Beginner's Guide to Gardening in Massachusetts

Judith Lipson- Rubin — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:27:27 GMT

Growing your own food changes the way you think about your yard. There's something genuinely satisfying about walking outside and coming back in with dinner. Beyond that, a vegetable garden reduces your environmental footprint, gets you outside regularly, and turns out to be one of the more stress-relieving things many people do all week.

Getting there takes some planning, though. Massachusetts has its own climate quirks, soil characteristics, and frost patterns that shape what you grow, when you plant it, and how you set up your garden space. Work with those realities and you'll be harvesting all season. Here's what you need to know before you get started.

Belmont, MA Landscaping: 10 Best Companies Compared (2026)

Zach Rubin — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:37:07 GMT

Belmont, MA Landscaping Companies: 10 Options Compared (2026)

Belmont homeowners researching landscaping services will find no shortage of options in the area - but meaningful, side-by-side comparison information is hard to come by. This guide profiles 10 landscaping companies serving Belmont, MA, comparing their services, service areas, pricing, ratings, and credentials so you can make an informed decision. Data was compiled by Moodscapes LLC, a landscape design firm based in Arlington with over 30 years of experience serving Belmont and surrounding communities. Last reviewed: May 2026.

Comparison Table - Belmont, MA Landscaping Companies

Sources: Google Maps, BBB.org, company websites. Compiled May 2026. Ratings reflect data at time of research.
Company	Address	Services Offered	Google Rating	Pricing
Moodscapes LLC	216 Hillside Ave, Arlington, MA 02476	Landscape Design, Installation, Ecological Maintenance	4.8 (23)	$5K–$200K+ depending on project scope
Mendoza Landscaping	28 Davis Rd, Belmont, MA 02478	Landscape Design, Trimming & Pruning, Planting & Removal, Garden Design, Garden & Lawn Care	4.9 (33)	No mention of pricing
Rudy Landscaping LLC	32 Slade St, Belmont, MA 02478	Lawn Care, Mowing, Edging, Sod, Walkways, Fertilization, Aeration, Overseeding, Pest Management	4.9 (29)	No mention of pricing
D. Muzzioli Associates	24 Ryder St, Belmont, MA 02478	Landscaping, Hardscaping, Maintenance, Snow Removal, Masonry, General Contracting	4.0 (23)	No mention of pricing
Waverly Landscape Services	1010 Pleasant St, Suite 5, Belmont, MA 02478	Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care, Tree Care, Irrigation, Snow & Ice Management, Hardscaping	-	No mention of pricing
Roberto Affordable Land & Tree Service	48 Dexter St, Watertown, MA 02472	Lawn Care, Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Hardscaping, Landscape Installation, Snow Removal, Irrigation	5.0 (26)	"Affordable" in name; 10% off new customers
Rose Landscaping LLC	Arlington, MA 02474	Landscaping, Construction, Snow Removal	4.9 (47)	No mention of pricing
A Yard & A Half Landscaping Cooperative	26 Thayer Rd., Waltham, MA 02453	Design, Hardscaping, Organic Lawn Care, Patios, Driveways, Retaining Walls, Irrigation, Planting, Tree Care	4.7 (12)	$5K–$200K+ (published ranges on website)
John's Landscape Service, Inc.	30 Garden St, Arlington, MA 02474	Design, Installation, Maintenance, Mowing, Fertilization, Irrigation, Hardscape, Lighting, Snow Plowing	4.0 (81)	"Reasonable prices" (per website)
Crugnale Associates LLC	PO Box 48, Lexington, MA 02420	Landscaping, Snow Removal	5.0 (3)	No mention of pricing

Where Are These Companies Located?

The map below shows the physical locations of all 10 companies. Most are based within Belmont or immediately adjacent towns, keeping response times and local familiarity high.

How Do You Choose the Right Landscaper in Belmont, MA?

Before contacting any company on this list, it helps to know what you actually need. Here are six questions to guide your decision.

Know what you need: design vs. maintenance vs. full-service

Landscape designers create plans and build new outdoor spaces. Maintenance companies keep existing ones tidy. Full-service firms do both - but that doesn't always mean they're best at both. Start by identifying which category describes your project.

Are you looking for a lawn service or landscape design?

A "mow and blow" lawn service and a landscape design firm are fundamentally different businesses. If you want to transform your outdoor space, a lawn maintenance company is likely the wrong call - and vice versa.

How many services do they offer - and what are they actually best at?

A long service list can be a warning sign. Companies that do everything - tree removal, irrigation, hardscaping, lawn care, snow plowing - often do none of them exceptionally well. Look for companies with a clear specialty that matches your project.

How many towns do they service?

A company serving 30+ towns has a very different operational model than one focused on 5–6 communities. Tighter service areas often mean faster response times, better local plant knowledge, and crews that aren't spread thin across the region.

Google reviews and rating

Look at the number of reviews, not just the star rating. A 4.9 with 8 reviews tells a different story than a 4.7 with 200. Read the one- and two-star reviews carefully - patterns in complaints (communication, follow-through, billing) are more telling than the average score.

Questions to ask before hiring

Ask: Are you licensed and insured in Massachusetts? Can you provide references from Belmont projects? What does a typical project timeline look like? Do you provide a written contract and detailed estimate? How do you handle changes mid-project?

Belmont, MA Landscaping Companies - Full Profiles

Moodscapes LLC

Landscape Design Firm

A boutique landscape design and build firm focused on creating personalized outdoor spaces for residential clients in Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Newton, Watertown, and Winchester.

Address 216 Hillside Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

Phone 781-488-3200

Website moodscapesdesign.com

Services Landscape Design & Build, Ecological Landscape Maintenance

Service Area Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Newton, Watertown, Winchester

Google Rating 4.8 ⭐ (23 reviews)

BBB Rating A+

Licensed & Insured Yes

Pricing View full pricing · Maintenance: $850–$2,000+/month · $5,000–$15,000 (repair, small walkways, plantings) · $15,000–$25,000 (patio, retaining wall, drainage) · $25,000–$50,000 (extensive patios, regrading, driveways) · $50,000–$100,000 (most full projects) · $100,000–$200,000+ (major installations)

Best For Homeowners seeking a complete outdoor transformation - design-led projects including patios, gardens, hardscaping, and planting plans for properties in Belmont and surrounding towns.

Mendoza Landscaping

Full-Service Landscaper

A Belmont-based landscaping company with a strong Google reputation, offering garden design, planting, pruning, and general lawn care for residential clients.

Address 28 Davis Rd, Belmont, MA 02478

Phone 857-312-7693

Website mendozalandscapingma.com

Services Landscape Design, Trimming & Pruning, Planting & Removal, Garden Design, Garden & Lawn Care

Service Area Belmont, MA and surrounding areas

Google Rating 4.9 ⭐ (33 reviews)

BBB Rating Not listed

Licensed & Insured Yes (per website)

Pricing No mention of pricing on website

Best For Belmont homeowners looking for garden-focused work - planting, pruning, and garden design - from a locally based, licensed company with a strong neighborhood reputation.

Rudy Landscaping LLC

Lawn Care & Maintenance

A Belmont-based landscaping company specializing in lawn care, maintenance, and light construction services, with 18 years of residential and commercial experience.

Address 32 Slade St, Belmont, MA 02478

Phone 781-325-3520

Website rudylandscapingllcma.com

Services Lawn Care, Mowing, Trimming, Edging, Sod Installation, Synthetic Grass, Walkways, Fertilization, Weed Control, Aeration, Overseeding, Pest Management

Service Area Belmont, MA and surrounding areas within a 50-mile radius

Google Rating 4.9 ⭐ (29 reviews)

BBB Rating Not listed

Licensed & Insured Yes - licensed, insured & bonded (per website)

Pricing No mention of pricing on website

Best For Reasonable rates for lawn care and maintenance.

D. Muzzioli Associates

Full-Service · Est. 1974

A full-service landscaping and general contracting company serving the Greater Boston area since 1974, handling commercial, residential, and municipal clients.

Address 24 Ryder St, Belmont, MA 02478

Phone 617-489-5332

Website dmuzzioli.com

Services Landscaping, Hardscaping, Maintenance, Snow Removal, Masonry, General Contracting

Service Area Greater Boston Area

Google Rating 4.0 ⭐ (23 reviews)

BBB Rating A+

Licensed & Insured Yes - fully insured

Pricing No mention of pricing on website

Best For Lawn mowing and basic lawn service.

