--- title: "Scape-Abilities — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/scape-abilities-pfvwus-pf~2013649835 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013649835.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: Scape-Abilities category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0ac3e708010189b0_3695-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2470 Plainfield Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076, United States" latitude: 40.6379 longitude: -74.3682 phone: "(908) 654-1155" website: http://scapeabilities.houzz.com rating: 4.4 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 80 last_updated: 2026-09-13 --- # Scape-Abilities Original Houzz profile: [Scape-Abilities](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/scape-abilities-pfvwus-pf~2013649835) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** Scotch Plains, NJ - **Serves:** Westfield, Rahway, Maplewood, Scotch Plains, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Summit, Roselle, Millburn, Morristown, Madison, Clark, Short Hills, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Florham Park, Fanwood, Mountainside, Union, Cranford, Springfield - **Houzz rating:** 4.4 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves Scape-Abilities is owned and managed by Stephen Costalos. He has over 25 years working in Landscape Design and is certified with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). He started Scape-Abilities in 1991 to address a need for high quality end to end landscape services in NJ. He is supported by a highly qualified team of Landscape Architects, Designers, Project Managers and Horticulturalists as well as having one of the best and most professional crews in this sector. ### Services Provided - Landscape Construction - Hardscaping - Landscape Maintenance - Patio Construction - Garden Design - Deck Building - Pergola Construction - Paver Installation - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Custom Water Features - Masonry - Outdoor Lighting Installation - Concrete Construction - Outdoor Fireplace Construction - Swimming Pool Construction - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Gazebo Design & Construction - Fence Installation - Landscape Lighting Installation - Brick Masonry - Artificial Grass Installation - Planting - Landscape Drainage System Installation - Irrigation System Installation - Demolition - Pond Construction - Trellis Construction - Custom Putting Greens - Drip Irrigation Installation - Land Leveling & Grading - Sprinkler System Installation - Lawn Care - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Arbor Design and Construction - Decorative Concrete - Organic Gardens - Living Walls - Land Clearing - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Brush Clearing - Artificial Living Walls - Dry Wells - Green Roofing - Automatic Gate Installation - Aluminum Fence Installation - Barn Design & Construction - Chain Link Fence Installation - Aluminum Fence Repair ### Areas Served - Westfield - Rahway - Maplewood - Scotch Plains - South Plainfield - North Plainfield - Summit - Roselle - Millburn - Morristown - Madison - Clark - Short Hills - New Providence - Berkeley Heights - Florham Park - Fanwood - Mountainside - Union - Cranford - Springfield ### Typical Job Cost $20,000 - 500,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Scape-Abilities | | Address | 2470 Plainfield Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076, United States | | Phone | (908) 654-1155 | | Website | http://scapeabilities.houzz.com | | Followers on Houzz | 80 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ScapeAbilities - Blog — www.scape-abilities.com ## Offers 10% Off Landscape Design (valid through May 2018) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Scape-Abilities](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/scape-abilities-pfvwus-pf~2013649835) - **Website:** http://scapeabilities.houzz.com - **Phone:** (908) 654-1155 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - NJ Certified Association of Professional Designers - NJ Licensed Landscape Architect - NJ Licensed Landscape Contractor - Irrigation Association of NJ - NJ Licensed Irrigation Contractor - 5 Time Kitchen and Hearth Presenter - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2017), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) - [Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/association-of-outdoor-lighting-professionals-pfvwus-pf~1830187173) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — Ryan Walsh, June 2018** > We have always had a great experience on all projects from landscaping design and completion, hardscaping, lighting, and property maintenance. The staff is always professional, courteous and responsive. **★ — Andrea Kecskes, April 2017** > This company was recommended by my neighbors. They came out and gave me an overpriced estimate. My yard is on the smaller side and they gave me an estimate for a much bigger yard like my neighbors. There were a couple of services defined on the estimate that did not have detailed description for a price range of $300-$350. When I called them asking for more details and trying to find out if they would offer bi-weekly cutting service for the same price of the weekly service the receptionist told me impatiently that she could not answer my questions and suggested to talk to the person who wrote the estimate. I sent an email and left a voicemail to him not specifying my questions just that I wanted to talk about the estimate he wrote. This is the email I received next morning without having the opportunity to actually discuss anything with him: > Sorry not avail by phone. I am out of the office today > The prices are firm and we do not offer "every other week" cutting. > It sounds like we are not a match to work together. > I wish you the best > > I would not recommend or hire anyone so arrogant like this company. **★★★★★ — mcfamily412, Sept. 2016** > Scape-Ablities designed a beautiful landscape for my front yard. They listened to what I wanted to achieve and delivered a plan above and beyond my expectations. It was a pleasure working with each and every member of this team. I'm thrilled with the final result! My home sits proudly on the hill with its new landscape. **Comment from Scape-Abilities:** > Thank you for your review. We were delighted that you are happy with your project. We really enjoyed working with you. **★★ — deanadw, April 2016** > I was very pleased with how the "hardscaping" part of the project turned out, but had mixed feelings about the landscaping and about the follow through in general. One of the reasons I chose Scape-Abilities was because they seemed more willing to work with/around some of the plantings I already had than some of the other landscaping companies I considered. However, when the project manager suggested a new skip laurel in my front yard (a perfectly ordinary looking bush) in place of a bank of irises I'd had for 20 years, I gave the okay ONLY because he assured me he would divide the irises and plant them around the yard to ultimately give me more. In the end, one small clump of irises remained (in the backyard - a less visible and less sunny location that has not been very conducive to continued growth. The rest were thrown away, before he told me he'd been unable to incorporate them after all. It's been almost 5 years since I had the work done, but it still irks me me everytime I see irises in bloom. **Comment from Scape-Abilities:** > Thank you for your review. It is our goal as a company to try to ensure that all our customers needs are met we apologize that you feel your requests were not followed as you wished. **★★★★★ — williamwolf71, March 2016** > Everyone is so professional and attentive. They really care about getting the job done right the first time. It was a pleasure to work with all of them. **★★★★★ — KCH Contracting LLC, Nov. 2015** > We are an award winning remodeling company and recently worked with Scape-Abilities on a beautiful front porch and veranda where they used natural stone. They are known in our community for doing great work and it was a pleasure working with them. **★★★★★ — Jerome Kern, Jan. 2015** > Steve, Cara, and Mark are fantastic. They approached our project with insight and practicality. They were very responsive to our questions and were actively engaged throughout the entire period of work. We are looking forward to working on our next project with them in the new year. **★★★★★ — cvgr, July 2014** > We have worked with Dave Ruckman and the Scape-Abilities crew for landscaping and lawn maintenance for many years. At our previous home they also put in fencing. We are extremely happy with them and would definitely recommend them to others, **★★★★★ — tmeylor, May 2014** > We chose Scape-Abilities from among 5-6 landscapers recommended by our landscape designer, Susan Fraser. Steve came and walked the proposed project, had an estimate which was on the lower side of all the estimates we received and when we chose him, he provided a starting date very quickly. He executed the plan in the fall and returned in the spring to finish the job as we desired. **★★★★★ — safetypro2000, May 2014** > The project was to fill in an old well house foundation, create a water feature and provide plantings and screening for all of it then set a timber foundation for a greenhouse. We had a broad based idea of what we wanted but no real design in mind. We wanted professional design, concepts, and a company capable of completing the project in its entirety with no subcontractors except electrical as needed. > > Scape-Abilites provided not one or two drawing concepts but several and also guided us as to the clear differences of each. The designs were top quality yet varied enough to give us a wide range of project cost to choose from. We chose an outstanding two level water feature and the landscaping plan with stone walks, perimeter, and edging. > > The work included extensive stone work done by experienced and detailed stone masons who cut & shaped the large stones into exact measurements that were on the plans. The landscaping was perfect and matched the plans exactly as drawn. The layout was checked and re-checked for accuracy by the project manager (and architect of the drawings) daily. The The finished project was outstanding and better than we imagined it would be. These are true