Frequently Asked Questions

Every outdoor living project is unique. At Creative Nature Landscape & Design, we tailor each project to your property, goals, and budget. While final pricing depends on materials, accessibility, site conditions, and design complexity, here are some general guidelines:

• Paver Patios: Typically $45–$100+ per square foot, depending on material selection, site accessibility, preparation requirements, and engineering considerations.
• Retaining Walls: Typically $75–$125+ per square foot of wall face. Pricing varies based on wall height, materials, accessibility, drainage, and structural engineering requirements.
• Landscape Lighting: Smaller lighting packages generally range from $4,000–$6,000. Comprehensive lighting designs featuring dozens of path lights, uplights, and architectural accents can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
• Complete Backyard Transformations: Smaller landscape makeovers may begin around $10,000, while extensive outdoor living projects featuring pools, patios, fire features, pergolas, and other amenities can reach several hundred thousand dollars.
• Swimming Pools: Basic pool projects generally start around $100,000. Additional improvements such as fencing, irrigation modifications, lawn restoration, and surrounding landscaping are typically priced separately.

Our Approach: We encourage homeowners to begin with a comfortable investment range. From there, our team can help develop a thoughtful design that balances your vision, priorities, and budget.

All pricing is approximate and subject to project-specific conditions and final estimates.

Yes. We believe thoughtful planning is the foundation of a successful outdoor living project.

We offer professional landscape design services tailored to your property's unique characteristics, your vision, and your budget. Design fees vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.

In some cases, a portion or all of the design fee may be credited toward construction. This is determined on a project-by-project basis and discussed before beginning the design process.

Our goal is to provide homeowners with a clear vision, realistic expectations, and a well-developed plan before construction begins.

Project timelines vary depending on the size, complexity, season, and scope of work. We work closely with homeowners to establish realistic schedules and communicate expectations before construction begins.

• Smaller Landscaping Projects: Projects such as drainage improvements, foundation landscaping, and simple paver patios can often begin within 2–4 weeks of approval and may take only a few days to complete.
• Large-Scale Landscape Renovations: Complete property transformations, custom outdoor living spaces, and swimming pool projects require more extensive planning and coordination. The design, planning, and estimating process alone may take 3–5 weeks, with construction potentially spanning several months depending on the scope.

Weather, material availability, permitting, and seasonal demand can influence scheduling. We encourage homeowners to contact us early, especially when planning larger projects or working toward a specific completion date.

Our availability varies depending on the season, project size, and complexity. We believe a successful project starts with thoughtful planning and clear communication.

1. Initial Phone Consultation: We begin with a phone conversation to learn about your property, project goals, desired timeline, and anticipated budget. This helps us determine whether we're a good fit for your project.
2. On-Site Consultation: If your project goals and proposed investment align with our services, we can typically schedule an on-site consultation within one week of our initial conversation.
3. Design & Project Estimate: Following the on-site consultation, initial design concepts and project estimates generally take 1–3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.
4. Construction Scheduling: Once the design and proposal are approved, we'll establish a construction timeline based on project scope, material availability, and our current schedule.

We encourage homeowners to reach out early, particularly for larger outdoor living projects or those with a specific completion date in mind.

Yes! We work throughout the winter months whenever weather and ground conditions allow.

While Iowa winters can present challenges, many landscape construction and property improvement projects can still move forward during colder months. Our winter services may include:

• Tree Removal & Trimming: Winter can be an excellent time for tree removal, selective pruning, and property improvements.
• Land Clearing & Forestry Mulching: We can clear overgrown properties, remove brush, and prepare land for future improvements when site conditions permit.
• Retaining Wall Construction: Certain retaining wall projects can be completed during winter when excavation and base preparation conditions are suitable.
• Paver Patio Installation: Patio construction may continue during mild winter conditions when proper installation standards can be maintained.
• Landscape Lighting: We install and upgrade outdoor lighting systems throughout the winter when conditions allow.
• Landscape Design & Planning: Winter is a great time to begin designing your outdoor living space, allowing additional time for planning, material selections, and scheduling before spring.

We encourage homeowners to begin the design and consultation process during the winter months to prepare for spring and summer construction.

All outdoor construction is subject to weather, ground conditions, and proper installation requirements.

We believe exceptional outdoor spaces begin with quality materials and expert craftsmanship. We work with trusted manufacturers known for durability, performance, and attractive design.

Paver Patios & Outdoor Living Spaces: We regularly incorporate products from Unilock, Belgard, Techo-Bloc, Rochester Concrete Products, and Borgert. These manufacturers offer a wide variety of paver styles, colors, textures, and finishes, allowing us to create outdoor spaces that complement your home's architecture and personal style.

Retaining Walls & Landscape Walls: For retaining walls, garden walls, and other structural landscape features, we use products from Unilock, Belgard, County Materials, and Rochester Concrete Products. Material selection depends on the project's structural requirements, design goals, site conditions, and budget.

Professional Landscape Lighting: Our landscape lighting systems feature products from FX Luminaire, Kichler Lighting, and Pro Trade Lighting. We design lighting systems that enhance your property's appearance, improve nighttime visibility, and highlight architectural and landscape features.