Waverly Landscape Services

Maintenance & Snow Management

A commercial-focused landscape maintenance company based in Belmont, offering year-round services including snow and ice management, irrigation, tree care, and holiday lighting across a broad urban service area.

Address 1010 Pleasant St, Suite 5, Belmont, MA 02478

Phone 617-455-5560

Website waverlylandscapeservices.com

Services Landscape Maintenance, Lawn Care, Tree Care, Irrigation, Snow & Ice Management, Hardscaping, Holiday Lighting

Service Area Boston, Belmont, Watertown, Arlington, Cambridge, Somerville, Waltham, Newton, Brighton, Brookline, and surrounding neighborhoods

Google Rating Not available

BBB Rating Not listed

Licensed & Insured Not stated on website

Pricing No mention of pricing on website

Best For Commercial properties only.

Roberto Affordable Land & Tree Service

Lawn Care & Tree Service

A Watertown-based landscaping and tree service company with a perfect Google rating, offering lawn care, tree work, hardscaping, and snow removal across the greater Belmont area.

Address 48 Dexter St, Watertown, MA 02472

Phone 781-996-8555

Website robertoaffordablelandandtree.com

Services Lawn Care, Tree Trimming & Pruning, Tree Removal, Hardscaping, Landscape Installation, Snow Removal, Irrigation

Service Area Watertown, MA and the surrounding areas

Google Rating 5.0 ⭐ (26 reviews)

BBB Rating Not listed

Licensed & Insured Not stated on website

Pricing "Affordable" in company name; 10% off for new customers

Best For Tree trimming and general maintenance.

Rose Landscaping LLC

Landscaping & Construction

An Arlington-based full-service landscaping and construction company with strong Google reviews, serving Belmont and surrounding communities year-round including snow removal.

Address Arlington, MA 02474

Phone 781-799-6544

Website roselandscapingllc.com

Services Landscaping, Construction, Snow Removal

Service Area Serving Arlington and Surrounding Towns

Google Rating 4.9 ⭐ (47 reviews)

BBB Rating Not listed

Licensed & Insured Not stated on website

Pricing No mention of pricing on website

Best For Belmont and Arlington homeowners seeking landscaping and construction services from a highly-rated company with a strong track record.

A Yard & A Half Landscaping Cooperative

Full-Service · Worker Cooperative

A worker-owned landscaping cooperative founded in 1988, offering design, hardscaping, organic lawn care, and maintenance across the Greater Boston area with an emphasis on sustainability.

Address 26 Thayer Rd., Waltham, MA 02453

Phone 781-788-8855

Website ayardandahalf.com

Services Landscape Design, Hardscaping, Organic Lawn Care, Patios, Driveways, Retaining Walls, Irrigation, Planting, Tree Care

Service Area Arlington, Belmont, Brookline, Burlington, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton, Roxbury, Somerville, Waltham, Weston

Google Rating 4.7 ⭐ (12 reviews)

BBB Rating A+

Licensed & Insured Yes

Pricing $5,000–$15,000 (repair, small walkways, plantings) · $15,000–$25,000 (patio, retaining wall, drainage) · $25,000–$50,000 (extensive patios, regrading) · $50,000–$100,000 (most full projects) · $100,000+ (major installations)

Best For Homeowners who want a full-service company with a sustainability focus, transparent pricing ranges, and ICPI-certified hardscaping expertise. Good fit for organic lawn care.

John's Landscape Service, Inc.

Full-Service · Est. ~1998

A long-established full-service landscaping company based in Arlington with 28 years in business, an A+ BBB rating, and a wide service area spanning 16 towns across the Greater Boston area. Note: Yelp rating is 2.4 stars - read reviews on multiple platforms before hiring.

Address 30 Garden St, Arlington, MA 02474

Phone 781-646-5555

Website johnslandscape.com

Services Landscape Design, Installation, Maintenance, Mowing, Fertilization, Shrub & Tree Care, Mulch, Snow Plowing, Irrigation, Hardscape, Lighting

Service Area Arlington, Belmont, Stoneham, Melrose, Wakefield, Cambridge, Lexington, Woburn, Bedford, Winchester, Medford, Weston, Wellesley, Newton, Concord, Lincoln

Google Rating 4.0 ⭐ (81 reviews)

BBB Rating A+

Licensed & Insured Yes

Pricing "Reasonable prices" per website · Yelp: 2.4 stars (multiple detailed negative reviews)

Best For Lawn mowing and basic lawn service.

