Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Ground Effects Landscaping. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$50 – $70
Typical landscaping service around $60
Ground Effects Landscape & Design, based in East Brookfield, built its reputation on stonework — walls, walkways, and patios built from stone and granite — alongside standard landscape design and planting. The clearest picture comes from three Houzz reviews, all dated February 2016 but unusually specific. One customer, working with the company since 1991, describes nearly yearly projects on a 26-acre Paxton property: stone walls, an 8,000-pound elm tree planting, a fire pit, and two outbuildings. Another hired the crew for a front-garden overhaul — a brick walkway and granite fixtures — then returned for a blue stone patio and fire pit. A third simply calls the stonework unusual and built for the long haul. All three land at 5 stars. The business holds an active Massachusetts home improvement contractor registration and belongs to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals. Its Better Business Bureau profile is A+ rated, and it has been BBB Accredited since 2021. The written reviews on file are all from February 2016 — worth asking what the crew and lead times look like today. For a property that needs real hardscaping — stone walls, patios, walkways — alongside routine landscape design, this is a company with a documented, if dated, track record for exactly that kind of work. Confirm current availability and pricing before booking.
I had the good fortune to meet Mark Lavigne in 1991 when I began construction of my home, which sits on 26 acres in Paxton, MA. and required serious landscaping. Since then there have been almost yearly projects of stone walls, plantings ( including 8000 lb elm trees), firepit, hot tub, two outbuildings all of which have exceeded my expectations. I provide only the basic guidance, stand back and enjoy the results. Most all of the plantings were designed to mature and grow into the landscape so the property looks like it has been manicured over generations. I have complete trust in the capability, expertise and most of all the integrity of the team at Ground Effects. There are very few contractors that I have met that I can say that about without any hesitation.
The best in the business. Great design work; responsible; and true professionals. The stone work they have done is not only unique and out of the ordinary, but architecturally stunning and built for the next generation. The landscaping work and the design they provide (along with the installation) is exceptional. Elegant designs that are harmonious with the area and also the architecture.
I have had Ground Effects complete two major outdoor projects for me. The first was a complete overhaul of my front garden area that included the removal of an established tree and the installation of a brick walkway, gardens and granite fixtures. The project took less time than was estimated and the result is absolutely beautiful. It adds so much to the curb appeal of my home and requires very little maintenance or upkeep on my part from year to year. This past summer, I hired Ground Effects to add a small blue stone patio and fire pit to my existing backyard. Again, the work was outstanding and exceeded my expectations. I now have a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing addition to my outdoor landscaping, and can expand my hostessing repertoire! When designing the spaces, Mark met with me to discuss the benefits of certain features of the projects and gave me options depending on what my budget was at that time. I admired his depth of knowledge about plantings and his vision in terms of landscape architecture. Josh and his crew were respectful, efficient, technically proficient, and cleaned up after themselves every day. Working with them was a pleasure!
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Detailed craftsmanship5.0
Custom sheds5.0
Fence & carpentry work5.0
Wood and block retaining walls4.9