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Moodscapes LLC
Deck or Porch - Build or Replace, Designer - Landscape, Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping,
About us
We create and maintain landscapes that are people and pet friendly to promote health and happiness using an ecological approach. These landscapes are designed to be sustainable and low maintenance for you to enjoy throughout the season for years to come. We work in teams of 3 in the field to provide personal service and take great pride in knowing that our staff is educated with the most relevant certifications. Cost is determined by job size. We service Arlington, Belmont, Winchester, Lexington, Newton, Watertown, Medford, Concord, Brookline, Cambridge, Needham and surrounding Massachusetts areas.
Business highlights
28 years of experience
Services we offer
Ecological, decks, fences and more., installation, maintenance and fine gardening. Landscape installation projects can range from simple plantings to complete design renovations that include masonry, sustainable and healthy landscape design
Reviews
4.7119 Reviews
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 84% | ||
| 8% | ||
| 5% | ||
| 2% | ||
| 1% |
Showing 51-75 of 119 reviews
Fran L.
Jun 2014
Very disappointing experience. Met in March to discuss scope of work and shortly thereafter signed the contract and provided a $1000 deposit (of $2000 total cost) for a design plan. Target in the contract was 6-8 weeks to complete the drawing. We went back and forth a few times to discuss plot plans and surveys through April, and by mid June we still had nothing to show for our deposit. Again - $2000 and only for the drawing. I can't give a grade any lower than a C because Judi was always very polite and responsive when I followed up. Was also polite and prompt when returning our deposit. I further can't judge her work because I didn't get a chance to see it. I would recommend having a back up plan if you choose this company as I imagine they overextend their seasonal commitments.
Response from Moodscapes LLC
"I am very sorry that this situation occurred. When we met to discuss what [member name removed] and her family wanted for their yard I suggested a master plan so that they cjould have a complete plan and then do the work in stages according to their budget. I explained what a master plan was, the process, and time line. Ialso explained that I would need a scaled plot plan to measure the property from since their property lines were not clear cut. We signed the contract and I put them on the schedule. We signed the contract at the end of March. The week of April 17, I let her know that we would be measuring the following week and asked her for the plot plan. I went to the Lexington Town Hall; and the registry of deeds in Cambridge to look for one. There was one in Cambridge but it wasn't scaled and accurate and Lexington had nothing. I informed [member name removed] of these circumstances on the 18th of April and suggested getting a survey. It turns out they were away and on May 5th I emailed her to further explain the situation and ask her how she wished to handle it. ON the 7th she sent me some maps she found on line and I said that I would try to measure with them to see what I could do. I was backed up at that time and wasn't able to measure until May 28th. We went to her house that day and tried to use the map information , however, the scale was off and the information was incomplete. We spent a few hours trying to work with it and realized that the grades and boundaries were too confusing and that any plan we did would be lacking in accuracy . At that time, I suggested a survey again and got a proposal for her from a surveyor who I trust. She gave him the go ahead on May 30th . I told her it would take 2 to 3 weeks. ON the 17th the surveyor told me he would have the survey done the following Monday. I told her once we had it, we would make it top priority and would have it done around the 4th, hopefully before. At that point she expressed her frustration, which I totally understand, and decided to cancel the contract. I feel bad, since I would have enjoyed working with [member name removed] and her family. The land was unusual and had a lot of potential. However, without a scaled plot plan or survey, I found it impossible to do accurately. IN hindsight, I should have made sure that I had a scaled plot plan in hand when the contract was signed and at that time ask for the survey instead of waiting until we went to measure. We very rarely, not meet our deadlines with master plans. We usually have the initial plan done in 4-6 weeks giving us time for the review meetings and revisions that need to take place in order to be ready for the landscape installation. When it comes to scheduling clients, we do not take on more jobs than we know we can realistically accomplish within the season. Again, I apologize for this occurrence."
Jan E.
Apr 2014
unknown
Laura W.
