Family-Owned, Expertly-Operated

The Landon J Reeve IV Story

Landon J. Reeve IV was more than the founder of Chapel Valley Landscape Company—he was a true pioneer who shaped the professional landscape management industry as we know it today. When he started Chapel Valley in 1968, landscape management was often seen as a labor job rather than a profession. Landon saw an opportunity to change that perception, building a company that emphasized skill, knowledge, and professional standards. He helped establish landscape management as a respected field, setting high standards for both the quality of work and the professionalism of those within

Landon J. Reeve IV founded Chapel Valley Landscape Company not only as a business but as an embodiment of his vision for beautiful, sustainable landscapes and a strong professional standard in the field he loved. 

Starting with a green Volkswagen Bug, a small patch of land in Maryland, and a team of three, he turned his passion into a thriving company with a reputation for excellence. 

Chapel Valley grew from a local landscape business to a regional leader, trusted with high-profile projects like the Hirshhorn Museum and the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Each of these projects reflected Landon’s belief in “doing it right the first time, or not at all” and in showcasing the artistry of landscape design.​

Safety and Standards: Pioneering Industry Protocols

Beyond Chapel Valley’s success, Landon’s industry influence was vast. As president of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, he advocated for formal training programs, certifications, and safety standards to elevate the profession. He saw these programs as essential for building a workforce that was knowledgeable, skilled, and proud of their work. His leadership encouraged a new generation of landscape managers to think of themselves as professionals who could make a lasting impact.

Landon’s dedication to safety was groundbreaking at a time when formal safety protocols in landscape work were rare. He saw the need to protect his employees from the potential hazards of outdoor, physically demanding work and introduced structured safety training long before it became industry-standard. This focus on safety extended to the adoption of personal protective equipment (PPE) policies, machine operation protocols, and training in best practices for fieldwork. Landon’s early advocacy for safety transformed how landscaping companies approached risk, leading to fewer injuries and setting a new standard for the industry.

Mentorship, Collaboration, and Legacy

Landon also pioneered mentorship and collaboration, fostering a culture of openness in an industry that had often been competitive and siloed. Known for his generosity, he shared business insights and best practices with peers, treating his competitors as colleagues. His reputation as a mentor grew, with countless industry leaders crediting him for his guidance and support. This approach not only strengthened individual careers but also raised the collective standard of the landscape management industry

As one of his close friends described, Landon always carried a “quiet confidence” and treated everyone with respect, whether they were just starting out or leading multimillion-dollar companies. He was passionate about elevating landscaping to a respected profession, and this dedication earned him the title of a true gentleman and pioneer​

Even after his retirement, Landon continued to give back, serving on the American Horticultural Society board and overseeing Chapel Valley’s contributions to River Farm. His legacy lives on in the landscapes he shaped, the people he mentored, and the family and community that carry forward his vision. Chapel Valley continues to reflect his values today—commitment to quality, professionalism, and a love for the work that creates lasting beauty and joy for communities.

In Memory of Landon J. Reeve IV