Best Landscaping Contractors in Illinois Ranked

A well-designed landscape enhances your property's beauty, function, and value. Whether you're a homeowner looking to create a backyard oasis or a business owner needing to maintain a professional image, finding the right landscaping contractor is key. This guide explains the types of services available in Illinois, what to expect in terms of scope and cost, and how to connect with local professionals who can bring your outdoor vision to life.

Ross & Jack's Landscaping Inc

chicago

Ross & Jack's Landscaping Inc is a family-owned landscaping company based in Elmhurst, Illinois, serving Chicago and surrounding towns. Since 1975, they have offered comprehensive landscaping services including landscape design, installation, grounds maintenance, lawn care, sod installation, drainage solutions, and hardscaping such as retaining walls and brick paving. Their expertise includes digital landscape design layouts to help clients visualize projects before installation, as well as specialized drainage solutions like dry wells to manage water issues effectively. The company focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living spaces that enhance property value.

5.0

157 Reviews

Absolute Tree Solutions

20063 N Rand Rd, Palatine, IL 60074

Absolute Tree Solutions is a tree care and landscaping company based in Palatine, serving Chicago, IL and nearby suburbs. They provide tree trimming, crown pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, brush removal, and land clearing services. The company has over 25 years of experience in the tree and landscape industry and was established in 2010. They offer regular maintenance and storm damage response to keep outdoor spaces safe and attractive.

5.0

147 Reviews

Paul's Outdoor Living

chicago

Paul's Outdoor Living is a landscape design and landscaping company based in Chicago, IL. They create outdoor spaces that combine beauty with durability, focusing on low-maintenance and no-maintenance landscaping solutions. Their work emphasizes detailed design and craftsmanship to meet the needs of homeowners seeking stylish and practical outdoor environments.

5.0

124 Reviews

Bobby Tree Care LLC Fully Insured

Road, 7 Pine Ave, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Bobby Tree Care LLC Fully Insured is a locally owned tree service and landscaping company based in Chicago, IL. They provide a range of services including tree removal, stump grinding, tree trimming and pruning, brush removal, land clearing, and emergency storm cleanup. The company serves Lake and Cook Counties, offering expertise in tree cabling and bracing to support tree health and prevent damage during severe weather. Bobby Tree Care is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been recognized for maintaining a complaint-free record, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction and safety. They offer emergency tree services seven days a week to address urgent needs.

5.0

120 Reviews

Platinum Patio and Pavers

1125 Candlenut Dr, Naperville, IL 60540

Platinum Patio and Pavers is a landscaping and hardscaping contractor based in Chicago, IL. They specialize in creating outdoor living spaces, including outdoor kitchens with various countertop options such as natural stone and engineered quartz. The company also installs paver sidewalks and entryways that enhance curb appeal and functionality. Their services focus on integrating natural-looking pavers into landscapes to improve garden aesthetics and home entrances.

5.0

115 Reviews

See more providers in Illinois

Residential vs. Commercial Landscaping in Illinois

The needs of a private home and a business property are distinct, and Illinois contractors typically specialize in one or the other. Understanding the difference helps you find a professional with the right expertise.

Residential landscaping focuses on personalized aesthetic appeal and creating intimate, livable outdoor spaces for homeowners ¹. Services are highly customized, from intricate garden designs to custom patios and outdoor kitchens. The care is often more detailed and high-touch, involving seasonal flower swaps, delicate pruning, and personalized consultations ².

Commercial landscaping emphasizes scale, functionality, and projecting a professional brand image ¹. It involves maintaining large properties like office parks, retail centers, and municipal areas. Work is often governed by strict contracts, local regulations, and the need for efficient, large-scale operations such as mowing vast acreage, managing complex stormwater systems, and installing consistent, brand-focused plantings ^{3 4}.

Common Landscaping Services in Illinois

Illinois contractors offer a wide array of services to address the state's four-season climate and diverse property needs.

