Hardscaping And Landscaping In Des Moines, IA
Hardscaping installations and landscape design that fit properties throughout Iowa's capital city, from compact city lots to open suburban yards.
Des Moines Hardscaping and Landscaping: Outdoor Spaces Built for Life
Des Moines has a mix like no other: historic homes near downtown, new builds in the suburbs, and everything in between. Each property deserves an outdoor space that matches its character, whether that means a compact patio in the city or a sprawling backyard with a kitchen and fire pit out west. Whatever your vision, we will make it real.
At Larkin Landscape & Design, we bring hands-on Central Iowa experience to projects of all sizes. Families call us for landscaping services that brighten up their yards, and for hardscape contractors serving the metro when they want structures built to last.
Services that Shape Your Space
Hardscaping
Custom paver patios that work for both tight urban lots and open suburban yards. Walkways and pathways designed to connect spaces naturally. Engineered retaining walls that solve slope issues and help slow erosion, backed by a 10-year hardscape warranty. And outdoor kitchens, from simple grill stations to fully functional entertainment hubs, plus gas and wood-burning fire pits with seating layouts that bring people together.
Landscaping
Landscape design that accounts for Iowa's weather and soil. Bed renovation with fresh plants and full replacements where needed. Outdoor lighting that adds both safety and curb appeal. And water features like fountains, koi ponds, or small garden streams for a bit of added tranquility.
Why choose us
Our 2D design process lets you see the plan before we start, and every element is chosen to perform in Iowa climate. Drainage, finishing touches, edges: not a single detail is left behind. Our hardscape contractors serving the metro build on methods proven across Central Iowa.
Recent work across the Des Moines metro
Paver patios, retaining walls, and finished outdoor living spaces are the projects Des Moines homeowners ask us about most, and the same crews build them across Central Iowa.
Every photo here is real Larkin work from our own job sites, never stock.
Browse the project gallery
Weather-Ready Outdoor Installations
You cannot take Iowa weather lightly. Hot summers, freezing winters, and heavy rain cycles break down weak materials fast, so every installation is engineered with seasonal durability in mind. Every patio, walkway, and wall is installed over a reinforced base that resists shifting during the dramatic temperature swings common in Iowa, which helps prevent cracking, sinking, and unevenness over time.
We incorporate proper grading, channel drains, and moisture-control layers to keep water away from your home and hardscapes, so surfaces stay stable and pooling and erosion are kept in check after storms. Materials like pavers, wall blocks, and edging are selected to perform in wet, humid, and freezing conditions, and we recommend plants with strong root systems that handle heat, wind, and deep winter freezes with less maintenance.
Outdoor Spaces for Real Family Living
Des Moines families use their yards for everything: gatherings, grilling, kids' play zones, quiet mornings, and weekend relaxation. We plan seating zones, grill areas, and open space so families can move comfortably, whether during a gathering or a quiet evening. Wider pathways, smoother transitions, and good lighting let kids, guests, and older family members move around safely.
Most people here want a great outdoor space, not constant upkeep. We lean on perennials, hardy shrubs, and native species that grow naturally in Central Iowa and need little watering, plus mulch depth, weed barriers, and stone edging that keep bed lines sharp for months. Clean patio edges and intentional spacing even make mowing and trimming easier, so your yard stays organized without extra weekend work.
Whether you are in downtown Des Moines looking for smart landscaping upgrades or out west planning a large-scale backyard project, we are here to help. Let us design something that works beautifully for your home today and is built to still look great years from now. Request your free estimate to get started.
What Central Iowa homeowners say
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“We had a huge hardscaping project that needed to be done and were nervous about who we would hire. I could tell when I met Andrew that he takes a lot of pride in his work and decided to go with Larkin.…”
A FVerified Google review -
“Andrew is super straightforward about what your yard needs and I truly appreciated that. Our yard was flooding and turning into a mud mess, the kids couldn’t even enjoy the yard anymore. He came in with the perfect solution and I can’t wait to be able to spend some time in our yard again!”
Alysha VesseyVerified Google review
5.0★ across 27 Google reviews · Read all reviews on Google
Des Moines questions we hear a lot
Can you work with yards that have steep slopes or uneven ground?
What does maintenance usually involve after a hardscaping project?
Do you design landscape lighting as part of the project?
How do you decide what materials are best for my project?
Can you blend new hardscaping into my existing layout?
What if I want to expand the project later?
Nearby communities we serve
Get Your Free Estimate & 2D Design
Tell us about your Des Moines yard. We'll get you a clear, commitment-free estimate.