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Landscaping in Des Moines, IA

Compare 7 local landscaping pros. Typical service: $346–$1039.

Top Landscaping Companies in Des Moines

  1. 1.Excel Lawns & Landscape

    4.8★ (111 reviews)

    4.8★ from 111 reviews

    +15153290294Website

  2. 2.Whitfield's Lawn & Garden Specialist

    4.3★ (57 reviews)

    4.3★ from 57 reviews

    +15157101812Website

  3. 3.Up Cut Lawn Care

    4.9★ (31 reviews)

    4.9★ from 31 reviews

    +15157838577Website

  4. 4.Double Take Lawn Services

    5.0★ (23 reviews)

    5.0★ from 23 reviews

    +15153802960Website

  5. 5.LawnStarter Landscaping

    4.8★ (16 reviews)

    4.8★ from 16 reviews

    +15155055357Website

  6. 6.Metro Lawn Care

    5.0★ (1 reviews)

    5.0★ from 1 reviews

    +15155568384Website

  7. 7.Mid Iowa Property Services

    +15153394082

Landscaping Cost in Des Moines

Local ranges, adjusted for area wage and cost-of-living data.

ServiceTypical range in Des Moines
Mulch installation$346–$1,039/job
Planting and bed design$462–$1,731/job
Yard cleanup$231–$692/job
Patio or hardscape$3,462–$10,386/job

Landscaping prices in Des Moines run about 15% above the national average, based on what this trade earns in the metro area — so neighbouring cities in the same metro see similar rates.

Quotes on this page come from 7 companies serving Des Moines, rated 4.8★ on average across 239 customer reviews.

Des Moines Climate & Seasonal Timing

What Des Moines's weather means for scheduling landscaping.

Last spring frost
April 16
First fall frost
October 16
Annual precipitation
36.02"
Heating degree days
6,203
Cooling degree days
1,068
MonthLowHighPrecip
Jan14.3°31°1"
Feb18.8°36.1°1.28"
Mar29.7°49°2.3"
Apr41.1°62.3°3.86"
May52.2°72.4°4.74"
Jun62°81.6°4.94"
Jul66.8°85.7°4.47"
Aug64.8°83.8°4.13"
Sep55.2°76.1°3.05"
Oct43°63.1°2.64"
Nov30.5°47.9°2.19"
Dec18°34°1.42"

NOAA station data 3.47 miles from Des Moines.

Permits & Regulations in IA

No permit typically required

  • Lawn and landscape work falls under category 3, ornamental, turf and greenhouse pest control
  • Applying pesticides commercially requires certification plus the associated fees, currently $75 for a three-year certification
  • Applicators may renew by attending two hours of approved continuing instruction each year instead of re-testing

License required: Iowa commercial pesticide applicator certification, category 3

Sources: iowaagriculture.gov

Landscaping FAQs for Des Moines

How much does landscaping cost in Des Moines?

Mulch installation in Des Moines typically runs $346-$1039 for a typical yard; planting and hardscape projects cost more.

How many landscapers serve Des Moines?

We track 7 landscaping companies serving Des Moines.

When is the best time to plant in Des Moines?

The last spring frost in Des Moines usually falls around April 16, and the first fall frost around October 16. Most planting happens after the first date, and fall planting should finish several weeks before the second.

Is landscaping in Des Moines more expensive than average?

Landscaping in Des Moines runs about +15.4% versus the national average.

How much rain does Des Moines get for new plantings?

Des Moines averages 36.02 inches of precipitation a year, which decides whether new beds need drip irrigation or can rely on rainfall after establishment.

What plants survive Des Moines summers?

With summer highs near 86F in Des Moines, landscapers favor heat-tolerant, established-root plantings and mulch deep enough to hold soil moisture.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in Des Moines, IA?

In IA, Lawn and landscape work falls under category 3, ornamental, turf and greenhouse pest control. Retaining walls, grading and drainage changes are what most often need a permit in Des Moines.

How cold do Des Moines winters get for landscaping?

Winter lows near 14F in Des Moines set which perennials and shrubs are hardy enough to survive without protection.