Backyard Trends Iowa 2025: What Local Homeowners Are Asking For

Planning a backyard renovation in the coming year? You’re not alone. In communities across Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, and the Des Moines metro, homeowners are investing more in their outdoor spaces than ever before. Whether you’re designing for entertainment, curb appeal, or low-maintenance living, here are the top backyard trends in Iowa for 2025 — and how Escape Landscaping can help bring them to life.

1. Outdoor Living Spaces That Function Like Indoor Rooms

Gone are the days of a simple concrete slab and a grill. Today’s backyards are designed for full-time living. In 2025, homeowners in Iowa are building:

• Paver patios with integrated seating and lighting
• Covered pergolas with ceiling fans
• Fire pits or fireplaces as focal points
• Outdoor kitchens with stone counters and built-in grills

These features extend the usable season for outdoor entertaining — a key priority for Iowa families looking to make the most of spring, summer, and early fall.

2. Artificial Turf & Backyard Putting Greens

Interest in artificial turf in Iowa is growing fast, and for good reason. Turf installations eliminate muddy patches, reduce lawn maintenance, and provide a clean, green surface all year. In 2025, more homeowners are going beyond basic turf and adding custom backyard putting greens, turf around patios, and even turf play areas for kids or pets.

These installations are especially popular in smaller lots or newer developments in Waukee and Grimes, where homeowners want function and style without constant upkeep.

3. Mixed Materials & Modern Hardscapes

Designers are seeing a shift toward mixed textures and modern hardscaping. Expect to see combinations of limestone, granite, concrete pavers, and metal accents in 2025. Clean lines, low-profile retaining walls, and minimalist garden beds will define the “modern Midwest” aesthetic.

At Escape Landscaping, we help clients choose materials that look great, last through Iowa winters, and match the style of their home.

4. Low-Maintenance Landscaping

Time is money — and Iowa homeowners are looking for outdoor spaces that are beautiful with less work. That means more:

• Gravel and stone beds
• Native and drought-tolerant plants
• Raised planters and steel edging
• Irrigation systems and lighting automation

Escape Landscaping can design a landscape plan that reduces weeding, watering, and trimming while still delivering seasonal interest and structure.

5. Sloped Yard Solutions

With the continued growth of residential developments in Waukee and the surrounding areas, many homeowners are dealing with sloped lots. In 2025, retaining walls are not just functional — they’re a design statement.

We build custom retaining walls in limestone, boulder, or block, often paired with steps, lighting, and landscape beds that turn a tricky slope into a standout feature.

Planning a backyard renovation in 2025?
At Escape Landscaping, we help homeowners across Iowa design and build outdoor spaces that are both on-trend and built to last. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading what you have, we’ll bring your vision to life with professional design, expert installation, and personal service.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a jump start on your 2025 backyard transformation.