Dec 2013
We had a competitive bid process for the major landscaping/hardscaping project two years ago. Judi was by far our favorite and easily won our business. It was a very extensive job and Judi was incredible at coordinating a myriad of workers and keeping things on time. She was very creative in her approach and respected our budget in her decision making. She is easy to work with, very accessible and responsive, and a perfectionist in her execution. She had great ideas, we discussed them together, and she was onsite to review the work by her team. We are delighted with her work! We've had numerous people walk by and compliment our front landscaping!
Her annual maintenance is also very good. She does a thorough job with the pruning and clean-up. Her team is very responsive and hard working.
We've been extremely pleased with our ongoing relationship with Moodscapes and have recommended them to others.
Her annual maintenance is also very good. She does a thorough job with the pruning and clean-up. Her team is very responsive and hard working.
We've been extremely pleased with our ongoing relationship with Moodscapes and have recommended them to others.
JACQUELINE B.
Oct 2013
We had previously had another well know landscaper re-lay our brick patio after having construction work on the back of the house. Â Besides coming out to price the job, the owner of the company paid little attention to the job being done. Â Poor soil was used in our new garden area. Â The result was a patio that needed to be replaced after less then 8 years, because of bad drainage.
Judith took several photos of our landscape around the house to assure that her plans would fit in with the rest of the area. Â Â
Judith is much more of a "hands on" landscaper. Â She frequently came when the work was being done to ensue that the plans were being followed, and the work was done properly.
The blue stone patio looks wonderful. Â
The next week, the bed was prepared and the plants were installed. Â Judith was very agreeable regarding our request for a specific mulch. Everything looks so beautiful! Â Judith was present for the actual plantings, and made certain they were positioned correctly and, for the tree, that it was planted at the proper depth. Â We could not be happier with her selection of plants. Â She made sure the area will have something of interest for each season. Â The plants she chose complement each other very well. Â SHe also was careful to include some of the plants from the previous garden. Â She carefully set them aside until they were ready to be planted, and managed to incorporate them into the new garden plan. Â When we looked at the area the following morning, we could not believe how lovely it is.
Her crew also are very knowledgeable. Â A neighbor gave us irises from her mother's garden with a print out of instructions. Â One of the crew read through the 3 pages and planted them for us. Â He went over a few points with us for the maintenance. Â
We are very pleased with the outcome of the project and would highly recommend Moodscapes.
*Update 10/16/2013*
I wrote a previous review based on the initial planning and the new patio. That was before the planting. Well the plants are in, and I am amazed about how wonderful everything looks. I am very impressed with Judith's knowledge of plants and what will work best.. I was even more amazed when I woke up this morning and saw how everything came together. She gave us a photo and description of the suggested plants, and took into consideration a variety of colors and textures that would add interest throughput the seasons. We are very pleased with the result.My previous experiences with landscapers was that they would come out for the choice of plants, then send a "crew" out to plant them. Often it seemed that these crews knew little more than how to dig a hole, and place the plant in it.Judith was here for the whole time while the planting was done. She not only made sure the plants were properly placed, according to the plan she designed, she adjusted the plants based not only on the shape of the plant itself, but also made sure the root ball was at the proper height. The tree she picked has the most beautiful colored leaves in the fall. When the smaller plants were brought in, along with the original plants that we returned to the garden, she worked on the placing them to make sure everything looked well together and would continue to complement each other after they began to grow. Her crew also seemed to know what they were doing. A neighbor had given us several irises she had just divided, along with a print out of how to plant them. This was all given to a member of her crew who read the instructions and planted them in the front of the house for use. He even told us what the print out said, and removed the mulch from the area, since these plants should not be mulched.Speaking of mulch, we have had issues with mulch we had in the past. When we requested a specific type of mulch, Judith was very accommodating.We would certainly use this company again, and would highly recommend them to others.
Judith took several photos of our landscape around the house to assure that her plans would fit in with the rest of the area. Â Â
Judith is much more of a "hands on" landscaper. Â She frequently came when the work was being done to ensue that the plans were being followed, and the work was done properly.
The blue stone patio looks wonderful. Â
The next week, the bed was prepared and the plants were installed. Â Judith was very agreeable regarding our request for a specific mulch. Everything looks so beautiful! Â Judith was present for the actual plantings, and made certain they were positioned correctly and, for the tree, that it was planted at the proper depth. Â We could not be happier with her selection of plants. Â She made sure the area will have something of interest for each season. Â The plants she chose complement each other very well. Â SHe also was careful to include some of the plants from the previous garden. Â She carefully set them aside until they were ready to be planted, and managed to incorporate them into the new garden plan. Â When we looked at the area the following morning, we could not believe how lovely it is.
Her crew also are very knowledgeable. Â A neighbor gave us irises from her mother's garden with a print out of instructions. Â One of the crew read through the 3 pages and planted them for us. Â He went over a few points with us for the maintenance. Â
We are very pleased with the outcome of the project and would highly recommend Moodscapes.
*Update 10/16/2013*
I wrote a previous review based on the initial planning and the new patio. That was before the planting. Well the plants are in, and I am amazed about how wonderful everything looks. I am very impressed with Judith's knowledge of plants and what will work best.. I was even more amazed when I woke up this morning and saw how everything came together. She gave us a photo and description of the suggested plants, and took into consideration a variety of colors and textures that would add interest throughput the seasons. We are very pleased with the result.My previous experiences with landscapers was that they would come out for the choice of plants, then send a "crew" out to plant them. Often it seemed that these crews knew little more than how to dig a hole, and place the plant in it.Judith was here for the whole time while the planting was done. She not only made sure the plants were properly placed, according to the plan she designed, she adjusted the plants based not only on the shape of the plant itself, but also made sure the root ball was at the proper height. The tree she picked has the most beautiful colored leaves in the fall. When the smaller plants were brought in, along with the original plants that we returned to the garden, she worked on the placing them to make sure everything looked well together and would continue to complement each other after they began to grow. Her crew also seemed to know what they were doing. A neighbor had given us several irises she had just divided, along with a print out of how to plant them. This was all given to a member of her crew who read the instructions and planted them in the front of the house for use. He even told us what the print out said, and removed the mulch from the area, since these plants should not be mulched.Speaking of mulch, we have had issues with mulch we had in the past. When we requested a specific type of mulch, Judith was very accommodating.We would certainly use this company again, and would highly recommend them to others.
KATHLEEN M.
Oct 2013
She arrived on a very rainy Saturday and we went around the yard and she took photographs. i was primarily interested in the back yard but she book photoraphs of the entire yard. She then sent a proposal which was very nice. I didn't end up doing the project because other projects took priority, but I liked her very much and thought she seemed very knowledgable and professional..
Robert P.
Oct 2013
It all went extremely well! Â Judi was very prompt and professional throughout, did a great job running a few designs by us after an initial discussion at our house, integrated our feedback into a new design and then came over to our house again to walk us through the plantings she proposed, which included her showing us exactly what the plants would look like with pictures (hard copies and from her laptop). Â During that visit, we changed out a few plants based on the discussions, which she then incorporated into the plans and sent updated pictures as well. Â Once we agreed on all of the plantings and made some minor adjustments to the original quote, which was all reasonable given an increase in scope, she and her crew installed everything in short order, and did a really great job, including working with our irrigation company to move around some zones and install drip irrigation based on specfications she provided them. Â As she was doing that, I asked her to add some additional mulch in a few places as well. Â The entire job was done very well, from start to finish, and she really customized everything to our preferences. Â For instance, we agreed to put down natural cleft bluestone, however my wife and I don't like pieces with a rust color to them, so she went with her subcontractor and picked through the bluestone to only get the colors we liked. Â We also asked that she match the back granite steps to our existing front and back granite steps and fascia, and she ensured that they did match. Â As mentioned above, she modified her plantings to match our preferences as well. Â
Overall, it was a great experience, we think she did a great job with all of the design work to our specifications, and installation, we love how everything looks now and would definitely use her again, and recommend her to others.
Overall, it was a great experience, we think she did a great job with all of the design work to our specifications, and installation, we love how everything looks now and would definitely use her again, and recommend her to others.
Bernard S.
Oct 2013
The project went very smoothly & in a very timely manner. Judi, her own crew & all the specialists she had come to work in their particular area of expertise were a pleasure to work with. Judi was totally honest & upfront with us if there were any delays or slight problems. We have a 1-acre lot, so this was a large project & something in which we had never before been involved. All along the way, we felt comfortable with the work that was being done. Now that the project is finished, we get tremendous enjoyment from the outside of our home which also provides lovely views from the inside of our home. Everyone who has seen our front & backyards has been very impressed.
Jennifer G.
Sep 2013
Judi was great to work with. She listened to our needs, she drew up plans, and made adjustments when we requested them. We have a very small space, so it seemed as if we had few options. But what she came up with transformed our outdoor space. She works with very skilled colleagues (carpenters, mason, fence builder) and it shows. The work doesn't come cheap, but the value is high and the final product is great. Again, Judi was a pleasure to work with. Even though the project wound up costing more than we anticipated at the beginning, she kept us informed all of the way through. We highly recommend her.
Stephanie C.
Jun 2013
It was fine but a little slow. I think she was so inundated with the big deal and had a high volume of customers. We loved the plan she drew up for us but it was out of our price range. If we were ever looking for work to be done we would contact them for possible service.
Theodore W.
May 2013
They honored the deal.
Drew K.
May 2013
The service providers had to postpone and re-schedule the initial visit on several occasions. Once the visit occurred, the person was not very knowledgeable about existing trees, shrubs and ground cover. There was a long delay to get the plan. The plan documented the existing state without much in regards to potential improvements. Overall, this seemed like a solicitation for additional services rather than an attempt to proved a meaningful landscape design.
Response from Moodscapes LLC
"When meeting with the client he requested detailed plant information, which I, as a highly educated landscape designer, provided. I am sorry if the information wasn't clear enough. The client did not want a complete planting plan, but rather removal suggestions, how and where to move plants, as well as where and what plants to add to the front yard. I provided all of the information they wanted plus pruning information for the current overgrown plants."
BARBARA H.
Apr 2013
The owner came to my house, asked about my ideas for landscaping and favorite plants, took notes, and then met with me later on with her suggestions. The suggestions all seemed really nice but would cost about $3,000 for her company to do the actual landscaping. I asked her if she could do anything for $1,000, and she said (politely) no.
Response from Moodscapes LLC
"[member name removed], thank you for the honest review of your Big Deal experience. Please let us know if there is anything we can assist you with in the future."
Eric S.
Apr 2013
I was not a fan of the guilt trip/sales pitch that came with it ("I get paid nothing for doing this; Angie's list keeps all the proceeds. I only make any money if you buy additional services"). It may be true, but it was certainly a turnoff.
The plan is nice to look at, and incorporated much of what we'd discussed. However, it also missed a few items discussed, as well, and there was no follow-up. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time and money..
The plan is nice to look at, and incorporated much of what we'd discussed. However, it also missed a few items discussed, as well, and there was no follow-up. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time and money..
Response from Moodscapes LLC
"(deleted member name), I worked hard to incorporate your ideas into the plan I gave you. I was able to give you all the components of the Big Deal and I apologize if our meeting came across as a guilt trip sales pitch, it was not meant to be such. I hope you can understand the diligence all of us at Moodscapes exerted in order to schedule and meet with the over 90 Big Deal purchasers in a timely manner. We have a good reputation and work hard to please all of our clients with high quality work."
Jon S.
Mar 2013
Very Friendly and responsive, and the work was well done and beautiful. Would definitely use these services again.
Smita W.
Jan 2013
She took pictures but lost them. She was not too responsive. We got the plan but decided not to use this company for the work.
Response from Moodscapes LLC
"(deleted member name), thank you for the review and opportunity to design a plan for your yard. It was also a pleasure to do the maintenance work which, you hired us for. Please understand the diligence all of us at Moodscapes exerted to take care of all Big Deal purchasers as best we could. We hope you enjoy your plan and that you find some one who you wish to work with to implement the plan. Please let us know if we can assist with any other projects in the future."
Laura O.
Dec 2012
The plans and plant info were very detailed. Unfortunatley the cost to go w/them for the installation was too high for our budget. We did use the plans to plant the garden ourselves and were very happy with how it turned out. Bottom line, we got what we paid for with the Big Deal and were happy with the plans we received.
Response from Moodscapes LLC
"(deleted member name), thank you for the positive review and honest assessment of your Big Deal purchase. I am happy to hear you planted the garden areas yourself and that you were happy with the outcome. Please let us know if there is anything we can assist you with in the future."
Dan M.
Nov 2012
As part of an Angie's List Big Deal, the owner came over and gave us a plan for a few parts of the yard. They were great ideas, but we simply couldn't afford to implement them. She was thoughtful and helpful, though, and if we had the money, we would have loved to use her services.
Response from Moodscapes LLC
"(deleted member name), thank you for the honest and positive review of your Big Deal experience. Please let us know if there is anything we can assist you with in the future."
Marie T.
Nov 2012
drJudy is a professional and overall things went very well.
I am an experienced gardener with above average knowledge about plants. I wanted an plan with originality and uncommon plants and I wanted to work with a real gardener, not a mow 'n and blow crew.
Judy and her company Moodscapes met my requirements. She was also able to deal with my wish to be involved in the project, my unsolicited opinions and distracting questions.
She keeps a close eye on her affable crew of workers. The crew does not waste your time or money; they work. They are prompt and give you a full's days work
The site was left clean every day: no trash, tools or anything half done.
Judy was responsible and whatever didn't work out was fixed or replaced. Despite my reservations, a variety of shrub was planted in a dry site. They did not thrive. The next season she removed them and replaced them at no cost. An expensive tree was not a good specimen; she replaced it . By the way, plants are living things and there is always some uncertainty about their immediate future after planting. The homeowner has to trust that the landscaper will deal with the occasional weak plant or wrong location. The landscaper has to trust (hope?) that the homeowner will water and care for the investment well
She subcontracted the precast stone driveway. The subcontractor did an excellent job.
There were a couple of rough spots. I had the original consult in the fall and wanted the project to start in early spring so the plants would have a chance to get established. Things got started later than I would have wished.
The original plan for the driveway made it just a little too narrow, and we had to widen it a few feet in the spring. I wondered whether that could have been avoided. But it was easily fixed for not much money.
Two and half years after the orginal installation, I look at my front garden and handsome driveway and can say I am very pleased with Moodscapes.
I am an experienced gardener with above average knowledge about plants. I wanted an plan with originality and uncommon plants and I wanted to work with a real gardener, not a mow 'n and blow crew.
Judy and her company Moodscapes met my requirements. She was also able to deal with my wish to be involved in the project, my unsolicited opinions and distracting questions.
She keeps a close eye on her affable crew of workers. The crew does not waste your time or money; they work. They are prompt and give you a full's days work
The site was left clean every day: no trash, tools or anything half done.
Judy was responsible and whatever didn't work out was fixed or replaced. Despite my reservations, a variety of shrub was planted in a dry site. They did not thrive. The next season she removed them and replaced them at no cost. An expensive tree was not a good specimen; she replaced it . By the way, plants are living things and there is always some uncertainty about their immediate future after planting. The homeowner has to trust that the landscaper will deal with the occasional weak plant or wrong location. The landscaper has to trust (hope?) that the homeowner will water and care for the investment well
She subcontracted the precast stone driveway. The subcontractor did an excellent job.
There were a couple of rough spots. I had the original consult in the fall and wanted the project to start in early spring so the plants would have a chance to get established. Things got started later than I would have wished.
The original plan for the driveway made it just a little too narrow, and we had to widen it a few feet in the spring. I wondered whether that could have been avoided. But it was easily fixed for not much money.
Two and half years after the orginal installation, I look at my front garden and handsome driveway and can say I am very pleased with Moodscapes.
Paul R.
Nov 2012
They were good to work with. We didn't end up hiring them for the job.
Nancy S.
