
For more than 30 years, we have helped shape and care for some of the North Shore’s most beautiful properties. From custom landscape design and construction to comprehensive garden stewardship, our team understands the challenges of coastal environments, historic and conservation requirements, and the high standards required to create truly exceptional landscapes. Our longevity in the community reflects the care, craftsmanship, and relationships that define our work.
Marblehead’s coastal properties require a strategic approach to landscape design. Salt spray, freeze–thaw cycles, and conservation regulations all influence how landscapes must be planned and built. Our team brings specialized knowledge to these conditions, specifying native and climate-adapted plants that thrive along the coast and selecting hardscape materials that endure the New England environment. Our projects integrate every aspect of outdoor living—from patios and outdoor kitchens to water features, fire features, and garden spaces designed for beauty and longevity. Once installation is complete, we offer comprehensive property care to ensure your landscape continues
Whether you are planning a comprehensive landscape masterplan or refining a single area of your property, we bring technical expertise and design sophistication to every project. Our team understands conservation commission jurisdiction, navigates historic district approvals, and carefully selects materials proven to perform in coastal environments. From Colonial-era estates to contemporary waterfront homes, our designs respect architectural heritage while supporting modern outdoor living. If you are ready to explore the possibilities for your property, we invite you to schedule a consultation with a landscape specialist who will help uncover its unique opportunities.
Coastal plant expertise and salt-tolerant selections
Historic district approvals and preservation sensitivity
Conservation commission permitting
Comprehensive property stewardship and concierge services
Proudly serving Boston's North Shore for over 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.
Landscape design can feel complex, especially in coastal communities like Marblehead. Here are answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked.
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.
Transform Your Marblehead Landscape
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.
Serving Marblehead and surrounding North Shore communities
Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM