Landscaping Cost in Chicago (2026)
Average cost in Chicago
US$3,000 — US$50,000
US$5 — US$17 per sq ft
Cost Breakdown
ItemizedSkilled installation and crew wages
50%
Plants, sod, pavers, and mulch
25%
Architectural plans and 3D renderings
10%
Heavy machinery rental and debris removal
10%
City of Chicago building and public way permits
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 Cost
InteractiveEstimated Cost
US$8,400 — US$12,600
Based on 14 sources and market data for Chicago. Actual costs may vary depending on specific project requirements.
🏢Top Landscaping Contractors in Chicago
Verified providersArts Landscaping & Maintenance LLC
3146 W 59th St, Chicago, IL 60629, USA
118 reviews
Skyline Exteriors Landscaping
2946 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
83 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
Yes, for structural work like decks, retaining walls over 4 feet, or major hardscaping. Chicago typically enforces a $602 minimum fee for most building permits as of 2026, plus additional trade fees for electrical or plumbing.
Native landscaping can reduce long-term maintenance costs by up to 85%. While traditional turf costs roughly $20,000 per acre to maintain over 20 years, native prairie landscapes cost approximately $3,000 per acre due to deep root systems that thrive in Chicago's clay soil.
Booking in the late fall or winter (October to February) can save 10-15% on labor and materials. Contractors often offer off-season discounts to fill their schedules, and material suppliers frequently clear inventory before spring.
Quality landscaping in the Chicago market typically increases property value by 5.5% to 12.7%. For a $400,000 home, this translates to a value boost of approximately $22,000 to $50,800.
📊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: today. Updates run weekly. All costs in USD.