Design & Installation Services

• Hardscaping: Installation of patios, walkways, retaining walls, and decks using materials like pavers, stone, or concrete. This is a major component of both residential upgrades and commercial site work ^{5 6}.
• Softscaping & Planting: This includes garden design, installing sod or turf, planting trees and shrubs, and creating seasonal color displays with flowers.
• Outdoor Structures & Features: Building pergolas, installing water features (fountains, ponds), and setting up outdoor lighting systems.
• Functional Systems: Installing irrigation systems for efficient watering and implementing drainage solutions to manage Illinois' rain and snowmelt, which is crucial for protecting property foundations ^{5 6}.

Maintenance & Seasonal Care

A consistent maintenance plan is essential for keeping any Illinois landscape healthy and attractive throughout the year.

• Spring: Clean-up from winter debris, mulching garden beds, core aeration for lawns, fertilization, and planting new annuals/perennials ⁷.
• Summer: Regular mowing and edging, trimming and pruning, pest and weed control, and monitoring irrigation systems ⁷.
• Fall: This is a critical season in Illinois for leaf removal, applying a final layer of mulch to protect plant roots, and winterizing irrigation systems and sensitive plants ⁷.
• Winter: While less common for residential clients outside major cities, services include snow removal for commercial contracts and dormant tree pruning ⁷.

Understanding Landscaping Costs in Illinois

Costs for landscape services in Illinois vary widely based on project scope, property type, and location-with the Chicagoland area typically commanding higher prices than downstate regions ^{5 1}. Always obtain detailed, written quotes from multiple contractors.

Residential pricing is often project-based or hourly. For extensive design and installation work, costs can range from $5 to $20 or more per square foot, heavily influenced by material choices (e.g., natural stone vs. basic pavers) and the inclusion of features like lighting or irrigation ⁸.

Commercial pricing frequently uses per-acre measurements for maintenance due to the large scale. For example, commercial mowing can range from $25 to $150 per acre ^{5 9}. Maintenance contracts that bundle services (mowing, trimming, fertilizing) are standard for business properties.

Common Service Cost Ranges:

• Mowing (Residential): $40 - $100+ per visit, depending on yard size and complexity ⁷.
• Mulch Installation: $50 - $100+ per cubic yard for residential; $30 - $60+ per cubic yard for commercial-scale projects ¹⁰.
• Irrigation System Installation: A significant investment, with costs varying by system size and complexity, often referenced in per-zone or square-footage pricing ¹⁰.

Choosing the Right Illinois Contractor

Selecting a qualified professional ensures your project is completed safely, to code, and to your satisfaction.

1. Verify Licenses & Insurance: Ensure the contractor carries both liability insurance and workers' compensation. While Illinois doesn't have a statewide landscaping license, check for local business licenses and certifications from industry associations.
2. Review Portfolios & Specialties: Look at past work similar to your project. Does the contractor excel in modern designs, traditional gardens, or large-scale commercial maintenance?
3. Get Detailed Quotes: A professional quote should break down costs for materials, labor, timeline, and a clear scope of work. Avoid vague estimates.
4. Check References & Reviews: Ask for references from recent clients and read online reviews to gauge reliability, communication, and quality of work.
5. Understand the Contract: A formal contract should outline payment schedules, project milestones, warranty information, and procedures for handling changes to the plan.

Planning for Illinois' Climate

A successful Illinois landscape must withstand hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Discuss these considerations with your contractor:

• Plant Selection: Opt for native plants and hardy cultivars adapted to Illinois' USDA hardiness zones (ranging from 5a to 7a). They require less water and are more resistant to local pests and diseases.
• Winter Preparation: Proper fall cleanup and winterization of irrigation systems are non-negotiable to prevent freeze damage.
• Drainage: Proper grading and drainage solutions are critical to prevent water pooling, which can damage foundations and kill plants.

Frequently asked questions

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