Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Rue Sherwood Landscape Design. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Estimated range
$50 – $70
Typical landscaping service around $60
Rue Sherwood Landscape Design is an Ipswich-based landscape architecture practice built entirely around design and oversight — Rue Sherwood, who the firm's site says holds a Masters in Landscape Architecture from Harvard's Graduate School of Design, designs North Shore properties' patios, stone walls, walkways and plantings, then manages the outside contractors who build them rather than building the work herself. The written record, all from 2015 through 2017, describes substantial, high-end projects. A 2015 review detailed a complete landscape design and installation on a new-construction home — a tiered terrace with New England field stone walls, patios, a stone stairway, driveways and irrigation. A 2017 review described overgrown tree and bush removal with Rue present daily to coordinate the subcontractors doing the work. Several reviewers, homeowners among them, single out the same thing: she listens carefully to what a client actually wants before designing around it, on properties ranging from a small patio near Salem Common to several acres of secluded land beside a private pond. Two of the positive accounts on her profile are worth reading differently — one explicitly identifies its author as a landscape contractor who worked alongside her, and the profile's own credit list names a mason among the reviewers, so those read as professional endorsements rather than homeowner reviews, even though most of the record is unmistakably clients describing their own projects. The credentials are substantial: Certified Landscape Designer through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, a Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional designation, NOFA-accredited organic land care certification, and a 2017 Boston magazine "Best Landscape Architect, North" nod. One thing worth asking about directly: every written account on file dates to 2015–2017, so there's nothing here describing more recent work. For a homeowner planning a substantial landscape design — not just installation — on the North Shore, this is a well-credentialed, thoughtfully reviewed choice; just ask to see more recent project photos or references given how dated the written record is.
“Rue Sherwood Landscape Design, LLC 225 Argilla Rd Ipswich, MA 01938 www.ruesherwood.com [email protected] 978-500-3131”
Rue recently helped us landscape several acres of secluded land adjacent to a large private pond on the North Shore. She listened carefully to our vision and preferences (simplicity, ease of maintenance,etc.) and developed an approach that took all of our thoughts into careful account. We also had a budget we were determined to stick to. The result was superb, on time and within budget. Rue identified appropriate plantings (she knows the local critters very well and steered us away from stuff that would end up as deer munchables) and designed a lay-out that integrated seamlessly into the natural surroundings. She's also been by several times to check on how things were going and growing. She clearly loves her work and is a pleasure to deal with.
Rue is a delight to work with, not least because her ideas reflect an understanding of my goals (she's a good listener!) as well as an understanding of what will actually work in my environment.
Rue was professional, timely and listened deeply to our desire for beauty and need for efficiency . She was present with the subcontractors daily and communicated well before, during and after the project completion. We had Rue complete overgrown tree and bush removal, and replace a dated sidewalk and stonework. I enjoy it every time I walk out my door and seek peace in my yard!!!
We worked with Rue on a complete landscape design and install on a new construction home. The project entailed tiered terrace with New England field stone walls, patios, stone step stairway, parking areas, driveways, planting design and selection, and irrigation. She was responsive and detail oriented. She has a great aesthetic sense and works well with homeowners. In the end, the house and landscape looked like it had always been there and meticulously cared for.
As a landscape contractor who has worked with many landscape designers over the years I can honestly say that the project we did with Rue was an excellent experience. The plans were accurate and she was on site or in contact every day majking sure there were no issues. I would highly recommend that anyone looking for landscape design contact Rue for an initial consultation. John Filias, MCLP Jeffreys Creek Land Contractors, Inc. Essex, Ma
Specializes in
Also offers
Service area
Languages
2 changes recorded — last scanned Aug 9, 2026.
4.5