Rather than limiting every project to a single manufacturer, we select materials based on quality, performance, aesthetics, availability, and the unique requirements of each property.

We stand behind the quality of our workmanship and the materials we install.

Hardscape Construction — 3-Year Workmanship Warranty: We provide a three-year workmanship warranty on our hardscape installations, including paver patios and retaining walls. This covers qualifying issues related to our installation workmanship.

Trees, Shrubs & Perennials — Plant Warranty: Our standard plant warranties include:

• Trees: 1-year warranty.
• Shrubs and perennials: 30-day warranty.
• Projects with an irrigation system installed: Plant warranty coverage increases to 2 years, subject to applicable warranty terms.

Landscape Lighting — 1-Year Workmanship Warranty: We provide a one-year workmanship warranty on landscape lighting installations. Lighting fixtures, transformers, and other components may also carry additional manufacturer warranties, depending on the products selected.

Specific warranty coverage, conditions, and exclusions are outlined in the project agreement.

Yes. We help simplify the construction process by coordinating the necessary permits for your landscaping and outdoor living project.

Building Permits & Local Requirements: Our team handles required construction permits for projects such as retaining walls, swimming pools, outdoor structures, and other improvements that require municipal approval. We work with local authorities to ensure applicable permitting requirements are addressed before construction begins.

Homeowners Association (HOA) Approvals: If your property is part of a homeowners association, the homeowner is responsible for submitting the project for HOA review and obtaining the necessary approvals. However, we're happy to provide supporting documentation, including landscape designs, material specifications, and project details to assist with the approval process.

We encourage homeowners to share any HOA guidelines or neighborhood restrictions early in the design process to help avoid unnecessary delays.

Creative Nature Landscape & Design does not currently offer financing or payment plans for landscaping and outdoor living projects.

However, we understand that a landscape renovation is a significant investment. Our team works with homeowners to establish a realistic budget and develop a thoughtful design that prioritizes their goals.

For larger projects, we can also explore a phased construction approach, allowing improvements to be completed in stages as your budget permits.

We encourage homeowners to discuss their anticipated investment range during the initial consultation so we can help develop a project that aligns with their vision and financial goals.

Absolutely! We believe a beautiful landscape deserves exceptional care long after installation is complete.

Through our sister company, Norwalk Seasonal Services, homeowners can access professional, ongoing property maintenance to protect their investment and keep their outdoor spaces looking their best. Our maintenance services include:

• Garden Bed Maintenance: Routine weeding, edging, mulching, and care of landscape beds.
• Lawn Mowing: Professional mowing and lawn care.
• Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control: Seasonal treatments designed to encourage healthy turf and manage weeds.
• Irrigation Maintenance: System inspections, adjustments, repairs, seasonal startups, and winterization.
• Seasonal Cleanups: Spring and fall property cleanups, including removal of leaves and landscape debris.
• Tree & Shrub Pruning: Routine pruning to maintain plant health, appearance, and structure.
• Seasonal Containers & Planters: Seasonal planting arrangements that add color and visual interest to patios, entrances, and outdoor living areas.

Whether we've just completed your landscape transformation or you've enjoyed your outdoor space for years, our team can help coordinate ongoing maintenance tailored to your property's needs.

A little preparation before our crew arrives helps us protect your property, maintain a safe work environment, and minimize unnecessary delays. Before construction begins, we ask homeowners to:

• Clear the Work Area: Remove patio furniture, decorations, toys, lawn ornaments, and personal belongings from the construction area and designated access routes.
• Clean Up After Pets: Remove pet waste from all areas where our crews will be working or accessing the property.
• Provide Equipment Access: Ensure designated driveways, gates, and access routes are clear for trucks, trailers, equipment, and material deliveries.
• Identify Private Utilities: Inform our team of underground irrigation lines, invisible pet fences, private electrical lines, drainage systems, or other utilities that may not be identified through standard utility locating services.
• Provide Water & Electricity: Make outdoor water and electrical connections accessible for construction activities.
• Keep Children & Pets Safe: Keep children and pets away from active construction areas, equipment, and stored materials.
• Notify Neighbors When Appropriate: For projects involving shared property boundaries, limited access, or significant construction activity, communicate with nearby neighbors.
• Review Project Details: Before construction begins, we'll review the approved project scope, anticipated schedule, and any special considerations with you.

Landscape construction can involve heavy equipment, material deliveries, temporary disruptions to lawn areas, and changes to normal property access. Our team will communicate important project details and work to minimize disruptions while maintaining a safe and organized jobsite.

Yes! Creative Nature Landscape & Design proudly serves homeowners throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area and the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids corridor.

Our primary service areas include communities such as Des Moines, West Des Moines, Waukee, Norwalk, Ankeny, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Marion, and Cedar Rapids. We also consider projects outside these areas depending on their size, scope, and location.

Whether you're planning a new paver patio, retaining wall, custom outdoor living space, swimming pool, or complete property transformation, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss your project.

Not sure if we serve your area? Contact Creative Nature Landscape & Design to tell us about your property and project goals. Our team can help determine whether your location falls within our service area and discuss the next steps.