Best 5 Landscaping Companies in West Des Moines, IA

DIY Options vs. Professional Services

Many homeowners have basic lawn maintenance knowledge, but landscaping needs more advanced skills. Full-scale landscaping projects require intense labor and heavy equipment. If you want to add complex elements such as a fire pit or irrigation system, you'll need someone with construction and machinery expertise.

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

Professional landscape designers and architects can not only enhance your lawn but can also recommend cost-effective upgrades and help develop a long-term landscape maintenance plan. These professionals have the knowledge and skill set to elevate your outdoor living space. Contactors that also provide lawn care services can improve the health of your lawn and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing an West Des Moines Landscaping Company

Look for a landscaper that offers the services you need within your budget. You also want to know that your provider has a good reputation. Keep the following factors in mind when hiring a landscaping contractor.

Services Offered

Different landscaping providers serve different lawn needs. Some focus on services to help with your yard's health and maintenance, such as pruning, mowing, mulching, controlling weeds, and fertilizing. These companies often also provide pest management and tree cutting services.

A full-service landscaper is your best option if you're planning to revamp your entire 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, gardening, and adding hardscapes. Some may also offer lawn maintenance services.

Licensing and Experience

Most landscape contractors have advanced training and certifications in certain areas, such as horticulture, outdoor design, and lawn maintenance. Companies should hold the appropriate licensure from the West Des Moines city government. Your provider may have the following certified staff members:

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

It may also hold certifications from professional organizations, such as the Professional Landcare Network and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Although these certifications aren’t mandatory, they’re an added bonus. Landscaping contractors should have liability insurance to protect against property damage or bodily injury. Any provider you hire should be fully insured and bonded. Make sure to request a certificate of insurance or insurance numbers to verify coverage.

Reputation and Reviews

Look for a contractor who has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Check both positive and negative reviews on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for how a provider treats its customers. Avoid providers that have frequent mentions of poor project results, delayed projects, or unreliable customer service, or that have overall poor reviews.

Work Portfolio

Most landscaping and maintenance contractors proudly share their finished projects with potential customers. Ask the company for its portfolio of landscaping projects and designs. They might also provide before and after pictures to show the quality of their work. Ask about completed landscape designs similar to your project to get an idea of how it will look.

Sustainability Practices

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

Cost

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

Landscaping Costs in West Des Moines

Landscaping in West Des Moines generally costs between $26 and $39 per hour. These figures depend on factors such as project size and type. Bigger projects, such as resodding, will be more expensive than simple lawn tasks like mowing or gardening. Factors like materials and the size of your yard will impact your final price. For larger yards, a provider might charge by the acre. Large-scale projects will require more labor, which will increase costs. Here's the average cost of landscaping by project type:

Landscaping Service	Average Cost
Deck	$11,932 - $15,910
Landscaping Design	$1,982 - $2,643
Landscaping LandGrading	$417 - $2,505
Landscaping Mulch	$25 - $125
Planting FlowerBeds	$83 - $1,670
Planting Trees	$219 - $365
Sodding	$42 - $50
Swimming Pool	$31,728 - $83,494