Should landscapers be certified or licensed?

<div>When it comes to landscapers, licensing laws vary. Landscaping architects are required to be licensed in all 50 states, whereas traditional landscaping contractors are not typically required to hold a certification. You’ll likely be working with a landscaping contractor for most residential projects. If you are redesigning your whole yard or adding in hardscape features, you will work with a landscaping architect at some point during the project. Be sure to <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">check our state licensing tool</a> to review the local landscaper guidelines.As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: <ul><li>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</li><li>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</li><li>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</li><li>Paying to advertise their services</li><li>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</li></ul>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</div>

How do I reduce landscaping costs?

<div>If you want landscaping done but want to save some money on the overall fees, you can do a few things at every stage. Some ways to save money on your landscaping include:<ul><li>Repurpose existing features and materials</li><li>Softscape instead of hardscape</li><li>Choose the more inexpensive materials</li><li>DIY when you can</li><li>Buy young plants instead of mature ones</li></ul></div>

How much are typical landscaping costs?

<div><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-landscaping-cost.htm">Landscaping costs</a> around $3,500 but varies widely from $200 to $14,000. Factors that play a part in your final landscaping price tag include:<ul><li>Location</li><li>Yard size</li><li>Project size</li><li>Materials</li><li>Land preparation</li><li>Type of landscaping</li></ul>Considering so many factors, it’s not surprising that the overall costs can differ. A typical landscaping project is flower bed installation, which averages between $800 and $3,000. However, landscape lighting installation is a higher-end project, with a price tag of $2,000 to $6,000. </div>

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TRUSTED BY IOWA CITY, IA HOMEOWNERS

4.2

Average homeowner rating

Verified landscaping services reviews

Verified Reviews for Landscaping pros in Iowa City, IA

*The Angi rating for Landscaping companies in Iowa City, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Landscaping needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Landscaping companies in Iowa City, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Landscaping needs.

Last update on August 16, 2025

Reviewed in September 2024
The work was done perfectly to our satisfaction. And in a very timely matter and we would use this company again in any landscaping needs.
Siefker's Landscape & Snow Removal
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Reviewed in March 2012
The quality is very good so far but it is still in the first year of growing. I am not impressed with the growth of the grass but the deck and patio look great. Their price is high and they came in over budget. I have not yet determined if the quality of their work is worth the cost; I will...
Norwegian Nursery and Landscapes Inc
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Reviewed in June 2014
They were familiar with landscaping and they did the landscaping so I feel more confident using them.
Forever Green
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Reviewed in June 2025
Awesome and very professional. Marlon works well with my preferences by communicating together on landscape plans.
Royals Design & Landscaping LLC
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Reviewed in February 2013
I used Smith Massman Landscape and Design because of the feedback from Angie's List. They're the only landscaping service that I ever hired, I don't have a good point of reference.
SMITH MASSMAN LANDSCAPE & DESIGN CO
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Reviewed in August 2011
A absolute nightmare First act, they came out a just threw bark around the shrubs and did not remove any sod so I had to call them back. The coordinator, Blake, came and and said he would fix the problem. The next evening I could see that an edge where sod was removed. But...the next day my next...
Greg's Lawn & Landscaping
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Landscapers in Iowa City

Siefker's Landscape & Snow Removal

1621 Meadow Ridge Court

Siefker's Landscape & Snow Removal

1621 Meadow Ridge Court

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

51 local quotes requested

Siefkers landscape & snow removal is a small locally, owned company, licensed & insured looking to revamp homes in the surrounding area. I started my business when I was younger going around shoveling driveways in the winter & always wanted to pursue this career, full-time summer & winter .We do lawn care, landscaping, spring & fall clean up, brush removal, debris removal. We are now offering and officially certified for landscape lighting for all outdoor features!

"The work was done perfectly to our satisfaction. And in a very timely matter and we would use this company again in any landscaping needs."

Diane R on September 2024

"The work was done perfectly to our satisfaction. And in a very timely matter and we would use this company again in any landscaping needs."

Diane R on September 2024

Royals Design & Landscaping LLC

Royals Design & Landscaping LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

22 local quotes requested

We are family own business that is certified in paver installation . We specialize in Landscape design , Retaining walls, Landscape lighting, plantings, Grading and sodding, mowing ,Patio, firepit/fireplace, outdoor bar and grill etc. Please call now for a free quote and estimate!

