Celebrate Iowa’s rich prairie heritage while creating sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes through native prairie garden design by Lark Landscape. Our Ankeny landscaping services include complete prairie restoration and installation, transforming conventional turf areas into dynamic ecosystems that honor the state’s natural heritage while providing exceptional environmental benefits. Native prairie landscapes feature deep-rooted perennial grasses and wildflowers—big bluestem reaching heights of six feet, delicate prairie dropseed creating fine-textured groundcover, purple prairie clover attracting butterflies and bees, and wild bergamot providing aromatic foliage and tubular flowers beloved by hummingbirds.
Prairie ecosystems offer remarkable environmental advantages through their extensive root systems, some extending fifteen feet deep to access groundwater and improve soil structure. These deep roots enhance carbon sequestration, prevent erosion on slopes and hillsides, and create habitat for beneficial insects, ground-nesting birds, and small mammals. During drought conditions, established prairie plants remain green and vibrant while conventional turf browns and requires intensive irrigation. The diversity of plant species ensures continuous seasonal interest—early spring ephemeral wildflowers like pasque flower and wild hyacinth, mid-summer displays of purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan, and autumn seed heads providing food for overwintering birds.
Our prairie installation process begins with comprehensive site analysis including soil testing, drainage evaluation, and assessment of existing vegetation. Invasive grass removal may require selective herbicide application, controlled burning, or mechanical removal depending on site conditions and client preferences. We source certified native seed mixes from regional suppliers, ensuring genetic adaptability to local climate conditions. Seeding methods include broadcast sowing for large areas, drill seeding for precise spacing, and hydroseeding with mulch netting on slopes requiring erosion control.
Establishment care involves targeted first-year maintenance including selective mowing to suppress annual weeds, spot treatments for invasive species, and supplemental watering during extreme drought conditions. Once established, prairie landscapes require minimal intervention—periodic prescribed burns or mechanical thinning every 3-5 years to encourage diversity and prevent woody invasion. Our maintenance plans include species monitoring, invasive control, and adaptive management strategies to ensure long-term prairie health and beauty. Discover detailed prairie project case studies, native plant identification guides, and establishment timelines on our Ankeny landscaping page.
