2104 Richard Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup, Quick Response
Credentials and Trust: Long Established, Family Owned, Insured
Customer Experience: Affordable
I'm Shawn Behrends, owner/operator of Behrends Lawn Care,LLC. I Started this business to pass on quality work at an affordable price for commercial and residential alike. I have a bachelors in conservation management for the DNR as well as an extensive resume in this field of work. I’ve been doing this for over fifteen years. We do anything from spring and fall clean up, mowing, landscaping, aeration, tree trimming, tree removal via climber, hauling firewood, along with snow removal and salting. We’re a small family owned business with a personal touch. We are fully insured for all types of services were offering. So give us a call and we’d be happy to help!
4.3 from 200 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 19% of total ratings
Behrends Lawn Care in Cedar Rapids is best suited for mid- to large-size residential properties that demand a hands-on, adaptable operator who can handle seasonal lawn care, snow removal, and more involved landscape work in one trusted package. This company shines for homeowners who want reliable winter service and solid warm-season maintenance without juggling multiple crews. It’s a solid fit for projects with moderate complexity, such as storm cleanup, debris removal after wind events, basic tree work, retaining-wall repairs, and routine mowing or dethatching, while staying mindful of budget in the mid-range. Urgency matters: Behrends can mobilize quickly for snow events and derecho cleanup, but readers should recognize that consistency of cadence for recurring mowing or strictly scheduled tasks has produced mixed reviews. Those who value responsiveness and a single-point-of-contact will get the most from this company.
From a capability standpoint, Behrends has repeatedly demonstrated versatility across seasons. Positive reports highlight prompt quotes, rapid site visits, and a willingness to take on substantial cleanup after storms, including removing widowmakers and restoring yards muddied by derecho damage. They have rebuilt retaining walls, implemented soil restoration, reseeded lawns, and performed dethatching when conditions allowed. The same crews that deliver lawn mowing and shrub trims often manage debris removal, branch chipping, and yard tidying. This breadth is a clear advantage for property owners who prefer a “do-it-all” ally rather than juggling multiple contractors. Yet the breadth comes with a caution: ensure scope clarity up front to avoid overflows beyond preferred capabilities.
Safety and cleanup standards are a pivotal consideration with any tree work or storm-clearing project, and Behrends’ track record here is a mix of strong showings and notable caveats. On the safety side, several reviews describe thorough cleanup, driveways blown clean, sidewalks cleared, and debris hauled away, with crews arriving prepared and finishing with a tidy site. In storm-related work, the company is praised for decisive action and careful handling of hazardous limbs, which is exactly the discipline required when removing or reducing risk around structures. Conversely, there are stubborn anecdotes of incomplete debris removal or insufficient ground repair after stump removal or tree cutting, and even a few reports of property damage tied to heavy equipment use. The takeaway: expect solid cleanup performance when the job is well scoped and supervised, but insist on a documented safety and cleanup plan, including ground restoration where stump grinding or heavy machine work is involved.
Pricing and reliability sit at the fulcrum of decision-making with Behrends. The firm often delivers competitive pricing and clear communication, with several customers praising fair quotes, prompt estimates, and transparent follow-through. Yet there is a heavy undercurrent of caution tied to contract handling and timeliness. A subset of reviews allege prepaid arrangements followed by inconsistent service, missed appointments, or shifting expectations, sometimes accompanied by tense or confrontational exchanges. For readers evaluating Behrends, the prudent course is to secure a written, itemized scope of work, a detailed schedule, and explicit payment terms before any work commences. Treat upfront payments as a condition that warrants escalation if milestones are not met, and request a firm penalty or credit schedule for missed visits. In short, Behrends can deliver good value, but it requires careful contract governance and explicit accountability.
Tree-related and storm-responsive work is where Behrends earns real credibility, provided the project is framed with clear expectations and proper qualifications. A number of reviews recount effective tree removals or hazard-related work performed with speed and good communication. The crews have helped with derecho recovery, trimming and removing problematic limbs, and even delivering pro bono assistance in exigent moments, signaling a customer-first orientation when the scope aligns with core capabilities. The caution here is to verify credentials for jobs that cross into hazardous-tree work or structural pruning, and to document safety protocols, insurance coverage, and disposal plans. For a property owner confronting storm damage or a need for selective tree work, Behrends represents a competent option, especially when the project can be clearly defined, scheduled, and supervised to prevent ambiguity and boundary-crossing expectations.
