Landscaping Cost in Chicago (2026)
Average cost in Chicago
$3,300 – $40,000
$5 – $17 per sq ft
In Chicago, the average is $13,403 and most projects cost between $3,300 and $40,000, or about $5 – $17 per sq ft. Prices are before tax and based on 8 sources.
Cost Breakdown
ItemizedSkilled installation and construction
55%
Plants, sod, mulch, and hardscape units
30%
Professional plans and 3D renderings
10%
Chicago municipal permits and inspections
5%
Sales Tax at 6.25%
📋What's Included
ScopeTypically Includes
- Sod or seed lawn
- Garden bed preparation
- Mulch & edging
- Shrubs & perennials (basic)
- Grading & soil prep
- Labor
Typically Excludes
- Hardscaping (pavers, retaining walls)
- Irrigation system
- Mature tree planting
- Outdoor lighting
- Fencing
Based on landscaping a standard 2,000 sq ft front or back yard.
🧮Estimate your project
LiveYour estimate in Chicago
Likely range $6,031 – $29,487
- Labor55%$7,372
- Materials30%$4,021
- Design & Consultation10%$1,340
- Permits & Fees5%$670
Basic (lawn + shrubs)
$13,403
Standard (design + planting)
$21,444
Full (hardscape + plants + irrigation)
$32,166
Calibrated to 8 researched sources for Chicago. Before tax. Real quotes vary with site conditions.
📈Price Momentum
Year-over-year~1 year ago
$12,074
Today
$13,403
Landscaping in Chicago is ↑ 11.0% compared to roughly a year ago — about $1,328 more on the average project.
Comparison derived from the year-over-year change rate, not a month-by-month price index. We don't store historical snapshots yet — when we do, this will become a real time series.
🏢Top Landscaping Contractors in Chicago
Verified providersArts Landscaping & Maintenance LLC
3146 W 59th St, Chicago, IL 60629, USA
134 reviews
Tommy Pollina Landscape Company
420 N River Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056, USA
239 reviews
Provider data sourced from public business directories. Ratings and reviews are public and may change. LookupCost is not affiliated with listed providers.
💬What People Actually Paid
Community❓Common Questions
As of 2026, Chicago sets a $602 minimum floor for most building permits, which applies to major hardscaping like decks or retaining walls. Additional trade permits for irrigation or electrical work typically start at $75 to $150 each.
Professional landscaping construction crews in the Chicago area typically charge between $50 and $120 per hour in 2026. Specialized landscape designers or architects in the city average $90 to $150 per hour for consultation and planning.
Professional yard maintenance and cleanup in Chicago offer a 100% to 200% return on investment. A full landscape renovation can increase a Chicago home's property value by 5% to 15%, depending on the quality of hardscaping and mature plantings.
Yes, Chicago's climate requires a specific budget allocation of 15-20% for winter protection (wrapping shrubs, burlap) and spring cleanup. Fall leaf removal and debris cleanup for a standard residential lot typically ranges from $207 to $622.
📊Our Methodology
How we collect dataAggregated from 5+ verified web sources and cost databases
Licensed contractor estimates and regional cost guides
Government construction and labor statistics
Community-reported project costs and reviews
Last data collection: 1 months ago. Updates run weekly. All costs in USD.
About this data
Cost figures are estimates synthesized from public market data using AI research and refreshed regularly. Real project costs vary by scope, materials, contractor, and site conditions. Always get verified quotes from licensed contractors for your specific project.
Spotted bad data? Let us know — we'll review and update.