Build Your Outdoor Space with Structure and Style
At JRD Landscape Design, we believe that the foundation of a truly exceptional outdoor space lies in expert landscape construction. Serving the greater Boston area and the South Shore of Massachusetts, we bring structural integrity, artistry, and long-term performance together to deliver outdoor environments that are as beautiful as they are built to last. Whether you’re envisioning a serene backyard retreat, a sophisticated entertainment area, or a practical upgrade to your property’s function and flow, our construction team has the expertise, equipment, and experience to make it a reality.

What Is Landscape Construction?
Beyond Aesthetics: The Role of Land Engineering
Landscape construction is far more than laying down stone or planting shrubs—it’s about shaping land to work in harmony with your lifestyle, property, and the unique challenges of New England’s terrain and weather. At JRD, we specialize in the design and execution of landscape construction projects that integrate seamlessly with the existing architecture and topography of your site. From the initial excavation to the final finish of a hand-laid stone patio, every step is carried out with attention to detail and a commitment to structural excellence.
Cohesion Between Structure and Design
Our construction philosophy emphasizes durability and design cohesion. A successful outdoor build begins with a stable base and proper land engineering, yet it also requires a clear design vision that reflects the client’s preferences and how they intend to use the space. Our crews are trained to bridge the technical with the aesthetic, ensuring that retaining walls, stairs, pavers, and terraces not only function flawlessly but also feel like natural extensions of your home. Clients often describe our work as transformational because we don’t just install features—we reimagine how each inch of a property can serve a purpose, whether for relaxation, entertainment, or beauty.
Adapting to Unique Property Challenges
We also recognize that every property comes with its own set of challenges. From sloped lots that require engineered retaining structures, to coastal homes facing erosion or seasonal flooding, our team applies time-tested solutions and modern innovation to stabilize and enhance the site. We use laser-leveling technology, drainage modeling software, and geotechnical best practices to make sure your outdoor investment stands the test of time.. From sloped lots that require engineered retaining structures, to coastal homes facing erosion or seasonal flooding, our team applies time-tested solutions and modern innovation to stabilize and enhance the site. We use laser-leveling technology, drainage modeling software, and geotechnical best practices to make sure your outdoor investment stands the test of time. While others may rely on guesswork or shortcuts, JRD follows a rigorous process to ensure long-term performance.
Core Components of Landscape Construction
The construction itself involves a range of services that form the backbone of your landscape. These include grading and soil compaction to ensure proper water runoff and structural integrity, building patios and walkways from concrete, pavers, or natural stone, and constructing walls that both retain soil and define the space visually. We specialize in segmental retaining walls, dry stack stone, and mortared masonry, depending on the desired look and load-bearing needs. Each build is rooted in engineering calculations to ensure safety and code compliance.
Infrastructure That Enhances Functionality
Lighting infrastructure is also integrated at the construction phase. This includes laying conduit for low-voltage lighting, preparing junction boxes, and coordinating power sources so that your finished landscape can be safely illuminated. Similarly, we provide trenching for utilities such as irrigation systems, outdoor kitchens, and gas lines for fire features. These installations are often overlooked during early planning but can dramatically affect the usability and value of the space. We proactively coordinate these systems to avoid costly retrofits or disruptions later on.
Softscapes and Environmental Integration
Beyond the hardscape, we also prepare and install softscape features that enhance the finished product. This includes soil amendment, lawn preparation with hydroseeding or sod, and foundational planting beds that frame the hard elements with texture and color. These components, while often considered decorative, also play an important role in stormwater management and erosion control. By integrating vegetation with functional grading and retaining structures, we promote healthy drainage patterns that protect your home and landscape investment.
Comprehensive Services with Regulatory Expertise
The advantage of hiring JRD as your landscape construction contractor is that you’re gaining a team that not only builds but also foresees future challenges and integrates design thinking into every inch of the process. We are deeply familiar with Boston’s permitting requirements and zoning codes, and we often liaise directly with municipalities to secure permits for retaining walls, tree removal, curb cuts, and utility installations. Our clients appreciate that they don’t have to navigate these bureaucracies on their own—we handle it all, streamlining the path from design to delivery.
Sustainability and Low-Maintenance Innovation
We also bring in sustainable practices wherever possible. This includes recommending permeable paver systems that reduce runoff, using recycled base materials when appropriate, and incorporating native plants into softscape design to lower maintenance needs. For clients interested in LEED or environmentally conscious construction, we can tailor our recommendations accordingly and provide documentation for green certifications.
Results That Stand the Test of Time
Clients consistently report that the end result of their landscape construction project with JRD far exceeded expectations not just in visual appeal, but in overall property value, usability, and comfort. The enhanced outdoor experience—whether it’s enjoying dinner under a pergola, hosting gatherings around a fire pit, or simply walking safely down a well-lit pathway—adds immeasurable quality of life and curb appeal. And because we’ve engineered it from the ground up, that experience endures for decades.

Our Landscape Construction Process
Site Evaluation and Custom Solutions
Our approach to landscape construction starts with understanding your vision and the specific needs of your property. For many homes in Boston and along the South Shore, issues like poor drainage, steep slopes, or outdated hardscapes can limit usability and increase maintenance headaches. Our team carefully evaluates your site to recommend smart solutions—whether that means regrading the land for better runoff, installing robust drainage systems, or constructing retaining walls that create level, usable spaces while adding aesthetic value. These foundational elements are often overlooked by homeowners, but they are critical to the longevity and success of any landscape construction.
