Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about landscaping, hardscaping, pricing, and our process.
General Questions
Matthias Landscaping Co. was founded in 1991 by Jason Matthias. We have been serving homeowners and businesses across the Cedar Valley and northeast Iowa for over 30 years. Our longevity is a direct result of consistent quality and honest client relationships. Learn more on our About page.
We serve 20+ cities across northeast Iowa, including Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Hudson, Waverly, Independence, Jesup, La Porte City, Denver, Janesville, Buckingham, Clarksville, Parkersburg, Dike, Grundy Center, Reinbeck, Dysart, Traer, Gilbertville, Delhi, and Clear Lake. Visit our Service Areas page for the full list.
Yes, we provide free on-site estimates for all of our services. During the estimate visit, we assess your property, discuss your goals and budget, and provide a detailed written quote. There is no obligation and no pressure. Request your free estimate here.
Hardscaping Questions
Retaining wall costs in Iowa typically range from $25 to $75 per square face foot, depending on the material, height, and site conditions. A standard 50-foot retaining wall at 3 feet tall might cost between $3,750 and $11,250. Factors that affect price include soil conditions, drainage requirements, and whether the wall is structural or decorative. We provide detailed quotes for every retaining wall project during your free estimate.
Timber retaining walls are generally the most affordable option, followed by concrete block systems. However, the cheapest option is not always the best value. Timber walls have a significantly shorter lifespan (10-15 years) compared to stone or concrete block walls (50+ years). For walls over 3 feet or those holding back significant earth, we strongly recommend engineered block or natural stone systems that will last decades and maintain their appearance. Our team at Matthias Landscaping will help you find the right balance between budget and longevity.
Hardscaping elements like patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens are typically the most expensive components of a landscape project because they require engineered materials, precise grading, and skilled installation. Labor for hardscape projects is also more intensive than softscaping. However, hardscape features also add the most long-term value to your property and require the least ongoing maintenance.
Lawn & Landscape Questions
Yes, professional landscaping is one of the best investments you can make in your property. Studies consistently show that quality landscaping increases property value by 10-15%. Beyond the financial return, a well-designed landscape improves curb appeal, creates usable outdoor living space, and reduces long-term maintenance headaches. Professional landscape design ensures that every plant, material, and feature works together and lasts for years.
In the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area, basic lawn care services typically range from $40 to $80 per visit for an average-sized residential property, depending on the services included. Full-service lawn care programs that include mowing, fertilization, weed control, and seasonal cleanups generally cost between $150 and $400 per month during the growing season. We provide customized quotes based on your property size and the specific services you need.
The "rule of 3" is a design principle that states plants and landscape elements look most natural and visually appealing when arranged in groups of three (or other odd numbers). Grouping three of the same plant species creates a stronger visual impact than a single specimen while maintaining a natural, unforced appearance. Our design team applies this principle along with other proven design techniques to create balanced, cohesive landscapes.
In Iowa's climate, hydroseeded lawns typically show initial germination within 5 to 7 days and establish a mowable lawn in 3 to 4 weeks under good conditions. Full establishment with a dense, mature turf usually takes 8 to 12 weeks. The timeline depends on the season, temperature, rainfall, and how well the watering schedule is maintained during the first few weeks. Spring and early fall are the ideal times for hydroseeding in northeast Iowa.
Snow Removal Questions
Residential snow removal in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area typically costs $35 to $75 per visit for a standard driveway and walkway, depending on the property size and snowfall amount. Seasonal contracts that cover the entire winter often range from $300 to $800 for residential properties. Commercial snow removal pricing depends on lot size, trigger depth, and service frequency. Contact us for a customized quote based on your property.
Snow plowing pushes snow to the edges of your driveway, parking lot, or roadway, creating piles on the property. Snow removal goes a step further by physically hauling the snow off-site with trucks. Most residential and small commercial properties only need plowing, but large commercial sites, downtown businesses, or properties with limited space for snow storage often require full snow removal. Our snow removal services include both options based on your needs.
Process & Pricing Questions
Every Matthias Landscaping project follows a structured process: First, we meet on-site for a free consultation to understand your goals, assess the property, and discuss your budget. Next, our design team creates a custom 2D design plan showing exactly what the finished project will look like. You review and approve the design before any work begins. Once approved, we schedule the installation and complete the project with regular progress updates. Finally, we do a thorough walkthrough to make sure every detail meets your expectations.
Yes, Matthias Landscaping Co. is fully licensed and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. This protects both you and our crew throughout every project. We are happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.
We recommend scheduling your project at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance during the busy spring and summer seasons. For large hardscape projects, 4 to 6 weeks of lead time is ideal. Fall and early spring tend to have shorter wait times. The sooner you contact us for a free estimate, the sooner we can get your project on the calendar. We book projects on a first-come, first-served basis.