Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about our landscaping and hardscaping services, design process, and service areas across the Cedar Valley.
General
About Matthias Landscaping
Matthias Landscaping Co. serves Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Waverly, Independence, Hudson, Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, Jesup, Denver, La Porte City, Grundy Center, Dunkerton, Janesville, Parkersburg, New Hartford, Reinbeck, Dysart, Traer, Gilbertville, and Raymond. Our primary coverage area includes Black Hawk, Bremer, and Buchanan counties in northeast Iowa. Visit our service areas page for the full list.
Matthias Landscaping Co. was founded in 1991 by Doug Matthias in Waterloo, Iowa. Doug has since retired, and the company continues as a family-owned business. With over 35 years of service in the Cedar Valley, we have built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and reliable work across northeast Iowa.
Yes. Matthias Landscaping Co. is fully licensed and carries comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for our entire crew. This protects both your property and our team throughout every project. We are happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.
The easiest way is to call us at (319) 226-6000 or fill out our contact form. Tell us about your project and we will schedule an on-site consultation at a time that works for you. During the visit, our design and estimating team will assess your property, discuss your goals, and outline the next steps. There is no obligation.
Services
Our Landscaping & Hardscaping Services
We offer a full range of hardscaping services including paver patio installation, natural stone patios, retaining walls, walkways, driveways, steps, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and pergolas, as well as decorative walls. Every hardscape installation includes proper excavation, compacted base, edge restraint, and materials rated for Iowa freeze-thaw cycles.
We work with a variety of high-quality materials including concrete pavers, natural stone, Rosetta hardscape products, and other premium brands. Material selection depends on your design preferences, property conditions, and the look you want to achieve. All materials we recommend are rated for USDA Hardiness Zone 5a and Iowa's harsh freeze-thaw cycles. During your consultation, we walk you through the options that make the most sense for your project.
Absolutely. Poor drainage is one of the most common issues we address, especially in northeast Iowa where clay-heavy soils and relatively flat terrain create water management challenges. We design retaining walls, grading solutions, and drainage systems that redirect water away from foundations and prevent erosion. Proper drainage engineering is built into every hardscaping project we install.
Sod installation gives you an instant lawn — pre-grown grass rolls are laid directly on prepared soil and are ready for light foot traffic within a couple of weeks. Hydroseeding is a process where a mixture of seed, mulch, fertilizer, and water is sprayed over prepared ground. It is a more efficient option for large areas and new construction sites, though the grass takes several weeks to fully establish. Our team can help you decide which method is best for your property.
Yes. We provide full-service commercial landscaping including design, installation, and ongoing maintenance for offices, retail centers, HOAs, municipal properties, and multi-family developments across the Cedar Valley. Our commercial services also include seasonal maintenance contracts.
Process & Timeline
How Projects Work
The process starts when you contact us to schedule a consultation. Jason or Nate from our design and estimating team will visit your property to discuss your goals, assess site conditions (grading, drainage, soil, existing features), and take measurements. We then develop a custom 2D design plan showing the exact layout, materials, and plant selections. You review the plan, request any adjustments, and once approved, we schedule the installation. This approach ensures there are no surprises and the finished result matches your expectations.
Yes. Every project includes a custom 2D design plan created by our in-house team. The plan shows the exact layout, material selections, plant placement, and dimensions so you can visualize the finished project before any ground is broken. This step is standard for all residential and commercial projects, whether it is a single patio installation or a complete outdoor renovation.
Timelines vary based on the scope and complexity of the project. A standard patio installation typically takes 3 to 5 working days. Retaining wall projects range from 2 to 7 days depending on length and height. Complete landscape renovations with multiple elements — such as a patio, retaining wall, plantings, and lighting — may take 2 to 4 weeks. We provide a detailed projected timeline during your consultation so you know what to expect.
In northeast Iowa, most landscaping and hardscaping projects can be installed from mid-April through late October. Spring (March through May) is the best time to plan and schedule your project, since our calendar fills up quickly during peak season. Retaining walls and patio installations can begin as soon as the ground thaws. Planting projects do best in late spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is consistent. We recommend reaching out early to secure your spot.
Still Have Questions?
Our design and estimating team is happy to answer any questions about your specific project, property, or timeline. Give us a call or fill out our contact form.