Landscape design turns your yard into a functional outdoor living space that reflects your style and works with your climate. The right designer solves problems like drainage, privacy, and maintenance while boosting curb appeal and property value. Use Landscape Atlas to explore nearby landscape design companies, compare portfolios and reviews, and contact pros for quotes.

JR's Landscaping & Sons LLC

3 Sorelle Pl, Burlington, MA 01803

JR's Landscaping & Sons LLC is a full-service landscaping company serving Boston, MA, and Middlesex County. They provide a wide range of services including lawn mowing, lawn fertilization, weed control, sod installation, fence installation, landscape lighting, sprinkler installation and repair, hardscaping with patios and retaining walls, and custom landscape design. With over 20 years of experience since 1997, they offer year-round solutions tailored to maintain and enhance outdoor spaces for both residential and commercial properties. Their capabilities include expert hardscape installations such as stone walkways, patios, and retaining walls designed for New England weather conditions.

5.0

148 Reviews

Grass!365 of New England

38 Fuller St, Waban, MA 02468

Grass!365 of New England is a synthetic turf design and installation company based in Boston, MA, serving all of New England. They specialize in artificial grass solutions for residential and commercial properties, including playgrounds, sports fields, putting greens, and pet turf. Their installations use SealTuft technology, which offers superior drainage and durability. Grass!365 has been operating for over a decade and ensures that all projects are personally overseen by owner Jeremy Dellaria and his team, without subcontractors.

5.0

117 Reviews

Done Right Landscape & Construction

20 Fitch Ct, Wakefield, MA 01880

Done Right Landscape & Construction is a full-service landscaping and hardscaping company serving the Boston, MA area. They specialize in residential and commercial landscape design, fence installation, patios, retaining walls, and other outdoor construction projects. With over 40 years of experience since 1980, their team works closely with clients to create customized outdoor spaces that combine functionality and aesthetic appeal. Their expertise includes the installation of vinyl, steel, aluminum, and wooden fences, as well as low-maintenance stonescaping designs.

4.9

331 Reviews

The Narrow Lane

78 Fremont St, Needham, MA 02494

The Narrow Lane is a landscaping and outdoor lighting company based in Boston, MA. They provide a full range of luxury outdoor services including landscape design, construction, lighting installation, and maintenance. Their expertise includes creating custom outdoor living spaces and hardscaping features such as fire pits. With decades of experience, The Narrow Lane offers year-round care and manages projects from initial design through completion.

5.0

85 Reviews

The Pros Inc. - Landscape Design & Build

29 Hanover St, Lynn, MA 01902

The Pros Inc. - Landscape Design & Build is a landscaping and outdoor living company serving Boston, MA, and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a wide range of services including landscape design, lawn care, sod installation, fence installation, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, irrigation, water features, pool and spa construction, decks, pergolas, driveways, and seasonal maintenance. Their expertise includes custom pool building with options like fiberglass and gunite concrete pools, as well as comprehensive irrigation systems designed for efficient watering. The company also provides snow and ice management services during winter months.

4.9

217 Reviews

See more providers in Lawrence, MA

Landscape design is the planning and layout of outdoor spaces-front yards, backyards, courtyards, rooftops, and larger properties-to balance beauty, function, and long-term maintenance. Designers analyze your site, create a concept, and translate it into buildable plans that installers can follow.

A typical scope can include:

• Site analysis: grading, soil health, drainage patterns, sun and shade, and utilities
• Hardscapes: patios, walkways, retaining walls, decks, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and pools
• Planting design: trees, shrubs, perennials, lawn alternatives, and seasonal interest
• Irrigation and water management: drip systems, smart controllers, rain gardens, and drainage solutions
• Lighting: path, step, accent, and security lighting for safety and ambiance
• Sustainable strategies: native plants, xeriscape, permeable pavers, and habitat creation

Some firms are design-only; others are design-build and handle both planning and installation through in-house crews or trusted subcontractors.

Why landscape design matters

A thoughtful plan does more than "look nice." It:

• Solves problems like soggy lawns, erosion, and uneven terrain
• Makes outdoor spaces safer with better lighting and clear circulation
• Expands living areas for dining, work-from-home, and play
• Reduces water use and maintenance with the right plants and materials
• Improves home value and first impressions
• Supports pollinators and biodiversity with native and climate-appropriate plants

Good design is also future-proof: it anticipates plant growth, traffic patterns, and maintenance needs so your yard matures gracefully instead of falling apart in a year or two.

