What We Do
Planting Roots in the Community Since 1929
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Our Philosophy
We listen.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing backyard retreat or eager to correct a landscaping problem, our consultants work collaboratively with you to find solutions that work for your lifestyle, your aesthetics, and your budget.
Unlike other companies, there is no “handoff” once a contract is signed. Your landscape consultant will be with you for the whole process, from the first meeting, through every stage of the installation, and for follow-up care.
We’re creative.
Your home is unique, and we do whatever it takes to give you a distinctive space that says “home.” Our projects have included designs around prized artwork, a Ravens themed fire pit, and even a custom iguana habitat!
Our inventive solutions bring your style outside, providing a comfortable, personal extension of your home and a seamless transition from your home’s exterior to your new living space.
We’re experts.
You can rely on our 90 years of experience. Whether your style is trendy or traditional, our staff has the know-how and creativity to transform any design challenge into a “wow.” With the most experienced staff of landscape architects, designers, horticulturists, technicians, nurserymen, and maintenance personal, we can find the best solution for every outdoor situation.
We’re still growing.
With decades of experience there is always more to learn. Our designers and technicians are continually exploring new styles, adopting new technologies…
We want every one of our customers to be delighted.
We’re proud of our work and we believe that our decades of success come from more than just doing a good job. Working in someone’s home is a privilege, and we’re delighted by the trust our customers have placed in us for decades. That’s why we go out of our way to delight our customers. From the big picture to the smallest details, we’re committed to each and every one of our customers being delighted with the design, installation, and maintenance of their home’s outdoor space.
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Our History
In 1929 the McWilliams brothers, James, Robert, and George, formed a partnership selling sod in Timonium. Little could they have known that over 90 years and three generations later, their dedication and hard work would have blossomed into a full service landscape and design company with generations of delighted customers all across Baltimore.
After seventeen years selling and installing sod, James McWilliams and his wife Marion started a small nursery in the Stoneleigh/Idlewood neighborhood in 1946. The nursery quickly became an attraction in the neighborhood, as “Mac’s Azaleas” drew onlookers every Spring to witness the vibrant, colorful blooms.“Mac’s Azaleas” became “Maxalea” and still operates year round in the original Towson location.
Currently owned and operated by Michael, James, Stephen, and David McWilliams, Maxalea continues to be a leader in the landscape industry and is the recipient of many local and national awards.
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We listen. We design. We build. We make life more beautiful.
The outdoor space you’ve dreamed of is easy when you partner with Maxalea. Your experienced, personal landscape consultant gets to know your style and what’s important to you, and stays with you through every step of the process.
Whether it’s a complete redesign or reliable maintenance of a space you already love, partner with Maxalea, and you’ll benefit from our 90 years of success.
- Designs for changing styles and trends
- Cutting edge technologies for efficient, beautiful results
- Time-tested best practices
- Unparalleled attention to detail
- Personal service.
Meet Maxalea
Maxalea has been owned and managed by the McWilliams family for three generations.
Michael McWilliams, President, has over 40 years of industry experience and is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist and Past President of Landscape Contractors Association (1994). Michael holds an associate's degree from the University of Maryland in horticulture.
Jim McWilliams, Executive Vice President, has over 35 years of industry experience and is a Certified Plant Identification Specialist. Jim holds a Certified State of MD Pest Control License and a State of MD Fertilizer Applicator’s License, and is Past President of MNLA (MD Nursery & Landscape Association) 2003-2004 and Past Secretary/Treasurer of MaGIC (MD Green Industry Council). Jim has a B.S. Honors in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley College.
Stephen McWilliams, Vice President and Secretary, has over 30 years of industry experience and is a Certified Professional Horticulturist with a degree in Horticulture from Howard Community College.
David McWilliams, Vice President, has over 30 years of industry experience, is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist, MHIC license holder, holds a MD Department of Agriculture Pesticide License in Turf, Ornamental Tree, and Shrub care, and has a degree in Horticulture from Delaware Valley College.
*The McWilliams brothers pictured: Dave, Jim, Michael, and Steve
Our Landscape Design & Consulting Team
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Doug Sheredos Landscape Architect -
Chad Tipton Landscape Design Consultant -
Brian Brady Landscape Installation Manager -
Rebecca McWilliams Landscape Designer -
Sandy Wicklein Landscape Design Consultant -
Vance Cole Landscape Design Consultant -
Jenny Finn Landscape Design Consultant -
Mark Noll Landscape Design Consultant -
Ryan Brown Landscape Design Consultant -
Chris Schattall Landscape Design Consultant -
Jermaine Roundtree Landscape Installation Supervisor -
Brian Scheck IPM Manager -
Michele Todd Procurement Manager -
Sarah Fondelier Procurement Specialist
Giving To Our Community
Maxalea proudly supports these organizations.
- Angel Park
- The William S. Baer School
- The Baltimore Basilica
- Boys Latin Alumni Association
- Cardinal Crease Club Foundation
- Center Stage
- Loyola Blakefield
- Maryland Sheriff’s Association
- Mercy High School
- Odyssey School
- PHHS Athletic Booster Club
- Pine Grove Elementary PTA
- School Sisters of Notre Dame
- School of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen
- St. John’s Church
- St. Joseph Medical Center
- Stoneleigh Community Association
- Stoneleigh School PTA
- TUMC
- University of Baltimore Foundation
People are Talking About Maxalea
Read Our Testimonials
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"I can confidently say the experience exceeded every expectation I had."Even though this was my first time working with Maxalea, it absolutely will not be the last. I’m already thinking of future projects I’d love to trust them with.- Amy B.
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"We were very pleased with the entire project and would use them again in a heartbeat."First time working with Maxalea and they were terrific. They were very thorough, high quality, fast, and reasonably priced.- John P.
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"We Look Forward to Many More Years Working with Maxalea!"This is the 20th year we have worked with Maxalea, and you have always exceeded our expectations.- The Neales
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"Amazing to Work With!"They installed swales, soil berms, perforated drain pipes, drainage stone filled troughs, and holding areas under ground as well as connecting our sump pump and downspouts into the drainage system. It has been life changing! I no longer fear the rain- Paige B.
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"Consistently Exceeds Expectations!"The landscape teams are professional, hard-working, well-trained, respectful, careful, attentive to detail, thorough, and pleasant.- B.W.
Get Inspired!
View our galleries for ideas of how we can tranform your outside space.