# Echobrook Nursery

**Trade:** Landscaping · **Address:** 1120 Grafton St, Worcester, MA 01604 · **Phone:** (508) 791-5939 · **Website:** http://echobrooknursery.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.4/5** (high confidence) — from 47 reviews across 6 sources.
79% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 2 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

Echobrook Nursery is a Worcester nursery and landscaping business at 1120 Grafton Street, operating since 1996 under owners Howard and Francine Shear. Its own site describes landscape design and construction, planting, grading, drainage work, lawn and hardscape installation, maintenance, and a year-round nursery and garden center. A Reddit post also points to its indoor tropical-plant selection, while BBB lists the business as a plant nursery and gives it an A+ grade, noting that it is not accredited.

Customer feedback is substantial but mixed. Recent 2025–2026 Google reviewers repeatedly describe helpful plant-care advice, broad plant and shrub inventory, rare plants, mulch delivery, and knowledgeable staff; the business has 47 quoted reviews in its all-time record and a 4.4-star Google aggregate from 129 ratings. Several older reviews raise concrete concerns about pricing, service interactions, refund or exchange handling, an alleged payment error, pest-infested plants, and soil quality, so those issues are worth discussing before a purchase or landscaping engagement.

Echobrook looks best suited to homeowners seeking plants, nursery supplies, landscape planning, planting, lawn or hardscape work, and ongoing garden help. Confirm the exact scope, materials, delivery terms, and warranty or exchange policy before booking, especially where a project involves substantial trees, shrubs, soil, or installation work.

**Strengths:**
- Plant selection — reviewers praise broad and unusual inventory
- Plant advice — customers cite helpful, knowledgeable guidance
- Mulch delivery — a reviewer reports reliable repeat deliveries

**Concerns:**
- Pricing — some reviewers describe items as expensive
- Service interactions — several reviews report uncomfortable or unpleasant encounters
- Returns and payments — reviews allege exchange, refund, or payment problems
- Plant and soil quality — reviews report pests and contaminated soil

**Where sources disagree:**
- BBB's A+ grade is not a customer-review star rating and the profile states the business is not accredited.
- Google's 4.4-star aggregate coexists with several detailed negative reviews, including complaints about service, payment handling, plants, and soil.

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- The business is located in Worcester and has operated since 1996 under Howard and Francine Shear. _(confidence: high)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/plants/comments/1ng4q2l/local_nursery_haul/) — “r/plants — Just got this massive Alocasia and Pothos for $80. If you’re in the central MA area go check out Echobrook Nursery in Worcester…t…”
- The business provides nursery services and landscaping including design, planting, grading, drainage, lawn, hardscape, and maintenance work. _(confidence: high)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/plants/comments/1ng4q2l/local_nursery_haul/) — “r/plants — Just got this massive Alocasia and Pothos for $80. If you’re in the central MA area go check out Echobrook Nursery in Worcester…t…”
- BBB lists Echobrook Nursery as a plant nursery with an A+ grade and no accreditation. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plant-nursery/echobrook-nursery-0261-217920) — “Better Business Bureau grade: A+”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plant-nursery/echobrook-nursery-0261-217920) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): Plant Nursery”
- Customers describe helpful plant advice, broad inventory, rare plants, and reliable mulch delivery. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21KcVZEaE5jSFJQVTB0WlRYQnJaa3RYU0dWak9FRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmJqVDhNcHRPU0tZTXBrZktXSGVjOEE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Francine was incredibly helpful and explained how to care for the perennials I selected. The outside inventory of shrubs, flowers, plants…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2t4blZISldWRTFvU1ZCMk1rdFVjbUV3YUU1eVNrRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkxnVHJWVE1oSVB2MktUcmEwaE5ySkE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “4★ Stopped in on a whim, they had the rare plant I wanted”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tKQlRraEdaRkJYVG14WUxXWlZaMlp0VTNWRE5YYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkJBTkhGZFBXTmxYLWZVZ2ZtU3VDNXc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I stopped in today to get information about repotting my Bonsai tree.  I was greeted by some great people and got some very good advice. …”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2toelZUTlpTWE5qTlVVNVdEaE1abU53TTBJNVdHYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOkhzVTNZSXNjNUU5WDhMZmNwM0I5WGc%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ I have been twice now. The first time I was looking for a Swedish ivy plant and some other cat safe house plants. They had so many to cho…”
- A Worcester Reddit post recommends the nursery's tropical plant selection. _(confidence: medium)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/plants/comments/1ng4q2l/local_nursery_haul/) — “r/plants — Just got this massive Alocasia and Pothos for $80. If you’re in the central MA area go check out Echobrook Nursery in Worcester…t…”
- Reviews include complaints about pricing, service interactions, refund or exchange handling, payment processing, plant pests, and soil quality. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pGQlJrOUplSHBmZUhsU04xbzBkMVIyYTJ4NVJWRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjFBRk9JeHpfeHlSN1o0d1R2a2x5RVE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “4★ Lots of nice gift items but I feel they're a bit overpriced. I was there mainly to get a tree. 5.5' tall with nice, stiff branches for $9…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VNSDM0NGlJOWRyMlRnEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEMH344iI9dr2Tg%7C%7C?hl=en) — “2★ The plants were nice, but the service was a bit sketchy! They were a little expensive, but decently priced to a plant novice like myself.…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4enNfSU9BEAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICxzs_IOA%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ My Go To Nursery. Always the loveliest Plants and Flowers, Along with Employees that are always very Helpful.”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURSaDZ5ZWxBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDRh6yelAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ The best landscaping supplies flowers, plants and trees”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURSNHZyZWhBRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDR4vrehAE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ It’s like I died and went to plant heaven. So many cool pots and beautiful unique plants! The store reveals itself best on the second flo…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNCdHJXVzR3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x116eca6e6c1c6bee!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICBtrWW4wE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ We loved the selection of plants. As notorious plant killers we received so much help and guidance. Really looking forward to coming back…”
- Google lists 4.4 stars from 129 ratings; the packet includes 47 reviews across six sources. _(confidence: high)_
  - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Echobrook%20Nursery&query_place_id=ChIJB-ghmKwI5IkR7mscbG7KbhE) — “Google: 4.4★ from 129 ratings”
- Specializes in Landscaping _(confidence: high)_
  - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/plants/comments/1ng4q2l/local_nursery_haul/) — “r/plants — Just got this massive Alocasia and Pothos for $80. If you’re in the central MA area go check out Echobrook Nursery in Worcester…t…”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plant-nursery/echobrook-nursery-0261-217920) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): Plant Nursery”