Common types of landscape design services

Landscape design companies often offer one or more of these services:

• Conceptual and master planning
• Planting plans and lawn alternatives
• Patios, decks, pergolas, fences, and privacy screens
• Pools, spas, water features, and fire pits
• Outdoor kitchens and entertainment zones
• Lighting and irrigation design
• Grading, drainage, and erosion control
• Xeriscaping and native/ecological design
• Edible gardens, raised beds, and orchard layouts
• Commercial and multifamily common-area planning

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

How to choose a landscape design company

You'll see a range of providers on Landscape Atlas-from solo designers to multidisciplinary studios and design-build firms. To find the right fit:

• Match experience to your goals
  • Pools or complex grading? Look for a firm with deep hardscape and engineering chops.
  • Low-water native garden? Seek designers with ecological or xeriscape portfolios.
• Check credentials
  • In many states, certain scopes require licensed landscape contractors or licensed landscape architects. Always verify state or local licensing where applicable and confirm general liability and workers' comp insurance.
• Review portfolios and process
  • Look for projects similar to your property type, size, and climate zone.
  • Ask how they handle site analysis, concepts, revisions, and construction documents.
• Understand the business model
  • Design-only firms hand off plans to outside installers; design-build handles both. Either can work-choose the workflow you're comfortable with.
• Validate reputation
  • Read recent reviews, ask for references, and visit a completed project if possible.
• Confirm communication and fit
  • You'll collaborate for weeks or months; choose a team that listens and explains clearly.

Tip: Landscape Atlas is a directory of independent businesses. We don't pre-vet listings, so do your own due diligence before you hire.

How much does landscape design cost?

Budgets vary widely by region, property size, and scope. These ballpark figures can help you plan:

• Design fees
  • Consultation: often $100-$400, sometimes credited to a design package
  • Hourly design rate: typically $75-$200+
  • Concept plan for a typical yard: $1,000-$4,000
  • Master plan with details and planting schedule: $2,000-$10,000+
  • 3D renderings or virtual walkthroughs: add $500-$2,500+
• Installation (labor and materials)
  • Planting-focused refresh: $3,000-$15,000 for many small/medium yards
  • Full yard renovation with mixed hardscape and planting: $20,000-$100,000+
  • Patios and walkways: roughly $15-$40 per sq. ft., depending on material and complexity
  • Decks and structures: $30-$80 per sq. ft., more for premium woods or steel
  • Retaining walls: $30-$75 per sq. ft. and up, based on height and engineering
  • Irrigation systems: $2,000-$7,500+, depending on zones and smart features
  • Lighting packages: $2,000-$8,000+, depending on fixtures and coverage
• Ongoing costs
  • Maintenance: from DIY to professional care at $50-$250+ per month
  • Seasonal plant replacements, mulch, pruning, and system tune-ups

What affects cost:

• Site conditions: slope, access for equipment, rocky soil, and utility locations
• Material choices: poured concrete vs. pavers vs. natural stone; composite vs. hardwood decking
• Scope complexity: pools, walls over 4 feet, custom steel or masonry, and engineered drainage
• Plant sizes and quantities: instant impact costs more up front
• Permits and HOA approvals: fees and lead times can add to the budget
• Regional labor rates and seasonality

Ask for line-item pricing and an allowance schedule for materials so you know exactly where your money is going.

Typical timeline: from first call to final walkthrough

Your schedule depends on firm availability, permitting, and weather, but a common sequence looks like this:

1. Discovery and site visit (1-2 weeks)
   • Share goals, budget, and inspiration. The designer measures, reviews constraints, and discusses priorities.
2. Concept design (2-4 weeks)
   • Preliminary layouts with materials direction and rough budgets.
3. Revisions and final plan (1-3 weeks)
   • Refine the plan and confirm plant palette and finishes. Construction drawings as needed.
4. Permitting/approvals (2-8+ weeks)
   • Some projects need permits or HOA architectural review. Lead times vary by jurisdiction and season.
5. Bidding or design-build proposal (1-3 weeks)
   • Compare installers if design-only; or finalize scope with a design-build firm.
6. Installation (1-12+ weeks)
   • Small refreshes can take days; full outdoor living spaces can run several months, especially with pools or large masonry.
7. Final walkthrough and maintenance plan
   • Learn watering schedules, plant care, and warranty details.

Weather, material lead times, and plant availability can shift dates, especially in peak spring and fall seasons.

Key components of a great landscape plan

• Clear circulation
  • Paths that link doors, driveways, and destinations with safe, well-lit routes.
• Functional zones
  • Separate spaces for dining, lounging, play, pets, and utility areas.
• Grading and drainage
  • Proper slopes, drains, and rain gardens to protect your home and hardscapes.
• Planting strategy
  • Right plant, right place-grouped by water needs and mature sizes with year-round interest.
• Hardscape detailing
  • Durable foundations, correct jointing, and expansion control for long life.
• Irrigation and water efficiency
  • Drip for planting beds, high-efficiency sprays where appropriate, and smart controllers.
• Lighting design
  • Layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting with dark-sky-friendly fixtures.
• Sustainability and maintenance
  • Native and climate-appropriate plants, mulch, soil health, and realistic maintenance plans.