Collaborative Design and Material Selection
JRD Landscape Design is not just another landscape construction contractor. We pride ourselves on being collaborative partners in the design-build process, taking time to educate our clients and help them make informed decisions about materials, layout, and functionality. We don’t push cookie-cutter designs or upsell unnecessary features. Instead, we tailor every construction plan to the client’s preferences, site conditions, and long-term goals. For example, we often work with clients who are interested in natural stone for patios and walkways, but unsure about the difference between granite, bluestone, and concrete pavers. We provide side-by-side comparisons, explain the maintenance implications, and help select materials that balance style, durability, and budget.
Behind-the-Scenes Engineering That Makes a Difference
In addition to hardscape features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls, our construction services include full-scale grading and site preparation, outdoor kitchen installations, landscape lighting infrastructure, utility trenching, and erosion control. These are the behind-the-scenes elements that define a truly professional outdoor environment. Too many landscape contractors focus on surface-level aesthetics without giving due attention to structural support and drainage management—a shortcut that can result in settling, cracking, or water pooling within just a few seasons. At JRD, we take a holistic approach, ensuring that your outdoor space performs as well as it looks.
Serving Boston and South Shore Homeowners
Expert Construction for Diverse Terrain
For homeowners searching for “landscape construction near me” or seeking a reliable contractor to handle complex terrain and custom designs, our team is equipped with the machinery, training, and foresight to handle projects of all sizes. Whether we’re transforming a steep, unusable hillside in Milton into a multi-tiered garden with stone retaining walls and integrated lighting, or converting a flat, underutilized yard in Hingham into a cohesive living space with a fire feature, outdoor kitchen, and drainage swales—our craftsmanship speaks for itself.
Reliable Project Management and Transparent Communication
Many clients come to us after being frustrated with unreliable contractors or projects that quickly fall into disrepair. Our difference is rooted in process. We begin every job with a detailed site analysis, take care of all necessary permitting, and create a construction schedule that is both transparent and realistic. Our crews work respectfully on-site, keeping disruption to a minimum and communicating progress at every stage. This commitment to professionalism is one of the reasons we’ve earned the trust of discerning homeowners across Boston and the South Shore.
Built for Longevity
Quality Materials and Construction Standards
The durability of any landscape construction project also hinges on material selection. We only work with top-grade materials that we trust, sourced from local and regional suppliers with a track record of quality. From frost-resistant mortars and concrete mixes to high-strength geotextiles used in drainage and wall stabilization, we ensure that every product used on your property contributes to the long-term success of the build. Unlike competitors who may cut costs with lower-quality materials or subpar installation techniques, JRD is committed to engineering excellence from the ground up.
Clear Estimates and Phased Planning
Because landscape construction is a major investment, we know that clients often need guidance in understanding costs, timelines, and phasing options. We provide detailed estimates that break down each aspect of the job, helping clients prioritize must-haves versus future add-ons. Our design team works hand-in-hand with our construction crews to phase projects logically and efficiently, allowing for smooth transitions from planning to execution. For those looking to stage their projects over time, we help design a master plan that enables future upgrades without disrupting existing work.
Superior Client Experience
Transparent Communication from Start to Finish
Another critical aspect where many other companies fall short is communication. We have developed a customer experience system that keeps you in the loop with progress photos, check-in calls, and a clear project dashboard that tracks milestones. You’ll never be left wondering what’s next or who to call. Our project managers are your single point of contact, and they’re empowered to make on-the-spot decisions to keep things moving. This agility means less downtime and a smoother experience from start to finish.
A Trusted Landscape Construction Contractor
Searches for “landscape construction contractor” often yield a long list of options, but very few bring together design, engineering, and project management with the level of detail and integrity that JRD Landscape Design does. Our background in landscape construction gives us a unique edge—we don’t just build what’s on the page; we refine it with site sensitivity, design foresight, and construction know-how. This results in outdoor environments that feel intuitive, timeless, and naturally integrated with the property.
Designed for New England Living
Built to Withstand Boston’s Climate
We understand the climate challenges of the Boston area and the diverse terrain across South Shore towns. Our methods are tailored to resist frost heave, channel water appropriately, and manage grade transitions with both visual grace and structural resilience. From the first trench to the final planting bed, our goal is to deliver a result that is not only beautiful on Day One but holds up beautifully for decades to come.
Get Started with JRD Landscape Design
At JRD Landscape Design, landscape construction is not just a service we offer—it is the cornerstone of what we do. If you’re a homeowner looking for a trusted partner to bring structure, value, and design clarity to your outdoor space, we invite you to contact us today for a consultation. Whether you already have a landscape plan or are starting with a blank slate, we will guide you through the process with care, professionalism, and unmatched attention to detail. When you search for “landscape construction near me,” we want JRD to be the name that stands out—because we don’t just construct landscapes, we build enduring outdoor legacies. Call (617)784-5032 or click here to request a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typical landscape construction project cost in the Boston or South Shore area?
The cost of a landscape construction project varies widely based on factors such as site conditions, materials, complexity, and the scope of work. On average, projects can range from $20,000 for basic patio and grading work to over $100,000 for multi-feature builds that include retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, drainage systems, and lighting. At JRD, we provide detailed, transparent estimates so you know exactly what you’re investing in and can phase your project over time if needed.
Do I need permits for landscape construction on my property?
In most cases, yes—especially for retaining walls over a certain height, site regrading, or any work that impacts utilities, drainage systems, or tree removal. Our team is well-versed in Boston and South Shore permitting requirements and handles all necessary paperwork, inspections, and municipal coordination on your behalf. We ensure every project complies with local codes and regulations, so there are no surprises along the way.
How long does landscape construction typically take from start to finish?
Most projects take between 3 and 8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the job, as well as weather conditions and permitting timelines. Simpler installations like patios and walkways may be completed more quickly, while large-scale builds with grading, walls, and custom features can take longer. At JRD, we provide a clear construction timeline upfront and maintain open communication throughout the process so you always know what to expect.