The most successful outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of your home’s interior. When we approach a custom backyard design, we focus on creating functional areas that serve your daily routine:
A true sanctuary requires privacy. In Central Iowa, we achieve this through “Living Walls”—strategic evergreen privacy screening that doesn’t disappear when the leaves fall.
By planting hardy evergreens above our structural stone retaining walls, we create a sense of seclusion that lasts through the grayest Des Moines winters. Unlike a traditional fence, a living screen softens the landscape, blocks neighborhood noise, and creates a lush backdrop that makes your yard feel like a private estate.
Turning a “dirt yard” into a permanent sanctuary requires more than just a shovel—it requires an eye for the “bones” of the property. Our founder spent 20 years mastering stonework before launching Arbor Rock & Wall in 2015. Today, celebrating 10 years of business, we combine that deep technical knowledge with a passion for family-owned integrity.
A space you “don’t need to escape from” shouldn’t be a space that causes you stress. We prioritize designs that simplify your life:
Before you begin your transformation, it helps to understand the standards that ensure a landscape lasts for decades.
What is the benefit of using native plants in an Iowa landscape? Native plants like Purple Coneflower and Prairie Dropseed are naturally adapted to the Des Moines climate. They handle our heavy spring rains and mid-summer dry spells far better than non-native species, requiring less water and maintenance once established.
How does a retaining wall protect my home’s foundation? In sloped areas like Waukee and Johnston, a structural stone retaining wall manages grade stabilization. By preventing soil erosion and directing water runoff away from the house, the wall acts as a primary defense against foundation damage and basement leaks.
Why choose decorative rock or gravel over traditional wood mulch? While mulch is common, decorative rock is a “low-maintenance luxury.” It doesn’t decompose or wash away in heavy rain, meaning you don’t have to replace it every year. It provides a modern, clean look that stays consistent for decades.
What makes a “living privacy screen” better than a fence? A living screen—created by planting upright evergreens above a stone wall—provides year-round privacy that softens the landscape. Unlike a fence, it blocks noise more effectively, never needs staining, and grows more beautiful over time.
There is a common idea that to truly relax, we have to “get away.” We pack bags, fight traffic, and leave our homes behind just to find a little peace and quiet. But at Arbor Rock & Wall Landscaping, we believe in a different approach: Why not turn your personal space into a place you never feel the need to escape from?
With 30 years of experience in the metro, we’ve seen how a thoughtful custom backyard design in Des Moines can change the way a family lives. Moving forward, the focus is shifting away from the “temporary” and toward Low-Maintenance Luxury—creating a durable, high-end sanctuary right outside your back door.