Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Nilsen Landscape Design, LLC. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$50 – $70
Typical landscaping service around $60
Nilsen Landscape Design, LLC is a Marblehead, Massachusetts landscape-design practice led by Andrea Nilsen. The firm's listed work includes landscape and garden design, hardscaping, landscape plans, patios, site planning, outdoor lighting, decks, planting, water features, rooftop decks, and project management; Houzz lists 23 projects and a typical construction budget of $25,000–$250,000, with design and project-management fees separate. The dated customer record is consistently positive. In reviews from 2017–2020, homeowners described backyard redesigns, patios, fire pits, retaining walls, decks, driveways, planting plans, and outdoor living spaces. They repeatedly cited careful listening, practical options, attention to detail, responsive communication, collaboration with contractors, and finished spaces that were more functional and attractive. A 2019 reviewer described work on a sloped yard with an old wall, water issues, and an upper patio; another described converting two small backyards, adding a driveway, and reworking front landscaping. Before booking, confirm the current scope and fee structure: the profile says construction budgets are typical project costs and that design and project-management services are separately priced at 5–15% of construction cost. The public written reviews are substantial but dated, with the newest quoted review from December 2020, so ask for recent examples and current contractor availability. This looks suited to homeowners seeking design-led landscape renovations and coordinated outdoor living projects in the Boston and North Shore area. Confirm the proposed services, construction partner, schedule, and the treatment of design versus project-management fees for your site.
“Nilsen Landscape Design joined the community October ... 8, 2021 ... Nilsen Landscape Design, LLC of Marblehead MA, is hiring a part-time Associate Landscape Designer. We are looking for a part-time Landscape Designer to help us expand both our in- person and remote services. Typical hours ... range from 15-20 hours a week with the opportunity to increase as project volume increases. Please see https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/ ... 738174329/?refId ... HQzhVWQjG ... kq2A ... 3D for the full job description and email info@n ... enlandscape.com to apply”
“When the owners of this Cambridge, Mass. property decided they were tired of the unused strip next to their home they hired Andrea Nilsen of Nilsen Landscape Design to help them reinvigorate the wasted space.”
“4. A kitchen garden. More often seen at the rear of a house, a kitchen garden here is proudly displayed in front. While the picket fence is an expected touch in this Cape Cod’s front yard, raised planters add a more contem porary twist. Nilsen Landscape Design, LLC, original photo on Houzz”
“This rooftop patio area offers an outstanding view of the local skyline. Modern design separates the area into three distinct spaces for living, lounging and dining.”
We can not say enough about Andrea. She is simply amazing. Her talent and attention to detail is reflected in her work. Andrea took our pathetically dull back yard and transformed it into a tranquil, peaceful, and majestically colorful piece of artwork.
Working with Andrea was great. We have a property that has a 40 foot elevation change on a 1/3 acre lot. Nilsen Landscape developed a landscaping plan that transformed our exterior.
Andrea came highly recommended and she did not disappoint. She was very friendly, not pushy but came with good ideas. She listened to us and what we wanted out of space and helped us map it all out.
I was referred to Andrea Nielsen by a general contractor (S+H) who had worked with her in the past, and she came to me highly recommended. My experience was positive since the first interaction. Andrea was very attentive to my needs and listened to the concept we had for our landscaping. After our initial meetings, she came out with a beautiful design that exceeded our original expectations. Andrea worked with us every step of the way and was always aware of our budget when providing options for our selection of materials. She was very responsive to each one of our inquiries and even got answers back to us during her vacation. The process was easy to handle from beginning to end, and we felt that we were being accompanied in every step of this complex process. Andrea spent time with us explaining different options and brought samples that allow us to understand better the different selections. She was also very resourceful to find information about options and questions we have thought for our property and provided useful advice to help guide our decisions. Andrea was very involved in our project, she helped us in selecting furniture and appliances, recommended subcontractors to do other work, and even took the time to upon delivery to personally position every plant according to her layout, and then she personally supervised the planting. Finally, I can say without a doubt that working with Andrea has been one of the most pleasant experiences I had. She is very knowledgeable, has a great ability to explain the technical details behind each decision, and listens to the customer to make sure the space she designs fulfills every need and expectation. I highly recommend Andrea for your landscaping work, I am sure she will be the first person I call for any future project. To finalize, the best way to summarize Andrea's work is to say that after completion of the design Andrea put together, our home feels now complete. Also, all of our neighbors have highly complemented our landscaping work.
We have enjoyed working with Andrea. She is knowledgeable of all aspects of our job. We have a sloped yard, an old wall, and water issues near the house, and an upper patio needing to flow into the new outdoor living space. Andrea provided guidance and great ideas to make our vision of the space a reality. She listens, takes notes, is responsive, and provided options when we were up against our budget. She keeps the job moving, brought in qualified contractors for us to choose from, and is overall easy to work along side. Her fees have always been reasonable and fair. I would hire her again and recommend her without reservation.
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2 changes recorded — last scanned Sep 11, 2026.
Detailed craftsmanship5.0
Responsive communication5.0
Durable stone & block retaining walls4.9