Groundswell Landscape LLC
Local business · 79 Central St, Georgetown, MA 01833, USA
Their work
46 photosReach out
Call (978) 273-0870Visit websiteSee on GoogleYou reach them directly — we don’t take a cut.
Verified record
- Not rated by the BBB
- 1 review in the last 6 monthsNo negatives
- 18 customer photosOf completed work
Highlights
- Design-led process — reviewers credit tailored plans over stock layouts
- Owner-run design — the founder leads projects personally
- Five-star Google record — 23 ratings, none below five stars
- Single-scope outdoor builds — hardscape, planting and drainage handled together
- Wide service area — 15 towns published from one Georgetown base
- Remodeling scope — architectural remodeling is stated only by the company
Twenty-three Google ratings, none below five stars — and what the people behind them describe isn't a crew that turned up and spread mulch. It's a designer who worked on the yard on paper first. Groundswell Landscape LLC runs out of 79 Central St in Georgetown, at the edge of the Merrimack Valley. Its own site describes a design-build shop: landscape architecture, hardscaping, patios, retaining walls, drainage, gardens, irrigation, lighting, outdoor structures, poolscapes and architectural remodeling, all moved through a consultation-design-build sequence. The company says it was founded and is owned by Shane Mahoney, who took a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from UMass Amherst in 2004 and started Groundswell after heading the landscape design-build department at an established North Shore company; by its own account he is a member of the Boston Society of Landscape Architects. No founding year is given. The through-line across 15 reviews spanning 2021 to 2026 and four sources is the design half of design-build. A homeowner writing in June 2026 called hiring Mahoney one of the best decisions they had made for their property — he took the time to understand what they wanted, then brought ideas and practical recommendations they would not have arrived at on their own. That pattern holds through the older history too, which leans toward full projects and return visits rather than one-off cleanups. Two things are worth raising before you call. The service area the company publishes is wide — Beverly, Marblehead, Swampscott, Lynnfield, Peabody, Salem, Nahant, Andover, North Andover, Haverhill, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Newburyport and Gloucester — so if your house sits at the far edge of that map, ask how site visits and crew days actually get scheduled. The other is scope: architectural design and remodeling is the company's own description of what it offers, while the customer history that exists describes landscape and hardscape work, so pin down who carries the building side of any project that crosses indoors. Groundswell is listed as a member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. Massachusetts does not require home improvement contractor registration for landscaping-only work, so its absence here is not a mark against them. This is the right call for a homeowner who wants a plan before a price — a patio, a retaining wall, a planting scheme meant to look better in year five than in year one — rather than the cheapest crew with a skid steer. Get the design scope, the phasing, and a written budget on paper before the first shovel goes in.
Read the comments
Most recent comments
- 5.0Jun 29, 2026
Working with Shane Mahoney of Groundswell Landscape LLC has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our property. From the very beginning, he took the time to understand our vision while also providing creative ideas and practical recommendations that we never would have considered on our own. The design is both beautiful and incredibly well thought out. Every part of the landscape feels intentional. From the placement of trees and shrubs to the selection of perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers. The balance of color, texture, seasonality, and long-term growth was carefully considered, creating a landscape that already looks fantastic and will only become more impressive as it matures. What really stood out was Shane’s knowledge of plants. He selected varieties that fit our property, sunlight conditions, and overall goals, while creating a landscape with interest throughout all four seasons. We now have an incredible collection of flowering trees, evergreens, ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, native perennials, and groundcovers that complement one another beautifully. Throughout the projects (large front ornamental plant bed and natural bluestone patio in the backyard) he was professional, responsive, and genuinely passionate about his work. Questions were answered thoroughly, changes were discussed thoughtfully, and it was clear he cared just as much about the finished result as we did. The installation quality has been excellent, and it’s obvious that attention was paid to every detail. Even as the landscape continues to establish itself, we’re already receiving compliments from neighbors and visitors. If you’re looking for a landscape designer who combines creativity, horticultural expertise, and professionalism, I would recommend Shane without hesitation. He transformed our property into something that is not only beautiful today but has been designed to continue improving for years to come. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, and we look forward to watching everything grow and mature over the coming seasons. - Tony
— Tony PView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Dec 12, 2025
We had an exceptional experience with Groundswell Landscape LLC. From start to finish, Shane Mahoney and his team brought creativity, craftsmanship, and true professionalism to our project. We asked them to design and build an outdoor room—an extension of our home—and they exceeded every expectation. The scope was landscape design, hardscape installation, and planting installation. Our new outdoor room was created with granite curbing and full color bluestone slabs, beautifully tiered beds, and nestling of our own boulders and rocks in a way that felt both natural and artful. The design was centered around how we wanted to use the space: a gathering space with a circle of Adirondack chairs, anchored between two productive apple trees. The transitions from the outdoor room into the surrounding woods are seamless, and the selection of drought-tolerant, native plants gives us foliage, texture, and color through all four seasons. The crew’s attention to detail and meticulous work truly set them apart. We couldn’t be happier with the result—Groundswell created a space that is both functional and stunning; we’ve had a million compliments. Highly recommend!
— Gretchen HoverView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Apr 30, 2025
I had a large, mulched area in desperate need of design and planting. Shane had a great design vision and worked with me to create a plan within budget. He was attentive and great to communicate with and he got the job done quickly! A gem.
— Ann MosbyView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Jul 29, 2024
It was a pleasure working with Shane and his crew on our backyard project and we couldn’t be happier with the results! His knowledge is extensive and the thoughtfulness he applies to the design process is impressive. He considers how the client will use the space, and then factors in important details like the amount of sun/shade, drainage, seasonal changes and when to use evergreens, maturity and aging process, etc. He knows the region and selects native plants that will thrive. Shane gave us different price point options and helped us prioritize the various components of the project and stay in budget. We are thoroughly enjoying our new patio, garden area, hot tub, and beautiful landscaping that now surrounds the back of the house. Highly recommend Groundswell Landscape!
— Valoree YoungView on Google Reviews ↗ - 5.0Sep 28, 2023
Anyone can design landscaping and yards. Shane knows how to think through every variable and how to ensure you only do the right version of what you should do when designing landscaping and yards. He is the best landscape architect in north Boston. This comes from me and my neighbors. Whether big or small, he is the best at talking through, designing, and executing (at a meticulous level). This kind of person is so hard to find, but Shane is a high performer in everything he does and will make you feel comfortable throughout the entire process and have you hearing yourself saying “it’s Shane, I trust him 100%” and not regret it.
— Mike ManziView on Google Reviews ↗
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Update history
Added 15 new comments, added 46 new photos, established rating 4.0
- behind the score: Wide service area — 15 towns published from one Georgetown base
What does landscaping cost in Greater Boston?
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Groundswell Landscape LLC. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$50 – $70
Typical landscaping service around $60