Find a landscaper in Des Moines, IA
A landscaper designs, builds and maintains yards and outdoor spaces. Some focus on weekly lawn care, while others plan and install gardens, patios, walls and drainage. People hire one to keep a yard tidy, fix drainage, or redo a yard before selling or after moving in.
How many landscapers are in Des Moines?
The Census Bureau counted 67 landscaping services (including tree care) with employees in Des Moines, IA ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Polk County has 182, or 36.6 per 100,000 residents: about the same as the US rate of 35.3, and 45th of 169 large US cities per resident.
Another 533 self-employed businesses in landscaping services are based in Polk County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 50317 (15), 50313 (13), 50310 (11), 50320 (9).
Half of Des Moines's homes were built before 1960, and 40% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 67 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Polk County | 36.6 US: 35.3 |
| Rank among large US cities | 45 of 169 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 63% |
| Self-employed, Polk County | 533 Census NES 2023: landscaping services |
| Median year homes were built | 1960 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 40% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 212,464 ACS 2023 |
What do landscapers in Des Moines help with?
- Lawn mowing and edging
- Seasonal cleanups
- Planting trees, shrubs and flower beds
- Mulching
- Sod and seeding
- Landscape design
- Patios, walkways and hardscaping
- Retaining walls
- Irrigation install and repair
- Drainage solutions
How do you choose a good landscaper in Des Moines?
- Decide whether you need maintenance, design or construction. Many companies do one better than the others.
- Get written proposals that list plants, sizes, materials and quantities.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- For pesticide or herbicide use, ask whether the applicator is licensed.
- Ask about warranties on plants and on hardscaping.
- Ask to see past projects similar to yours.
- Call before you dig. Ask them to have utility lines marked before digging.
Some states license landscape contractors or irrigation installers, and pesticide application is commonly licensed; ask which licenses apply to your job.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is this a maintenance service or design and build?
- Are you insured, and licensed where required?
- What plants will you use, and are they suited to our climate and soil?
- Do you guarantee plants for a season?
- Who handles utility marking before digging?
- What is the schedule and payment plan?
Red flags to watch for
- No written proposal for a big project.
- Applying chemicals without a license where one is required.
- Planting things that do not suit your sun, soil or climate.
- Large deposits for plants that are not ordered yet.
- Building walls or patios without proper base or drainage.
What changes the price?
- Size of the yard
- Scope: maintenance versus installation
- Plant sizes and types
- Hardscaping materials
- Soil, grading and drainage work
- Irrigation and lighting
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many landscapers are there in Des Moines?
The Census counted 67 landscaping services (including tree care) with employees in Des Moines, IA in 2023, plus 533 self-employed businesses in Polk County.
When is the best time to plant?
In many climates, fall and spring are good times to plant. Ask your landscaper what works for your region and plants.
Do I need a permit for landscaping?
Simple planting usually does not need one. Retaining walls, grading changes, irrigation tie-ins and some patios may. Ask your landscaper or local building office.
How can I lower yard maintenance?
Use native or drought-tolerant plants, mulch beds, smaller lawn areas and drip irrigation.
Landscapers in nearby cities
Landscapers in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a landscaper.