Get matched with top landscapers in Algona, IA

Monkey grass isn’t too picky when it comes to light conditions: It needs sun but prefers partial shade. While it can tolerate full sun, it thrives in environments with partial shade (around four to six hours of sunlight per day). The black mondo grass variety is the most tolerant of heat from direct sunlight.

When planting, it's best to leave several feet between a house and a juniper bush. Many juniper varieties will become quite bushy and require space to grow. Juniper branches that come into contact with siding can damage the home's exterior over time. Also, some juniper bushes have aggressive roots that can put pressure on a home's foundation or basement walls. 

The average cost for landscaping is around $3,500, but prices can range from as low as $200 for simple DIY projects to $14,000 or more for extensive work. Several factors influence the final price, including your geographic location, yard size, project scope, chosen materials, site preparation, and the type of landscaping involved. Professional landscaper labor costs typically range from $50 to $100 per hour.

For a smaller budget, you can focus on softscaping projects like adding mulch, flowers, and shrubs, which might only cost a few hundred dollars if you do the work yourself. A budget of around $5,000 could cover projects like a simple patio, new plants and tree trimming, or a water feature. More extensive hardscaping projects, such as pergolas, patios, and walkways, can push the budget to $14,000 or more. For example, a flower bed installation averages between $800 and $3,000, while landscape lighting installation can cost from $2,000 to $6,000.

Buying plants from a nursery is one thing, but ensuring that they are properly planted is another. While you might not need to hire a landscaper for every plant that you buy from a nursery, it’s a great idea to have their expertise and experience to plant larger items, like burlapped trees or specialty plants like rose bushes. Even better, before making a trip to a nursery to buy new plants, consult a local landscaper to test your soil for pH levels, soil texture, and phosphorus and potassium levels to help determine the best plants for your area.