommendations for reducing maintenance costs, waste, and water consumption.

Cost

Many companies offer free consultations. During this process, the contractor will review your outdoor space, offer recommendations, and go over project ideas. Your detailed quote will cover project expenses like labor and materials. We recommend getting quotes from multiple companies, as you can use these to compare rates and services and sometimes negotiate a better price.

Landscaping Costs in Des Moines

Landscaping in Des Moines generally costs between $25 and $38 per hour. These prices depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects like resodding will cost more than simple lawn tasks like gardening or mowing. Larger projects need more labor, which will increase the final cost. Depending on your yard's size, your provider may charge by the acre. The cost will also be affected by the materials you choose. The table below breaks down the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$12,636 - $16,848
Landscaping Design	$1,896 - $2,528
Landscaping LandGrading	$412 - $2,474
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $124
Planting FlowerBeds	$82 - $1,649
Planting Trees	$216 - $360
Sodding	$41 - $49
Swimming Pool	$31,339 - $82,471