Sustainable Landscape Solutions

- 17 E Benton St, Iowa City, IA 52240

For residents and commercial property managers throughout the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids corridor, finding a landscaping partner that balances aesthetic beauty with environmental responsibility is key to a truly successful outdoor space. Sustainable Landscape Solutions (SLS), located right in Iowa City, is a premier general contractor specializing not just in making yards look beautiful, but in creating resilient, functional, and eco-friendly outdoor environments that thrive in the unique Midwestern climate.

Unlike conventional landscapers, Sustainable Landscape Solutions—a proud, women-owned business—approaches every project with a philosophy centered on sustainability. This means they utilize practices that benefit both people and the planet, focusing on improving water and soil quality, reducing storm water runoff, and enhancing native ecosystems. From custom landscape architecture and design to complex drainage and hardscaping installations, SLS is equipped to manage projects of all sizes, ensuring high-quality, long-lasting results that enhance property value and connect Iowans closer to nature.

Customers consistently praise their meticulous attention to detail, the creativity of their designs—from serene Japanese-style gardens to functional, native planting schemes—and their commitment to transparent communication. Whether you need a simple lawn upgrade or a comprehensive outdoor living space with advanced drainage systems, SLS offers a tailored solution built on professional expertise and a deep understanding of sustainable practices. They are the local experts in turning outdoor dreams into ecological realities.

Sustainable Landscape Solutions is conveniently situated in the heart of Iowa City, making them highly accessible for consultations and project management throughout Johnson County and beyond. Their central location allows for efficient service delivery across the metro area and the wider corridor, catering to both urban and suburban properties.

• Address: 17 E Benton St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA. This location places them within easy reach of major local thoroughfares.
• Primary Service Area: The Iowa City - Cedar Rapids corridor is the primary service region, though they may serve areas beyond for specialized projects.
• Accessibility: The business demonstrates a commitment to client comfort and convenience, featuring a wheelchair accessible parking lot.

Sustainable Landscape Solutions provides a comprehensive range of general contracting and specialized landscaping services, distinguishing themselves with their focus on ecological health, drainage, and durable hardscapes.

• Landscape Design & Architecture:
  • Custom landscape and garden design, including backyard, walkway, and patio design.
  • Specialization in Native Landscaping and the use of native plants for resilient, low-maintenance yards that support local wildlife and pollinators.
  • Landscape architecture services for complete yard designs, landscape installations, and plant selection (including trees and shrubs).
• Drainage and Water Management Solutions:
  • Expert Drainage service, including grading & resloping, yard drainage, and water runoff management.
  • Installation of sustainable solutions like Rain Gardens, Bioswales, and Bioretention Cells to mitigate stormwater and improve water quality.
  • Supply and installation of Rainwater tanks (Rain barrels) for water conservation and garden use.
• Hardscaping and Paving:
  • Paving contractor services for Driveways and Parking Pads.
  • Installation of Patios, Walkways, and Retaining Walls, including specialized features like Seat Walls and Boulder Walls.
  • Use of Permeable Pavers for hardscapes that allow water to filter through, minimizing runoff and improving groundwater recharge.
  • Design and installation of Outdoor Living Spaces, including Fire Pits, Fire Places, and Outdoor Kitchens.
• Lawn, Turf, and Garden Care:
  • Lawn care and Landscape maintenance, including Groundskeeping and ongoing maintenance contracts.
  • Lawn Installation (Sod Installation and Grass Seeding) and professional Turf management.
  • Innovative Soil Quality Restoration (SQR) services—deep tine aeration and compost topdressing—to improve compacted Iowa soils.
  • Seasonal services like Spring and Fall yard clean-up and Snow Removal service.
  • Tree work, including Structural Pruning and Tree Selection guidance by certified arborists.

Choosing a contractor with a clear commitment to specialized and modern practices offers significant advantages for Iowa property owners.

• Focus on Sustainability and Native Plants: The core mission is ecological, emphasizing landscapes that require less water and maintenance, reduce environmental impact, and provide crucial habitat for birds and bugs, as evidenced by positive customer feedback on their natural environments.
• Innovative Drainage and Water Solutions: The high level of specialization in drainage (e.g., Rain Gardens, Permeable Pavers) is invaluable in a region prone to heavy rainfall and subsequent water runoff issues, protecting property foundations and basement integrity.
• Full Design and Build Capability: With in-house Landscape Designers and skilled installation crews, SLS manages the project from the initial custom design sketch and virtual walk-through (as mentioned in reviews) to final construction, ensuring consistency and quality control.
• Soil Quality Restoration Experts: Offering specialized services like Deep Tine Aeration and compost application (Soil Quality Restoration) tackles a common problem—compacted urban soil—directly, leading to happier, healthier lawns as attested by repeat customers.
• Women-Owned and Locally Focused: Identifying as a women-owned business, SLS brings a unique perspective to customer service and design, often noted for their collaborative and meticulous approach.
• Durable Hardscaping Standards: Their commitment to going "above and beyond industry standards" for hardscape installation ensures that patios and retaining walls are built to last, preventing common issues like sinking or sagging.

To schedule a consultation, request an estimate for a custom design, or inquire about their full range of landscaping and hardscaping services, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 17 E Benton St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
• Phone: (319) 359-0200
• Mobile Phone: +1 319-359-0200

Sustainable Landscape Solutions is worth choosing because they offer a sophisticated blend of creativity, construction expertise, and environmental stewardship that is often missing from traditional contracting services. For an Iowa resident, the long-term benefits of their work far outweigh a focus on short-term costs.

First, their expertise in Drainage Solutions is paramount. Given the climate, effective water management is not just about a dry basement, but about preventing yard erosion and ensuring the long-term health of the entire landscape. By utilizing Rain Gardens and permeable surfaces, they provide solutions that are both practical and ecologically sound.

Second, their commitment to Sustainable and Native Landscaping is a smart investment. Native plants, once established, require significantly less maintenance, water, and chemical inputs than exotic varieties. This translates directly to lower utility bills, less labor for the homeowner, and a stronger, more resilient garden that naturally resists local pests and diseases.

Finally, the high level of professionalism and client-focused communication—highlighted by customers receiving visual mock-ups and virtual video walk-throughs during the design phase—ensures that the final result perfectly matches the customer's vision. Choosing Sustainable Landscape Solutions means partnering with a company that is committed to perfection, both in the built environment and the natural one.

Sustainable Landscape Solutions

17 E Benton St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA