Landscape laborers in Massachusetts typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Specialized work like masonry or landscape architecture ranges from $100 to $250+ per hour. However, most projects are quoted as a flat total based on scope, materials, and site conditions rather than hourly rates. We provide a clear, itemized proposal after the on-site walkthrough.

General planting and lawn care do not require permits. However, retaining walls over a certain height, significant grading changes, hard-piped gas fire pits, and any work within 100 feet of wetlands require approval from the Dover Conservation Commission or Building Department. Given how much of Dover falls near conservation land, we check buffer zones before designing any project.

Landscape design is the planning and drafting phase — creating blueprints, master plans, and material specifications for your outdoor space. Landscaping (or landscape construction) is the physical labor of building what the design calls for: moving earth, installing hardscape, planting, and grading. A design-build contractor like D & M handles both under one roof, so the vision translates directly into the build without handoff gaps.

Landscape designers in Massachusetts typically charge between $75 and $150 per hour, with comprehensive residential master plans ranging from $2,000 to $6,000+ depending on property size and complexity. At D & M, design is integrated into the project — you're not paying a standalone fee for drawings that sit on a shelf. The design becomes the build plan.

No plant is completely deer-proof, but deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents, fuzzy leaves, or toxic sap. In Massachusetts, popular deer-resistant landscape plants include boxwood, peonies, bleeding hearts, catmint, spirea, ornamental grasses, and lavender. For Dover specifically, where deer pressure is heavy, we design plantings around these species and can install protective netting during the establishment period.

A ground-level patio typically does not require a building permit in Dover. However, if the patio is raised, includes a retaining wall over 3 feet, features a hard-piped gas fire pit, or is located within 100 feet of a wetland, you will need permits from the Building Department or Conservation Commission. We review requirements during the planning phase.

Because of deep winter freezes, the best base for a New England patio is a minimum of 6 to 8 inches of compacted dense-graded crushed stone (3/4-inch minus or process gravel), topped with 1 inch of concrete sand as a setting bed. This depth prevents frost heave, ensures proper drainage, and provides a stable foundation that lasts decades. We never cut base depth short.

Standard weekly mowing, edging, and blowing in Massachusetts runs between $150 and $300 per month depending on lot size. Comprehensive programs adding fertilization, pruning, and seasonal cleanups range from $400 to $800+ monthly. Dover's larger lots typically fall toward the higher end. We quote based on your property's actual needs after a walkthrough.

The active season runs roughly April through November. For major hardscape or design-build projects, calling in winter or early spring gets you on the schedule for the season you want. Dover projects often involve Conservation Commission review, which can add 8 to 12 weeks to the timeline — another reason to plan early.

Verify Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor registration, liability insurance, and workers' compensation. Ask for local references from similar Dover properties. Request a detailed, written proposal. Ask whether they use their own crews or subcontract — D & M does everything with our own team. And for Dover specifically, ask about Conservation Commission experience — it matters here more than most towns.

Yes. D & M Landscape and Construction is fully licensed and insured for all landscape, hardscape, and masonry work across Massachusetts. We provide documentation during the consultation.