How to prepare for your first consultation

A little prep goes a long way:

• Gather inspiration
  • Save photos of spaces, materials, colors, and planting styles you like.
• Define priorities and budget
  • Rank "must-haves" vs. "nice-to-haves" and share a target range.
• Locate documents
  • Property survey, site plan, or plot map; photos and measurements help.
• Know your rules
  • HOA guidelines, easements, tree protections, and local water restrictions.
• Mark utilities
  • Call 811 before any digging. Your installer will also coordinate locates.
• Think maintenance
  • Be honest about how much time you want to spend on care-or if you prefer a pro service.

Smart ways to compare quotes

• Ask for apples-to-apples scopes
  • Same square footage, material specs, plant sizes/quantities, and lighting/irrigation counts.
• Look for allowances and exclusions
  • Stone type, fixture brand, soil amendment, hauling fees, and permit costs should be clear.
• Review drawings and details
  • The more complete the plan set, the fewer surprises during construction.
• Check schedule and phasing
  • Understand start dates, milestones, and how weather delays are handled.
• Confirm warranties
  • Plants, hardscape settlement, irrigation equipment, and workmanship terms.
• Know the change-order process
  • How are scope changes approved and priced?
• Evaluate communication style
  • A responsive pro who explains trade-offs is worth a lot.

Questions to ask prospective landscape designers

• Do you specialize in residential, commercial, or both?
• Are you design-only or design-build?
• What licenses and insurance do you carry for this scope?
• Can you share a sample plan set and two recent references?
• How do you approach grading and drainage on sloped lots?
• Do you specify native or drought-tolerant plants for my climate zone?
• What are the pros and cons of my preferred materials?
• Who will manage the project day to day, and how often will we meet?
• How do you estimate and control costs as the design evolves?
• What is included in your base design fee, and what's extra?
• Will you handle permits and HOA submissions, or guide me through them?
• What maintenance should I expect in year one and beyond?

Signs you could benefit from a landscape designer

• Water pooling near the foundation or recurring muddy areas
• Steep or uneven terrain that's hard to use safely
• Patchy lawn, tired plantings, or beds that never look "finished"
• Lack of privacy, shade, or comfortable places to sit
• High water bills or irrigation that wastes water
• Erosion, exposed roots, or failing retaining walls
• New construction or an addition that changed your yard
• You're planning a pool, outdoor kitchen, or major hardscape

If a few of these ring true, a designer can save time, reduce risk, and help you invest wisely.

Design-build vs. design-only: which is right for you?

• Design-build
  • One team from concept through construction
  • Streamlined communication and faster handoffs
  • Fewer bidders means less price competition but more accountability
• Design-only
  • Freedom to bid the plan to multiple contractors
  • Useful for complex sites needing specialized installers
  • Requires more coordination from you or a project manager

There's no single "best" approach-choose based on your comfort with coordination, desired level of competition on bids, and the complexity of your project.

Permits, codes, and HOA approvals

Many outdoor projects require approvals. Depending on local rules and scope, you may need:

• Building permits for decks, pergolas with roofs, outdoor kitchens with gas/electric, and structures
• Engineering and permits for retaining walls above certain heights
• Electrical permits for lighting and pumps
• Plumbing or backflow permits for irrigation tie-ins
• Tree removal or protection permits, especially for heritage trees
• HOA architectural review and neighbor notifications

Your designer or installer can guide the process, but as the homeowner you're ultimately responsible for compliance. Build time for approvals into your schedule.

Sustainable and water-wise landscaping

Smart design can cut water use, reduce maintenance, and support local ecosystems:

• Choose native and climate-adapted plants grouped by water needs
• Improve soil with compost and mulch to retain moisture
• Use drip irrigation and weather-based smart controllers
• Capture and slow stormwater with rain gardens, swales, and permeable paving
• Limit large turf areas; consider meadow, groundcovers, or play surfaces where turf isn't essential
• Specify dark-sky-friendly lighting and bird-friendly plantings

Ask your designer how to meet your goals while lowering long-term costs and environmental impact.

How Landscape Atlas helps you find the right pro

Landscape Atlas is a service directory that helps you discover and compare local landscape design companies. Browse profiles, see photos of completed projects, read customer feedback, and reach out to businesses that fit your style and budget. Companies listed here operate independently-we don't install landscaping or pre-screen providers-so always verify licenses, insurance, and references before you sign.

Use filters to narrow by services (design-only, design-build, pools, lighting, irrigation), project types, and location. Request multiple quotes to compare approaches, timelines, and pricing. With clear goals and the right questions, you'll feel confident choosing a partner to bring your outdoor vision to life.

Ready to get started? Explore landscape design companies near you on Landscape Atlas and take the first step toward an outdoor space you'll love.

Frequently asked questions