professionals delivering solid value for the project cost. > > This whole experience from start, concept, work done, and final details all exceeded what we had hoped for. Best of all was the professional, helpful, and sincere managers, designer, and crew that wanted to make sure we were pleased with the outcome; and we are. **★★★★★ — billfoster3, May 2014** > I can't rate Scape-Abilities high enough. We had a very extensive project that we were doing from scratch and were stuggling mightily with. They came in and immediately had great ideas for each and every aspect of the project....layout, plantings, lighting, patio, fences....everything. Their ideas were fabulous and the execution of the plan was flawless. Our property has gone from a bland landscape to an oasis that we absolutely love. ## Selected projects - [Pools & Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pools-and-water-features-pj-vj~151843) - Location: Short Hills, NJ - Photos: 11 - Description: These pool projects give you an insight into the options that are available to bring your pool landscaping to the next level. We work with our customers to provide the most innovative solutions to match their particular requirements. - [Fit Pits & Outdoor Fire Places](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fit-pits-and-outdoor-fire-places-pj-vj~771596) - Location: Westfield, NJ - Photos: 8 - Description: Fire pits and outdoor fire places add a whole new dimension to a yard providing a year round location for outdoor living and entertaining. - [Plantings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plantings-pj-vj~2743097) - Location: Westfield, NJ - Photos: 11 - [Patios & Walkways](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patios-and-walkways-pj-vj~493561) - Location: Westfield, NJ - Photos: 8 - Description: From the large poolside patios and indoor-door living spaces to the more intimate entertaining spaces we have ideas that will suit everyones needs. - [Historic Yard Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-yard-restoration-pj-vj~2295982) - Location: Westfield, NJ - Photos: 6 - Description: The yard in this 1860's farm house had been neglected for many years. The new owners wished to restore it to it's former glory. In the front yard the design needed to incorporate the large Oak and Sweet Gum trees. A dry laid stone wall was built to provide a natural break from the sidewalk and give the yard a more private feel. New beds and plantings were installed to define the shape of the yard and a new walkway was installed from the front of the house. In the rear yard a retaining wall was b… - [Design and Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/design-and-build-pj-vj~761326) - Location: Westfield, NJ - Photos: 11 - Description: This project was completed in 2015 in Westfield NJ. We worked with the homeowner to redesign all aspects of the yard. It is an expansive yard with several different zones. he design involved dealing with each of these areas and tying them all together to ensure that the final product will look like a mature yard highlighting the interesting features of the home. - [Planters](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/planters-pj-vj~751657) - Location: Westfield, NJ - Photos: 5 - Description: Planters can be used on patios, entryways and decks to provide instant color and interest to a space. They are designed to suit the specific space and season. - [Design Process](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/design-process-pj-vj~2743183) - Location: Scotch Plains, NJ - Photos: 10 - Description: From concept to completion, we design and build unique exclusive projects for each individual client. Our process includes: Initial Consultation Concept Drawings Refinement and Landscape Master Plan Estimate/Cost Schedule Material Selection and Final Construction of Project. [See all 8 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/scape-abilities-pfvwus-pf~2013649835) ## Ideabooks - [Intimate dining](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105713647/list/intimate-dining) — 9 ideas - [Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102235079/list/fireplace) — 5 ideas - [Garden entry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56610773/list/garden-entry) — 6 ideas - [Natural stone retainer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64409020/list/natural-stone-retainer) — 8 ideas - [Rustic walkway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64409360/list/rustic-walkway) — 11 ideas - [Porch Heater](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58940382/list/porch-heater) — 4 ideas - [Patios / Walks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/58939843/list/patios-walks) — 15 ideas - [structure](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47297228/list/structure) — 29 ideas [See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/scapeabilities) ## Community Q&A **Q: Is this patio a full circle or partial, what is the radius?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The patio is a full circle but the border breaks for a path and grill area. The 26' diameter is full though. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-13.*