Seasonal Tips from a Trusted Landscaping Contractor

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:48:11 GMT

Transforming your outdoor space to thrive in every season takes more than guesswork—it takes guidance from a trusted expert. At Betterspace, your reliable landscaping contractor in Ankeny, IA, we understand the local climate and the year-round needs of Iowa landscapes. Whether it's crisp autumn leaves or spring blooms, the right seasonal approach makes all the difference. If you want your lawn and garden to stay vibrant and healthy no matter the weather, you're in the right place. Let’s explore the practical steps to seasonal landscaping success, tailored specifically for Iowa homeowners.

Spring: Preparing for New Growth

Spring is all about awakening your yard after months of cold dormancy. As a seasoned landscaping contractor, we recommend starting with a thorough cleanup. Remove dead leaves, fallen branches, and other debris to give your plants breathing room. Aeration is crucial during this time, especially in compacted soil, to allow nutrients and moisture to reach plant roots efficiently.

Spring is also the perfect season to apply pre-emergent weed control and start your fertilization program. For planting, choose native perennials and early bloomers that can handle late frost surprises. Betterspace recommends mulching beds to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture during unpredictable spring showers.

Summer: Maintaining a Thriving Landscape

Summer in Iowa can bring intense heat and occasional drought. Proper watering techniques are essential—deep watering in the early morning is more effective than frequent shallow watering. As your trusted landscaping contractor, we also advise mowing at a higher setting to protect your lawn from sun damage and reduce weed growth.

This season is ideal for pruning shrubs, deadheading flowers, and addressing pest issues. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of disease or infestation. At Betterspace, we always emphasize using organic or environmentally friendly pest control methods whenever possible to maintain both the beauty and health of your landscape.

Fall: Preparing for Dormancy

Autumn is one of the best times to strengthen your lawn and garden. Begin by overseeding thin areas of your lawn, and apply a fall-specific fertilizer to encourage root growth before the ground freezes. Leaf removal is vital—not just for appearance but to prevent fungal diseases and smothering of grass.

As your local landscaping contractor, Betterspace recommends trimming back perennials and protecting sensitive plants with burlap or mulch insulation. Fall is also a strategic time to plant trees and shrubs, giving them time to establish roots before spring growth.

Winter: Planning Ahead and Protecting Investments

While outdoor landscaping activity slows in winter, it's a prime season for planning. Work with a landscaping contractor like Betterspace to design or redesign your outdoor space for the coming year. It’s also the time to protect your investment: wrap delicate shrubs, drain irrigation systems, and keep hardscape elements like patios and walkways free of snow and ice buildup.

Don’t forget your indoor plants—bring potted species indoors before the first frost, and adjust watering and lighting to mimic their natural environments.

Ready to Partner with a Trusted Landscaping Contractor in Ankeny, IA?

Your landscape deserves expert attention year-round, and Betterspace is here to deliver. As a trusted landscaping contractor in Ankeny, IA, we specialize in adapting outdoor spaces to Iowa’s changing seasons with care, creativity, and precision. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, a complete landscape design, or expert advice, we're just a call or click away. Contact Betterspace at (515) 238-1060 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation today .

8 Essential Qualities to Look for in a Landscaper

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:50:02 GMT

8 Essential Qualities to Look for in a Landscaper

You’ll find no shortage of landscapers to choose from in the Des Moines Metro. Here are the 8 essential qualities to look for in a landscaper before making your hiring decision.

They Do High-Quality Work

It may come as no surprise that the quality of work can vary greatly between landscapers. Your landscape project is a significant investment in your home and should seamlessly extend its beauty and functionality. Whether it’s a patio or retaining wall, these structures must be built with the utmost integrity, using best practices and high-quality materials to ensure lasting durability and strength. The same principles apply to plant installations—proper planting techniques are crucial to ensure your greenery not only survives but thrives for years to come. Landscaping should always make an existing space better. Attention to detail is what separates a good landscaper from a great one. You need a professional who demonstrates meticulous craftsmanship and precision in every project, as showcased in their portfolio. This level of care is essential to bring your ideas and vision to life. Choosing a landscaper with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results ensures your project will be executed flawlessly, with every detail thoughtfully considered. Keep reading to learn how to evaluate whether a landscaper delivers quality work.

They Have a Proven Track Record.
There are two key ways to determine whether a landscape contractor has a strong track record or a history of leaving customers dissatisfied. The first is by checking their reviews. Client feedback can reveal a great deal about a landscaper, including the quality of their work, communication, pricing, reliability, and the overall experience they provide. If you’d like to see what our clients think about us, check out our own customer review page HERE.

