
For seasonal residents, we provide comprehensive opening and closing services, regular property checks, storm response, and coordination of all outdoor maintenance throughout the year.
We identify and address potential issues before they become expensive problems—from drainage concerns to plant health to structural observations requiring specialist attention.
We manage relationships with specialized contractors, coordinate scheduling for all outdoor services, oversee work quality, and serve as your single point of contact for property needs.
Proudly serving Marblehead, , Nahant, Swampscott,
Salem and Beverly for 30+ years.
From custom landscape design to comprehensive property care, we bring local expertise and architectural sensitivity to every project. Our team understands the distinct challenges of North Shore properties—from salt exposure and coastal weather to historic preservation requirements and the expectations of discerning homeowners who value thoughtful, lasting landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Landscape Design can be complex, and we’re here to provide answers to common questions. Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients.
Landscape design fees vary depending on the scope and complexity of each project. We begin with a complimentary initial consultation, which gives us an opportunity to meet, walk the property together, discuss your goals, and determine whether we are a good fit to work together. Following the consultation, we recommend the design approach best suited to your project. A simple consultation with sketches and plant recommendations is typically billed hourly. Comprehensive design packages for most residential properties generally range from $1,200 to $4,000 and may include site analysis, conceptual design development, detailed plans, and plant specifications. Projects that require historic district submissions or conservation commission permitting often involve additional design documentation and coordination, with design fees typically ranging from $5,000 to $8,000. Once we have visited your property and understand its specific conditions and your project goals, we provide a clear design proposal outlining the recommended scope of work and associated fees.
We provide comprehensive services from design through installation and ongoing maintenance. Our capabilities include landscape design, hardscape construction (patios, walkways, walls), outdoor kitchens, water features, irrigation systems, planting, lighting, and drainage solutions. We also offer property maintenance and concierge services. This integrated approach means single-source accountability and ensures designs translate properly to finished installations. For specialized work beyond our scope (pool engineering, complex electrical), we coordinate with trusted partners and oversee integration.
Timeline depends on project scope and complexity. Design phase typically takes 6-12 weeks including initial consultation, concept development, refinement, and final documentation. Add 4-6 weeks if historic district or conservation commission approval is required. Installation scheduling depends on project size—modest improvements might complete in 2-4 weeks, while comprehensive property renovations often phase over multiple months or seasons. We provide project-specific timelines during planning. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for most work; we avoid late-season installations that don't allow adequate establishment before winter.
Coastal Marblehead properties face unique challenges that generic approaches don't address. Salt spray limits plant selection dramatically—species thriving inland often fail in direct exposure. Materials must resist salt corrosion and moisture—standard metals and porous stone deteriorate quickly. Wind patterns affect plant performance and outdoor living comfort. High water tables complicate excavation and drainage. Conservation jurisdiction near water triggers additional permitting. Successful coastal landscapes require specialized plant knowledge, appropriate material specifications, and understanding of regulatory requirements. Our 30 years of North Shore experience informs these critical decisions.
Absolutely. We maintain many properties where we didn't perform original installation. Our maintenance approach focuses on quality horticultural care rather than just basic mowing—proper pruning techniques, coastal plant health management, attention to detail, and proactive identification of issues before they become expensive problems. We assess existing conditions, discuss your expectations, and develop maintenance programs appropriate for your property's specific needs. Whether you need weekly growing-season service, comprehensive concierge management, or specialized garden maintenance, we tailor programs to your requirements.
For concierge clients, we provide 24/7 emergency contact and proactive storm response. After significant weather events, we assess properties for damage, clear essential access, and coordinate emergency tree services if needed. We document conditions with photos and handle urgent repairs to prevent further damage. For standard maintenance clients, we respond to storm-related requests promptly and can coordinate emergency services. Coastal properties face particular storm vulnerability—our experience with nor'easters and hurricane preparation helps clients protect investments. We understand what constitutes true emergency versus what can wait for normal scheduling.
Concierge service is comprehensive property stewardship beyond basic maintenance. Core services include regular landscape maintenance (mowing, pruning, edging, mulch), seasonal plantings refreshed for spring and fall displays, proactive property monitoring with photo documentation, storm debris removal and cleanup, snow management for driveways and walks, gutter cleaning, exterior pressure washing, and irrigation system management. We also coordinate specialized contractors (tree services, masonry repairs, pest control), provide seasonal property opening and closing for seasonal residents, and maintain detailed service records. Think of us as your property manager for everything outside—one point of contact, proactive rather than reactive service, and white-glove attention that preserves your investment and provides true peace of mind.
Traditional landscape maintenance follows fixed schedules—mow every week, show up on assigned day regardless of needs. Concierge service is responsive and comprehensive. We adjust visit frequency based on weather and growth patterns, address issues as they arise rather than waiting for scheduled visits, provide detailed communication with photos after each visit, coordinate additional services without you managing multiple contractors, and serve as observant stewards—noticing drainage issues, plant problems, or maintenance needs before they become expensive repairs. Service is personalized to your property's specific needs and your expectations rather than following cookie-cutter programs. It's the difference between maintenance crew and trusted property partner who's invested in your property's long-term wellbeing.
Yes, seasonal property management is core to our concierge offering. Services include comprehensive spring opening (removing storm shutters, raking winter debris, pruning damaged branches, turning on irrigation, spring plantings), regular property checks and maintenance throughout your absence, storm response if major weather events occur, detailed photo reports after each visit so you see property condition remotely, and fall closing (final mowing, system winterization, fall cleanup, protective measures for winter). We're your eyes and ears when you're away—addressing issues promptly rather than discovering problems upon return. Many seasonal clients also use us as contact for other service providers (landscapers, cleaners, maintenance workers), coordinating access and overseeing work quality. This white-glove approach provides confidence your property receives attentive care year-round.
Storm response is critical for coastal properties. We provide 24/7 emergency contact for urgent situations—downed trees blocking access, fence damage creating security issues, or flooding concerns. After significant storms, we proactively visit properties to assess damage, clear essential pathways and access areas, and document conditions with photos. For tree damage beyond our capabilities, we coordinate emergency tree services, get multiple quotes if time allows, and oversee work quality. We understand what constitutes true emergency requiring immediate response versus what can wait for normal scheduling. This responsiveness provides peace of mind—particularly for seasonal residents or busy professionals who can't personally address storm aftermath. Cost for emergency response beyond normal service is discussed before proceeding except for true emergencies requiring immediate action for safety or security.
We pride ourselves on delivering great results and experiences for each client. Hear directly from home and business owners who’ve trusted us with their Landscape Design needs.

They completely transformed our waterfront property with a design that captures harbor views while using plants that actually survive the salt spray. The outdoor kitchen has become our favorite space, and their attention to detail throughout the project was exceptional.
Robert & Jennifer M., Marblehead Homeowners

As seasonal residents, we needed property management we could trust completely. Their concierge service provides true peace of mind—detailed reports after every visit, proactive storm response, and our property always looks immaculate when we arrive. Worth every penny.
Patricia S., Marblehead Summer Resident

Navigating our historic district approval seemed daunting until we worked with them. They understood exactly what the commission needed to see, prepared comprehensive submissions, and attended the hearing with us. The approval came through on first submission.
David K., Historic District Property Owner
Ready to hear more about expert services at Marblehead Landscape Design/Build?
Contact us today to receive a detailed, no-obligation quote.
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74 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead MA, 01945
Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM