Leveling your yard can help with drainage and prevent damage to your home. Learn the cost to level a yard in Chicago, IL, and what factors can affect the price.
How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]
Landscaping costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
Professional landscaping in Chicago, IL, costs $3,129 on average, and your yard size dictates the final price.
The materials you choose and the overall complexity of your custom design will determine your project total.
You must budget for necessary land preparation tasks like soil testing, which costs between $730 and $2,130 locally.
Hiring a landscaping professional in Chicago, IL provides reliable help with yard work and saves you time and effort.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Landscaping in Chicago, IL, costs $3,129 on average, and prices range from $1,210 to $5,085. Your total price depends on the size of your yard, the complexity of the design, the types of plants you choose, and local labor rates. Before starting your yard transformation, understanding the cost helps you plan a beautiful outdoor project that fits your home and budget.
Landscaping Cost Factors
When planning a yard transformation in Chicago, IL, hiring a local landscaping professional ensures your outdoor space thrives. The final price of your project depends on your property size, the materials you choose, and the specific features you want to install.
Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot
The size of your property dictates the volume of materials and hours of labor required to complete the job. In Chicago, IL, our snowy winters compact the soil, meaning larger areas require extensive aeration and prep work before planting begins. For a modest space of 200 square feet, you will pay $935 to $2,490, while a sprawling 1,000-square-foot area costs $4,670 to $12,500.
| Landscaping Area Size (Square Feet) | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | $935–$2,490 | $900–$2,400 |
| 500 | $2,340–$6,220 | $2,250–$6,000 |
| 1,000 | $4,670–$12,500 | $4,500–$12,000 |
| 2,000 | $9,330–$24,900 | $9,000–$24,000 |
Front Yard vs. Back Yard
Front yard projects focus on curb appeal with simple garden beds, while backyard renovations involve expansive patios and privacy features. The average project runs $3,129 in total, but depending on whether you tackle a small front yard refresh or a full backyard overhaul, you will spend between $1,210 and $5,085 for the complete job. In Chicago, IL, the windy climate dictates that backyards need sturdy fencing or windbreaks, which increases the overall investment.
New Homes
Starting with a blank slate on a newly constructed property requires comprehensive planning, grading, and full-scale planting. Establishing a new lawn in Chicago, IL, requires selecting hardy grass varieties that survive both hot summers and freezing winters. Installing landscaping across an entire empty lot demands a larger budget than updating an existing yard.
Project Complexity
Simple enhancements like adding mulch take less time and money than building custom retaining walls or installing water features. Properties in Chicago, IL, dealing with poor drainage from heavy spring flooding need complex grading solutions to protect the landscape. Intricate designs with multiple elevations and custom stonework drive up the total cost of the project.
Labor
Professional landscapers bring the expertise and heavy equipment needed to execute your design flawlessly. Labor rates in Chicago, IL, reflect the specialized knowledge required to protect plants from the brutal polar vortex. Before major installations begin, you need a thorough yard cleanup to clear away debris and prepare the site for your contractors.
Materials
The quality and type of materials you select—from basic grass seed to premium natural stone—heavily influence your budget. In Chicago, IL, choosing frost-resistant pavers prevents cracking during severe blizzards and freeze-thaw cycles. Basic sod costs $0.35 to $0.85 per square foot, while delivering topsoil runs $15 to $60 per cubic yard.
| Landscaping Material | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sod | $0.35–$0.85 per square foot | $0.35–$0.85 per square foot |
| Turf | $5–$10 per square foot | $2–$6 per square foot |
| Grass seed | $5–$15 per pound | $3–$10 per pound |
| Topsoil | $15–$60 per cubic yard | $12–$55 per cubic yard |
| Rocks or gravel | $45–$105 per cubic yard | $40–$100 per cubic yard |
| Mulch | $0.20–$0.60 per square foot | $0.20–$0.60 per square foot |
| Retaining wall blocks | $5–$45 per square foot | $3–$40 per square foot |
| Fencing | $15–$95 per linear foot | $11–$90 per linear foot |
| Pavers | $5–$30 per square foot | $1–$25 per square foot |
| Border plants | $5–$55 per plant | $2–$50 per plant |
| Pool installation materials | $20,800–$67,400 | $20,000–$65,000 |
| Patio materials | $5–$40 per square foot | $1–$35 per square foot |
Type of Landscaping
The design style you choose dictates the balance of living plants versus structural elements in your yard. While softscaping thrives in the hot summers of Chicago, IL, adding hardscape features provides year-round structure when the snow falls. Softscaping ranges from $830 to $10,400, whereas permanent hardscaping projects cost between $315 and $31,100.
| Landscape Type | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Xeriscaping | $3,110–$24,900 | $3,000–$24,000 |
| Softscaping | $830–$10,400 | $800–$10,000 |
| Hardscaping | $315–$31,100 | $300–$30,000 |
Land Prepping
Preparing your property ensures a healthy foundation for new plants and a stable base for heavy stonework. After severe thunderstorms in Chicago, IL, you must clear damaged branches and level eroded soil before starting new work. Tree stump removal costs $315 to $520, and leveling or grading runs $405 to $6,330. Factoring in the tree removal price helps you set an accurate budget before the real landscaping begins.
| Land Preparations | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tree removal | $210–$2,080 | $200–$2,000 |
| Tree stump removal | $315–$520 | $300–$500 |
| Soil testing | $730–$2,130 | $700–$2,050 |
| Land survey | $415–$780 | $400–$750 |
| Sprinkler system | $1,770–$3,680 | $1,700–$3,550 |
| Leveling or grading | $405–$6,330 | $390–$6,110 |
Landscaping Cost by Project
The specific upgrades you choose determine your final bill, with structural additions costing more than basic planting.
General Landscaping Services
Standard yard enhancements focus on cultivating healthy soil and establishing vibrant plant life. In Chicago, IL, laying fresh sod gives your lawn a head start before the frigid winter weather arrives. Flower bed installation costs $830 to $3,110, and lawn grading ranges from $1,070 to $3,420.
| Service | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Planting xeric trees and shrubs | $30–$315 each | $25–$300 each |
| Artificial grass installation | $5–$10 per sq. ft. | $2–$8 per sq. ft. |
| Irrigation system installation | $5.50–$5.50 per sq.ft. | $2.50–$4.50 per sq.ft. |
| Rock and stone installation | $15–$30 per sq. ft. | $10–$25 per sq. ft. |
Hardscaping Services
Non-living features like patios and retaining walls expand your outdoor living space and require extensive labor. Building a sturdy retaining wall in Chicago, IL, prevents soil erosion during heavy spring flooding. Patio installation runs $2,080 to $6,010, while outdoor kitchen installation costs $6,220 to $25,900. Reviewing the lawn aeration price alongside your hardscaping budget ensures your surrounding grass stays healthy despite heavy foot traffic during construction.
Xeriscaping Services
Drought-tolerant landscaping minimizes water usage by replacing thirsty grass with stone and resilient plants. While Chicago, IL, receives plenty of moisture, xeriscaping remains a low-maintenance option for homeowners who want to avoid watering during hot summers. Artificial grass installation costs $5 to $10 per square foot, and rock and stone installation ranges from $15 to $30 per square foot.
Ongoing Landscaping Costs to Consider
Maintaining your newly designed yard requires consistent care to protect your investment year after year.
Maintenance
Routine upkeep keeps your plants healthy, your lawn neat, and your property looking its best. Regular maintenance in Chicago, IL, is essential to prepare your garden beds for the brutal polar vortex. Lawn mowing costs $55 to $260 per service, and tree trimming runs $280 to $1,870 as a flat one-time cost. Scheduling regular lawn care ensures your grass remains lush and green throughout the growing season.
| Yard Maintenance | Local Average Cost | National Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn mowing | $55–$260 per service | $50–$250 per service |
| Tree trimming | $280–$1,870 | $270–$1,800 |
| Flat rate | $55–$105 per hour | $50–$100 per hour |
| Yard cleanup | $200–$1,040 | $190–$1,000 |
Landscaping Pro Costs
Hiring a professional in Chicago, IL, ensures your yard thrives despite our severe weather. When budgeting for this expertise, you will pay a flat labor rate of $55 to $105 per hour. Remember to factor in the local 10.25% sales tax on materials and applicable services to avoid surprises on your final bill. We recommend bringing in a local expert to handle the heavy lifting and complex grading, so your outdoor space stays beautiful and structurally sound year-round.
Permits
Before starting landscaping, confirm whether your project requires permits in your area and who is responsible for obtaining them. Permit requirements and costs vary by location, but most landscaping permits range from $500 to $2,750, depending on the scope of work and your local municipality.
Working without the proper permits can lead to fines, project delays, or complications when selling your home. If you're hiring a landscaping professional, review your contract to ensure they will handle the permitting process and inspections. To verify permit requirements, visit your city or county's official building department website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Why You Should Hire a Landscaping Professional
Hiring a landscaping pro in Chicago, IL adds value to your property while saving you hours of labor. Let an expert handle the heavy lifting and equipment operation to keep you safe from injuries.
Experts understand the local climate and select plants that thrive through harsh Midwestern winters.
Professionals bring commercial-grade equipment to effectively grade soil, install hardscaping, and lay sod.
A pro spots early signs of lawn diseases and treats them before they spread across your yard.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Landscaping services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Chicago, IL
4.3★ avg. • 126 total reviews
- Byron E.
Ibarra Landscape did an amazing job on my yard! Their team was professional, efficient, and clearly passionate about their work. From the initial consultation to the final touches, they paid close attention to every detail and made sure everything looked perfect.
Ibarra Landscape - Chad K.
Coyack has become my only landscape company now. They've done fall and spring cleanup and landscaping. I love working with them. They're responsive and do amazing work. Really great company. It's so nice to finally have a landscape/lawn service I fully trust!
- Melissa O.
I have hired Mt. Greenwood landscaping to do all of my lawn and garden maintenance. Heâ s also planted trees for me. Always does an amazing job keeping everything healthy and looking great. Makes excellent recommendations on what I can do to keep my yard/lawn healthier. Will keep hiring.
- Chris C.
We moved into a renovated home which had, previously, been a rental property for 10 years. Our home sits on a corner and the yard had been horribly neglected for many years. We interviewed several landscaping companies and selected Michael and the team from Ross & Jack's based on Michael's...
Ross & Jack's Landscaping Inc - Carla F.
Our experience with G Landscaping was great. From coordinating with Yvette in the office along with the actual team performing the work. We were quite satisfied and would hire them again. They are interested in making their customers happy and do work to please them.
G Landscaping - William U.
I hired Roberto to do a complete overhaul on my front yard.The pricing was fantastic. so I went with it. Beautiful job !!! Everything went smoothly .Awesome customer service. I would definitely recommend this company for any landscaping or yard issues you have. 5 Stars!!
- Jesse F.
This was my first time hiring a landscaping company, and I was very impressed with J.E. from start to finish. The ripped out and re-rocked a large area in front, removed a bush and tree stump, mulched a huge area out back, planted a bunch of bushes, and laid grass seed, straw in a new area. ...
J.E. Landscaping - Alby A.
Great company. Kyle showed up to do the estimate on the work. I needed flagstone path raised and reset in my backyard. Work was done UNDER budget and done on time! Would recommend without reservation! definitely plan to use this company again for landscaping needs.
Whitetail Landscapes, Inc. - Mark J.
Richard is outstanding with the highest caliber of integrity! His creativeness, intuitiveness and landscaping knowledge is top-notch. I highly recommend him to anyone.
- Linda L.
I decided to sell a residential rental property that had been owned for many years in July and needed lawn maintenance services until it was sold. I called around and many landscapers were booked or did not want to handle short-term assignments. I found Stoney Creek Landscaping on HomeAdvisor...
Stoney Creek Landscape Management Company
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