The second way is to explore their project portfolio. Most contractors showcase their work on a dedicated page on their website, as well as on their social media platforms. You can check out ours HERE. Reviewing these portfolios is incredibly helpful for assessing the quality of their work, determining if their design style matches your vision, and gathering inspiration for your own project.

They Have Experience and Expertise You Can Trust.

It’s important to find a contractor with a few years of experience because their expertise directly impacts the success and longevity of your project. Experienced landscapers have encountered a wide range of challenges and developed skills to handle complex designs, diverse terrains, and unique customer needs. They understand how to select the right materials, apply best practices, and ensure proper installation techniques for structures like patios, retaining walls, and plantings. At Betterspace Landscapes, we have 15 years of landscape industry experience under our belt. With an experienced landscaper, you gain confidence in their ability to deliver high-quality, durable results while avoiding costly mistakes that can arise from inexperience. An exception to this would be if you’re open to working with a landscaper who is just starting their own business and may have limited experience. These up-and-coming professionals can be a great choice for smaller, less complex projects. After all, everyone has to start somewhere!

We also recommend choosing a landscaper with professional or industry accreditations, such as those from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), or other reputable organizations. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to industry standards, expertise, and ongoing professional development.

They Demonstrate True Professionalism.

A landscaper demonstrates professionalism in many ways. They communicate clearly, courteously, and professionally, providing detailed and well-prepared quotes. Their trucks and equipment are clean and well-maintained, reflecting their attention to detail. Employees present themselves in a professional manner, both in appearance and behavior. Additionally, a polished website and a strong social media presence with high-quality photos showcase their commitment to excellence and pride in their work. If your project is extensive, landscape crews may be working on your property for weeks. The last thing you want is an unprofessional crew disrupting your neighborhood at 7 a.m. with blaring music or leaving oil stains on your new driveway from a poorly maintained truck. Do yourself a favor and take the time to thoroughly research and vet potential landscape contractors—especially if professionalism is a priority for you.

They Are Dependable.
Ensuring a landscaper is dependable before hiring them is crucial because it directly affects the success and smooth execution of your project. A dependable landscaper is more likely to show up on time, adhere to schedules, and complete the work as promised, minimizing delays and frustrations.

Dependability also reflects their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. A landscaper who is reliable will stand by their work, honor warranties, and be available for any follow-up needs. Hiring someone dependable ensures your investment is handled with care, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or unfinished work. A good way to assess a landscaper's dependability before hiring them is by seeing if they arrive on time for the estimate and provide a quote as promised. Customer reviews can also provide valuable insight into a landscaper's dependability.

They Are Transparent.
Having a transparent landscaper is important because it builds trust and ensures clear communication throughout your project. A transparent landscaper will provide you with accurate, detailed estimates, explain the scope of work, and openly discuss any potential challenges or changes along the way. This openness helps set realistic expectations, reduces the likelihood of unexpected costs, and ensures you're fully informed about every step of the process. Transparency also means they will stand by their work, addressing any concerns or issues honestly and promptly, which ultimately leads to a more positive and successful experience. At Betterspace Landscapes, we offer clear and transparent quotes and invoices, ensuring our clients know exactly what they’re paying for—no hidden costs, no surprises.

They Maintain Clear and Consistent Communication.

Choosing a landscaper who has clear and consistent communication is crucial because it ensures you're always informed and involved throughout the project. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings, ensures that your vision is understood, and allows for prompt resolution of any issues that may arise. Frequent updates keep you in the loop about the progress, timelines, and any adjustments that may be needed. A landscaper who communicates effectively fosters trust, minimizes surprises, and creates a smoother, more positive experience from start to finish.

They Care.
Finding a landscape contractor who genuinely cares is essential because it directly impacts the quality of work and your overall experience. A contractor who cares about your project will go above and beyond to ensure the job is done right, paying attention to the details and making sure the final result aligns with your vision. They’ll take the time to listen to your needs, offer thoughtful suggestions, and address any concerns you may have throughout the process. Reviews and testimonials can also provide insight into how previous clients felt about their experience. A contractor who is passionate about their craft and genuinely cares about customer satisfaction will show it through their work ethic, communication, and overall approach to your project.

In Conclusion

There are plenty of great landscapers out there, but ensuring they have these 8 qualities will guarantee you a seamless experience and an outstanding project. Look for a proven track record, clear communication, professionalism, and a genuine care for your vision. Choosing a landscaper with these qualities will ensure your project is executed with precision, trust, and lasting results. If you're looking for a landscaper who embodies all 8 of these essential qualities, I highly recommend visiting our website and signing up for a free consultation. Experience these qualities firsthand and see how we can bring your vision to life.