Crugnale Associates LLC

Landscaping & Snow Removal

A family-owned landscaping and snow removal company founded by brothers Mike and Chris Crugnale, serving Belmont, Lexington, Concord, Winchester, and surrounding communities.

Address PO Box 48, Lexington, MA 02420

Phone 617-909-8909

Website crugnaleassociates.com

Services Landscaping, Snow Removal

Service Area Belmont, Concord, Lexington, Winchester, and surrounding communities

Google Rating 5.0 ⭐ (3 reviews)

BBB Rating Not listed

Licensed & Insured Not stated on website

Pricing No mention of pricing on website

Best For Weekly lawn maintenance (mowing/trimming) and snow plowing.

Seasonal Landscaping FAQ for Belmont, MA

These are the questions Belmont homeowners most commonly ask about landscaping in our area. Answers reflect conditions specific to eastern Massachusetts.

When should I aerate my lawn in Belmont, MA?

Fall is the best time to aerate a lawn in Belmont - specifically late August through mid-October. Belmont's cool-season grasses (bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass) recover most aggressively in fall, when soil temperatures are still warm but air temperatures have dropped. Aerating in spring is a secondary option but less effective, as grass must compete with weed germination for recovery nutrients.

When should I overseed my lawn in eastern Massachusetts?

Overseed in early September through early October. This window gives cool-season grass seed time to germinate and establish roots before the ground freezes. Pairing overseeding with fall aeration - ideally within a day or two of each other - gives seed the best soil-to-seed contact and significantly improves germination rates.

How much does a patio cost in Belmont, MA?

A basic patio in Belmont typically runs $15,000–$25,000 installed, depending on size, material (concrete pavers vs. natural stone), and site prep requirements. More complex projects - retaining walls, drainage, steps, or regrading - commonly reach $25,000–$50,000. Larger outdoor living spaces with multiple components typically fall in the $50,000–$100,000 range. These figures reflect 2026 Greater Boston labor and material costs.

When do landscapers typically start spring work in Belmont?

Most Belmont landscapers begin spring cleanups and soil preparation in late March to early April, depending on frost depth and ground conditions. Planting typically starts in mid-April through May. If you want spring work done, it's best to book in February or early March - popular companies fill their spring schedules quickly.

What plants work best in Belmont's climate and soil?

Belmont falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. Native plants that thrive here include mountain laurel, native azalea, switchgrass, coneflower, and New England aster. For trees, sugar maple, serviceberry, and American hornbeam handle Belmont's freeze-thaw cycles well. Belmont's glacially deposited soil tends toward clay-heavy in low areas - improving drainage before planting significantly improves survival rates.

Do I need a permit for hardscaping in Belmont, MA?

It depends on the scope. In Belmont, retaining walls over 4 feet in height typically require a building permit. Projects that alter drainage or are near wetlands may require Conservation Commission review. Work within 100 feet of a wetland is governed by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Check with the Belmont Building Department before beginning any significant hardscaping project - requirements can vary by lot and project type.

How much does landscape design cost in Belmont, MA?

Landscape design fees in Belmont typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 for a residential design plan, depending on property size and project complexity. Some firms - including design-build companies - apply the design fee toward the construction cost if you hire them for installation. Many offer a free initial consultation before proposing a design agreement.

What is the difference between a landscape designer and a landscaper?

A landscape designer creates a detailed plan for your outdoor space - assessing site conditions, specifying plants and materials, and producing drawings or renderings. A landscaper typically executes maintenance or installation work. Some companies do both (design-build), while others specialize in one. If you're starting from scratch or want a cohesive vision for your property, begin with a designer before hiring for installation.

How do I verify a landscaper is licensed in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration for residential work over $1,000. You can verify a contractor's registration through the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation at mass.gov/hic. For pesticide application, look for a Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, which is issued by the Department of Agricultural Resources. Always ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance before signing a contract.

About This Guide

Compiled by Zach Rubin, Owner - Moodscapes LLC

Zach Rubin is the owner of Moodscapes LLC, a landscape design firm serving Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Newton, Watertown, and Winchester. Company data in this guide was gathered from Google Maps, BBB.org, Angi, Yelp, and individual company websites in April–May 2026. Ratings and details are accurate at time of research and may have changed. Last reviewed: May 2026.