## Ownership

- Identifies as family-owned — the business's own statement, not independently verified.

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://contractorhub.mass.gov/s/hic-contractor-search

## Sources

- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Echobrook%20Nursery&query_place_id=ChIJB-ghmKwI5IkR7mscbG7KbhE): 4.4★ from 129 ratings
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Echobrook%20Nursery&query_place_id=ChIJB-ghmKwI5IkR7mscbG7KbhE): Listed on this source
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/worcester/profile/plant-nursery/echobrook-nursery-0261-217920): Listed on this source
- [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/plants/comments/1ng4q2l/local_nursery_haul/): 1 community mention discussing this business
- [Official Website](http://echobrooknursery.com): 30 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details
- [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/echobrook-nursery-pfvwus-pf~2015387663): Listed on this source

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “Just got this massive Alocasia and Pothos for $80. If you’re in the central MA area go check out Echobrook Nursery in Worcester…their entire upstairs in tropical plants of all ages and sizes.” — u/MyNameIsSpiders in r/plants (2025-09-13) — https://www.reddit.com/r/plants/comments/1ng4q2l/local_nursery_haul/

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Hannah MacKay · 2026-06-03**: Francine was incredibly helpful and explained how to care for the perennials I selected. The outside inventory of shrubs, flowers, plants, and pots are amazing. Inside the store, there are two floors with indoor plants, pots, and more decor. I will definitely be back to get more beautiful flowers. T…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Blanca Guzman · 2026-05-09**: Beautiful plants, good prices, and the owners are lovely people. I will be back soon.
- **4/5 · Google Reviews · S A · 2025-12-01**: Lots of nice gift items but I feel they're a bit overpriced. I was there mainly to get a tree. 5.5' tall with nice, stiff branches for $94. Still, I'd rather spend my money on a local business instead of a big box store. They said they trimmed the bottom of the tree before putting it into my car but…
- **4/5 · Google Reviews · Mj · 2025-11-09**: Stopped in on a whim, they had the rare plant I wanted
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Christine Marvell · 2025-09-13**: The owners are phenomenal people. They were so helpful and kind prices are really reasonable and their customer service is excellent.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Paul · 2025-07-11**: I stopped in today to get information about repotting my Bonsai tree.  I was greeted by some great people and got some very good advice.  I wish I had stopped in here long ago.  It is a place I have passed by for years. They have the most beautiful plants and shrubs.  The next time you are looking f…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Roberta Moore · 2025-07-09**: I have been twice now. The first time I was looking for a Swedish ivy plant and some other cat safe house plants. They had so many to choose from. The two Swedish ivy plants were droopy. I grabbed one, as having them when I was a kid, I knew it would perk up again. As soon as the lovely lady saw me …
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Andrew Daly · 2025-07-03**: Stopped by while I was in town. Very helpful staff and fun collection of indoor and outdoor plants. Got a cute lil planter decor Donut.
- **2/5 · Google Reviews · Cas C. · 2025-06-05**: The plants were nice, but the service was a bit sketchy! They were a little expensive, but decently priced to a plant novice like myself. They followed us around the entire time we were outside, inside, and upstairs unfortunately. Also, they charge an extra 50 cents for the plastic drip trays </3
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Catherine Walsh · 2025-05-31**: The woman who works there is amazing!

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-08-24T08:53:30.090Z.
Cite as: Echobrook Nursery — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/echobrook-nursery-worcester)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/echobrook-nursery-worcester