The bottom line positions Behrends Lawn Care as a practical, value-driven choice for Cedar Rapids homeowners who want a single contractor to handle lawn care, snow removal, and select landscape improvements, including storm cleanup and lightweight tree work. It is well-suited for properties where budget-conscious, communicative, and responsive service is paramount, and where the job complexity sits within reasonable bounds. However, potential buyers must approach with a disciplined, documentation-heavy mindset: insist on a written contract with scope, timeline, and sign-off points; demand proof of licensing and insurance for tree work; and require a clear, enforceable plan for safety and cleanup. For urgent winter services, Behrends can mobilize quickly and deliver dependable results when expectations are defined; for ongoing, ultra-reliable weekly mowing or long-running contracts, the buyer should clarify performance guarantees and escalation paths before committing. In the hands of a diligent owner who prioritizes safety, thorough cleanup, and precise scheduling, Behrends Lawn Care remains a capable, cost-effective ally in the Cedar Rapids yard care ecosystem.
Ready to respond after high winds, ice storms, or heavy snow bring trees and limbs down across your property.
Storm cleanup is a core capability, with Cedar Rapids customers noting fast response times and dependable service during and after severe weather events and derecho aftermath. Behrends Lawn Care handles extensive debris removal, including downed trees and storm debris hauling, and they’ve helped with trimming or removing hazardous branches as needed. They’ve also replaced damaged structures like retaining walls and performed complete cleanups that leave yards looking neat after storms. Across many interactions, customers emphasize clear, proactive communication and timely follow-through, which helps residents and local properties recover quickly from storms in this region.
Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.
Quick response is a defining pattern in feedback from Cedar Rapids, IA, with many customers noting fast replies, prompt quotes, and ready scheduling for both lawn care and snow services. Several reviews highlight same-day or rapid follow-up after initial contact, and quotes or estimates often arrive within a day or two after meetings. During winter storms, customers describe crews arriving promptly to clear driveways and provide ongoing timing updates so they’re not left waiting. This responsiveness proves especially valuable during derecho cleanup and other urgent yard needs, helping homeowners coordinate large projects with clear, timely communication.
A business with years - often decades - in the community. Local reputation and deep experience speak for themselves.
With a long-established presence in Cedar Rapids, Behrends Lawn Care has demonstrated capacity across seasons, handling spring and fall cleanups, mowing, landscaping, aeration, tree trimming and removal, hauling, and snow removal and salting. Feedback highlights a personal, family-owned approach and a history of reliable communication and responsiveness, which customers often cite as foundational to their experience. The work ranges from routine maintenance to substantial projects like installing or rebuilding retaining walls, clearing storm debris, and tree work, reflecting a broad skill set that supports both residential and commercial clients. Overall, the pattern suggests a durable, locally rooted business that has sustained operations in Cedar Rapids for years, adapting to seasonal needs and maintaining a long-standing service footprint.
A business built and run by family, often passed down or grown from the ground up. Personal accountability and pride in every job.
Family-owned operation is evident in Shawn Behrends’ hands-on leadership and the personal touch that accompanies projects in Cedar Rapids. Customers note direct, prompt communication and proactive updates from the owner, with complex jobs like storm cleanup, retaining walls, and snow removal managed by a small team under his guidance. The business offers a broad range of capabilities—lawn mowing, cleanups, landscaping, aeration, tree trimming/removal, hauling, snow removal and salting, plus storm-related work—reflecting a versatile local outfit that can tailor services to residential and commercial needs. Being fully insured and family-owned appears to foster trust and long-term relationships with Cedar Rapids clients who value accountability and a personal approach.
Carries proper liability and workers' compensation insurance. If something goes wrong on your property, you're protected.
They explicitly state they are fully insured for all services offered, which supports their ability to perform a wide range of landscape, tree, and snow services in Cedar Rapids. Customer patterns show many rely on them for high-risk tasks like storm cleanup and derecho debris removal, and they often praise prompt communication and reliable service. Some reviews raise concerns about billing, timeliness, and disputes, including claims of uninsured status, indicating insured capability is not universally verified in every experience. The mix of positive testimonials about safety, professionalism, and comprehensive service alongside negative feedback suggests insurance is a recognized expectation among many customers in this area. Given their breadth of work—snow removal, tree work, retaining walls, and general lawn care—the insured capability, when fulfilled, positions them to manage complex jobs with accountability.
Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.
Affordable pricing is a recurring theme in feedback for Behrends Lawn Care. Customers frequently note competitive rates and solid value for a range of services, from mowing and spring/fall cleanups to aeration, landscaping, and snow removal. Several remarks highlight fair pricing for seeding and lawn improvements, with some callers calling them the best prices in town. Yet a minority report pricing disputes or contract-related concerns, suggesting that affordability is sometimes tangled with other service issues. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, this family-owned, insured operation offers a broad slate of capabilities, delivering affordable options for both residential and commercial clients.