"Awesome and very professional. Marlon works well with my preferences by communicating together on landscape plans."

Gerald R on June 2025

"Awesome and very professional. Marlon works well with my preferences by communicating together on landscape plans."

Gerald R on June 2025

Ty's Snow Removal and Landscaping, LLC

Ty's Snow Removal and Landscaping, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

Our happy and satisfied customers recommend us to their friends and family all the time. We are proud of our reputation and we feel it has been well earned. We are also happy that we can help you feel good knowing that you are working with a reputable company that stands behind its products and services.

"Prompt replies, courteous crew, was very happy with the results, and felt I got good value for my money. Canâ t ask for much more."

Bob P on November 2023

"Prompt replies, courteous crew, was very happy with the results, and felt I got good value for my money. Canâ t ask for much more."

Bob P on November 2023

Yaardman Landscaping, LLC

Yaardman Landscaping, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

27 local quotes requested

Yaardman Landscaping, LLC is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Yaardman Landscaping, LLC is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality products and craftsmanship in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

"You have to be very specific."

Jo S on May 2021

"You have to be very specific."

Jo S on May 2021

Customers say: Quick response

18 years of experience

We pride our services on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"work was fine"

Stefani K on November 2024

"work was fine"

Stefani K on November 2024

Heroes Lawn Care of Cedar Rapids

1890 7th Ave

No reviews

Heroes Lawn Care of Cedar Rapids

1890 7th Ave

No reviews

Heroes Lawn Care is locally owned and proud to offer the best lawn care services, from fertilization to irrigation and landscaping. We use top of the line technology and professional crews to drill down to the exact needs of your yard to keep it healthy and green all year long!

Strabala Grounds Management

1658 Kiwi Ave

No reviews

Strabala Grounds Management

1658 Kiwi Ave

No reviews

6 years of experience

Small town company with large city capabilities. Specializing in retaining walls and patios. Strabala Grounds Mgmt prides themselves on attention to detail and practical solutions to every landscaping need. With over 15 years of experience Strabala Grounds Mgmt can help bring to life all of your landscaping dreams.

Lackender Construction LLC

325 West 18th Street, Apt#5

No reviews

Lackender Construction LLC

325 West 18th Street, Apt#5

No reviews

3 years of experience

We are a family owned company that specializes in interior and exterior small home projects. Our mission is to be a provider that brings back the personal touch with our customers. We will build a relationship that will last a lifetime after you see our quality work. As a locally owned and operated business, we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. Call or message us to schedule an estimate today!

decks plus

12 years of experience

All things concrete from flatwork to walls.

...

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FAQs for landscaping projects in Iowa City, IA

Landscapers typically charge $25 to $50 per person per hour, which equals around $50 to $100 per hour for a two-person crew. These rates can vary depending on your location, the size of staff needed for the job, and overall job type. For example, a larger crew will be needed for structural additions and hardscaping versus planting flowers.

When it comes to landscapers, licensing laws vary. Landscaping architects are required to be licensed in all 50 states, whereas traditional landscaping contractors are not typically required to hold a certification. You’ll likely be working with a landscaping contractor for most residential projects. If you are redesigning your whole yard or adding in hardscape features, you will work with a landscaping architect at some point during the project. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local landscaper guidelines.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
Required to have applicable state and local licenses
Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review
Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

If you want landscaping done but want to save some money on the overall fees, you can do a few things at every stage. Some ways to save money on your landscaping include:

Repurpose existing features and materials
Softscape instead of hardscape
Choose the more inexpensive materials
DIY when you can
Buy young plants instead of mature ones

If you are an avid DIYer and have plenty of time to dedicate to your yard, doing your own landscaping (or at least some of it) can be an affordable option. Projects like planting a tree, planting grass, laying sod, or building a firepit can realistically be done without the need for a landscaping professional. However, these projects can take considerable time and some landscaping knowledge, so having a pro might save you in the long run.

Projects that are dangerous, like digging with heavy machinery or removing a tree, should always be done by a professional.

Landscaping costs around $3,500 but varies widely from $200 to $14,000. Factors that play a part in your final landscaping price tag include:

Location
Yard size
Project size
Materials
Land preparation
Type of landscaping

Considering so many factors, it’s not surprising that the overall costs can differ. A typical landscaping project is flower bed installation, which averages between $800 and $3,000. However, landscape lighting installation is a higher-end project, with a price tag of $2,000 to $6,000.

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