Nov 2012
Looked beautiful, to start. Found out that the workers had essentially pushed some of the rubble from the yard behind our shed (discovered this later, did not tell them about it, so Judith really had no chance to respond to this, to be fair.) Some of the perennials did not come back this summer, likely not enough sun to support the choice of plants, though some did do well. The work was done over 2 days and they cleaned up (aside from what I mentioned above.) The area that they cleared still has some weeds that keep popping up and needs regular weeding to keep them in check. plan
Carmen A.
Oct 2012
She did what she said she would and provided a layout and did all of the work which included reseeding the grass in my tiny yard with organic grass. It seems to have a lot of clover in it, but I see less weeds which I really like.
I though she was expensive and kind of hard to schedule with since she was so busy, but she was willing to work with me. She's laid back and very comfortable to talk with. It was a good decision to work with her, just not the outcome I expected.
I though she was expensive and kind of hard to schedule with since she was so busy, but she was willing to work with me. She's laid back and very comfortable to talk with. It was a good decision to work with her, just not the outcome I expected.
Response from Moodscapes LLC
"(deleted member name), thank you for your honest feedback, it was a pleasure working with you on your yard. As you know we were very busy with over 90 Big Deal customers to schedule, meet with, and design for which, was the reason for scheduling delays. If you ever need further assistance with implementing the plan or if you would like to talk about your expectations further, I'd be glad to talk."
Zhenghong T.
Oct 2012
This was my first time use a contractor from Angie's list. This was my first time use Big deal!
Overall we had very good experience with designer Judith.. She did excellent job for us. She designed front plant beds for us. She also provided very useful education on plants selecting, maintenance.
Since fall is best season for planting, we made our plant beds per her design. Our neighbors were so pleased and appreciated design.
We are looking forward to next spring.
Overall we had very good experience with designer Judith.. She did excellent job for us. She designed front plant beds for us. She also provided very useful education on plants selecting, maintenance.
Since fall is best season for planting, we made our plant beds per her design. Our neighbors were so pleased and appreciated design.
We are looking forward to next spring.
Ariella F.
Oct 2012
Judith was a pleasure to work with. She was always responsive and very helpful. In particular, she had a "vision" of what we should do for our landscaping, and made it happen. The people she works with are also wonderful. They were hard workers and very polite.
Daniel O.
Oct 2012
Judi did a good job listening to our needs and creating a design. She is warm and polite and puts her all into her work. Her team worked hard, fast, and with high quality to get the job done.
Judi came back after the job was done to add some plants where things didn't meet our expectations. She did not charge us extra for this wrok.
Overall, we were happy with the experience and the results.
My only complaints about Moodscapes are that they aren't cheap and Judi, while extremely nice, can be a little forgetful and disorganized.
Judi came back after the job was done to add some plants where things didn't meet our expectations. She did not charge us extra for this wrok.
Overall, we were happy with the experience and the results.
My only complaints about Moodscapes are that they aren't cheap and Judi, while extremely nice, can be a little forgetful and disorganized.
Adriaan L.
Sep 2012
We have been very happy with the entire experience. Judi spent a lot of time with us talking about what we wanted and the kinds of plants we liked and came up with a fabulous plan that we are very excited about. We were a bit indecisive about how much of the installation we wanted to do this year, and they were very patient and accommodating. The first phase of the installation went off without a hitch--Jesse and his team were very courteous, hardworking, and neat. The entire job was done in 2 days. They relaid a patio that had sunk and was generally filthy and in poor shape and several neighbors assumed we had put in a new patio. We installed trees outside our eating nook, dining room, and kitchen sink windows, and it's amazing how it has completely changed the feel of the house overnight. We had a bad rainstorm the night after they left and some of the grass seed was washed away. Jesse came by a few days later and put down some new seed in the spots for us at no charge. Overally it was a great experience and we plan to use moodscapes for our maintenance and to gradually install the rest of the plan over the next few years.
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FAQ
Moodscapes LLC is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.
No, Moodscapes LLC does not offer free project estimates.
No, Moodscapes LLC does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Moodscapes LLC does not offer a senior discount.
No, Moodscapes LLC does not offer emergency services.
No, Moodscapes LLC does not offer warranties.