We handle the whole yard. Design, planting, patios, retaining walls, walkways, water features, lighting, pools, and outdoor kitchens, all under one roof. You get one team for the design and the build instead of juggling three separate trades.

Yes. We design the plan, and our own crew builds it, so nobody hands your project to an outside contractor halfway through. Our landscape design in Des Moines and our installation services run under one team.

We design first, then we build. With design-build landscaping, one team owns the plan and the construction, so the finished yard matches the one you approved. For the full step-by-step, see our design and build process.

Cost depends on project size, materials, and your site, so we do not quote a flat rate. We start with an on-site visit where a designer assesses your property and gives you a real plan and a real estimate for your custom landscaping in Des Moines. 

Design usually takes a few weeks. Build time depends on the scope. A bed refresh might wrap in days, while a full backyard build runs longer. Plants keep filling in for a season or two after we finish.

Our landscaping services reach across the Des Moines metro, including West Des Moines, Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, Indianola, and Norwalk. We travel farther into Iowa for a small added charge. If you are outside the metro, contact us, and we will sort out the details.

Yes. Our outdoor living design pulls the patio, kitchen, fire feature, plantings, and lighting into one plan, so the space works as a whole instead of parts added over the years. See how we build full outdoor living spaces in Des Moines.

Two things. Every designer here holds a landscape architecture degree from Iowa State, and we have built yards across Central Iowa for over 40 years. Our design-build approach keeps planning, construction, grading, drainage, and installation under one roof, helping ensure every part of the project works together from start to finish. Most landscape contractors in Iowa do not work this way.

Yes. Your designer walks you through stone, pavers, plants, and finishes, matching them to the look you want, how you use the yard, and your budget. The plan gets built around your home, not pulled from a catalog page.

Always. Central Iowa sits in USDA Zone 5, so we pick plants and trees that survive hard winters and come back each spring. We grade the site and work the clay soil so the beds drain instead of sitting wet. 

In most cases, yes. A well-built yard and a usable outdoor space add real appeal for buyers and lift how your home shows. Done right the first time, quality work holds its value for years.

The first step is simple. Book a landscaping consultation in Des Moines, and one of our designers visits your property, talks through your goals, and takes the measurements we need to draw up a plan. From there, you review the design and we build it.

Finding a quality landscaper can make all the difference between a backyard that truly flourishes and one that disappoints. A few key signs to look for include a strong portfolio of completed projects, relevant credentials or degree-holding landscape architects on staff, and a clear design-to-build process that keeps you informed every step of the way. Reputable landscapers will take time to listen to your vision, assess your specific site conditions, and offer personalized recommendations rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Transparency about timelines, materials, and costs is also a hallmark of a trustworthy professional.

Equally important is longevity and a solid local reputation. A company that has been serving a region for decades — building relationships with homeowners across the Central Iowa and Des Moines metro area, for example — has likely earned that standing through consistent, quality work. Look for businesses that handle a wide range of services, from landscape design and hardscaping like paver patios and retaining walls to planting installation and ongoing landscape maintenance. This breadth of expertise signals that a team can manage complex projects and troubleshoot challenges as they arise, rather than outsourcing critical portions of your project to unknown subcontractors.

Finally, pay attention to how a landscaper communicates. Do they follow up promptly, explain their recommendations clearly, and offer references or reviews from past clients? Great landscapers treat your outdoor space as an investment worth protecting, and they stand behind their craftsmanship long after the project wraps up. Whether you’re looking to install a natural stone patio, add a pergola, or transform your entire yard with custom plantings, choosing a landscaper with proven experience, professional credentials, and a commitment to client satisfaction will give you the best chance of achieving the outdoor living space you’ve always envisioned.

High-end landscaping goes far beyond basic lawn care and seasonal upkeep. It refers to a comprehensive, design-driven approach to transforming outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful extensions of a home — crafted with premium materials, skilled artisanship, and a cohesive vision from start to finish. This typically includes custom hardscape features like natural stone patios, paver walkways, and retaining walls built for both aesthetics and structural integrity, alongside thoughtfully curated planting designs, mature tree installations, and professionally designed garden beds. In a place like Central Iowa, where weather variability and soil conditions play a significant role, high-end landscaping also means selecting regionally appropriate plants and materials that will thrive and hold up beautifully over time.

What truly distinguishes high-end landscaping is the involvement of professional landscape architects and designers who take a holistic view of your property. Rather than piecing together isolated elements, they consider how your home’s architecture, natural terrain, sun exposure, drainage, and lifestyle needs all work together. This might result in an outdoor living room complete with a pergola, fire pit, and custom lighting, or a layered planting scheme that provides year-round color and texture. In the Des Moines metro area, where outdoor living season is cherished, homeowners increasingly invest in spaces that feel like true outdoor rooms — private, polished, and purposeful.

The end result of high-end landscaping is a property that not only looks stunning but functions seamlessly for the way you live. Companies like Ted Lare Design & Build, which have been serving Central Iowa for over 40 years, exemplify this approach by guiding clients through an integrated design-to-build process backed by degree-holding landscape architects. Whether it’s a cascading waterfall feature, a luxury paver patio, or a complete outdoor living transformation, high-end landscaping is ultimately about creating an outdoor environment that reflects your personal style while adding lasting value to your home.