Ready to Talk About Your Belmont Outdoor Space?

Moodscapes LLC has been transforming outdoor spaces in Belmont and surrounding communities for over 30 years. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your project, your property, and what's possible.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Why Wrapping Trees for Winter Matters More Than You Think

Zach Rubin — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:00:02 GMT

Winter is tough on trees in ways many homeowners do not expect. While your yard may look quiet once the leaves are gone, your trees are dealing with strong sun on cold days, drying winds and sudden temperature swings that can damage bark before spring even gets here.

Striking Winter Landscaping Ideas That Catch the Eye Even in Cold Weather

Zach Rubin — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

When winter settles in and the garden quiets down, it becomes easier to see the underlying structure of your outdoor space. Without summer foliage competing for attention, shapes, textures and materials stand out in a way that feels calm and intentional.

Preparing Your Landscape for Winter: 5 Crucial Tasks Many Homeowners Overlook

Zach Rubin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMT

When late fall settles in and the growing season slows, your landscape enters a stage where small choices have big payoffs. Preparing your landscape for winter is not about rushing to finish chores before the first frost.

7 Festive Christmas Plants and Flowers (That Aren’t a Poinsettia)

Zach Rubin — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Poinsettias may be the first Christmas flower most people think of, but they’re far from the only way to bring life into your home at Christmas time. The holiday season is filled with plants that bloom in winter, stay bright when daylight fades or offer green foliage when everything outside feels bare.

How to Create a Long-Lasting Landscape for Your Home That Thrives for Generations

Zach Rubin — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 14:15:00 GMT

A beautiful landscape shouldn’t look its best only in its first few years. Too often, fast-growing plants or poorly chosen layouts lead to outdoor spaces that quickly feel dated or difficult to maintain. What starts as a showpiece can become a chore — the opposite of what a well-designed landscape should be.

How to Prune Young Trees and Shrubs the Right Way to Prevent Damage and Boost Growth

Zach Rubin — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:30:01 GMT

When you plant young trees and shrubs, the first instinct is often to let them grow naturally. They look delicate, and it feels counterintuitive to start cutting them back.

How to Design a Year-Round Landscape That Dazzles in Every Season

Zach Rubin — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:00:02 GMT

When most New England landscapes shut down for the winter, it’s easy to think gray skies and bare branches are unavoidable. But the best landscapes never really go dormant.

Erosion and Drainage Solutions to Protect Your Yard from Water Damage

Zach Rubin — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 17:00:00 GMT

When heavy rain falls, most homeowners focus on protecting their homes, but their yard often takes the hardest hit.

Home of Landscaping Services for Eastern Massachusetts

Beginner's Guide to Gardening in Massachusetts

Belmont, MA Landscaping: 10 Best Companies Compared (2026)

Belmont, MA Landscaping Companies: 10 Options Compared (2026)

Comparison Table - Belmont, MA Landscaping Companies

Where Are These Companies Located?

How Do You Choose the Right Landscaper in Belmont, MA?

Belmont, MA Landscaping Companies - Full Profiles

Moodscapes LLC

Mendoza Landscaping

Rudy Landscaping LLC

D. Muzzioli Associates

Waverly Landscape Services

Roberto Affordable Land & Tree Service

Rose Landscaping LLC

A Yard & A Half Landscaping Cooperative

John's Landscape Service, Inc.

Crugnale Associates LLC

Seasonal Landscaping FAQ for Belmont, MA

About This Guide

Compiled by Zach Rubin, Owner - Moodscapes LLC

Ready to Talk About Your Belmont Outdoor Space?

Why Wrapping Trees for Winter Matters More Than You Think

Striking Winter Landscaping Ideas That Catch the Eye Even in Cold Weather

Preparing Your Landscape for Winter: 5 Crucial Tasks Many Homeowners Overlook

7 Festive Christmas Plants and Flowers (That Aren’t a Poinsettia)

How to Create a Long-Lasting Landscape for Your Home That Thrives for Generations

How to Prune Young Trees and Shrubs the Right Way to Prevent Damage and Boost Growth

How to Design a Year-Round Landscape That Dazzles in Every Season

Erosion and Drainage Solutions to Protect Your Yard from Water Damage