Top Landscaping Contractors in Chicago, Illinois Ranked

Transforming your Chicago property with professional landscaping involves a design-build process for both new installations and ongoing care. A skilled landscape contractor can help you create an outdoor space that enhances your home's curb appeal, provides a functional area for relaxation or entertainment, and increases your property value. This guide explains the typical process, services, and cost considerations for hiring a landscape professional in the Chicago area, helping you connect with local experts for your project.

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

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Understanding the Landscape Design and Build Process

A comprehensive landscape project is more than just planting a few flowers. It's a multi-phase collaboration between you and your landscape contractor to bring a cohesive vision to life. The journey typically begins with an initial consultation and site analysis, where you'll discuss your goals, budget, and aesthetic preferences ^{1 2}. The designer will assess your property's unique conditions, including soil type, sun exposure, drainage patterns, and existing plants ^{3 4}. This crucial step ensures the final plan is both beautiful and practical for your specific yard.

Following the analysis, the design phase begins. Your landscape designer will create a detailed blueprint that considers your functional needs-like spaces for entertaining or quiet relaxation-alongside the site's conditions and your desired maintenance level ^{1 5 6}. This plan serves as the roadmap for the entire project. Next comes material and feature selection, where you'll choose plants, pavers, irrigation components, and other elements ². It's important to note that complex features like water features or extensive grading will increase the project's scope and cost ¹.

The installation phase is when the plan becomes reality. A professional crew will execute the work, which may include shaping the land, installing hardscaping like patios and walkways, planting, and setting up irrigation or lighting systems ^{4 7}. Clear communication during this phase is key. Finally, a good contractor will discuss ongoing care with you. Many offer maintenance plans or annual agreements to keep your new landscape thriving long after the installation crew has left ^{1 8}.

Common Services Offered by Chicago Landscapers

Landscape contractors and design-build firms in Chicago offer a wide spectrum of services, from routine upkeep to complete outdoor transformations.

Regular Maintenance: For many homeowners, this is the core service. Basic maintenance typically includes mowing, trimming, and edging, which can cost approximately $100 to $300+ per month, or $30 to $85 per visit ^{1 8}. Full-service annual plans that include design oversight and seasonal clean-ups can start around $8,000 for comprehensive care ³.

Yard Improvements and Enhancements: This category covers one-time projects to upgrade your property. A professional consultation to discuss ideas often starts around $350+ ³. Common enhancements include:

• Mulching: Refreshing mulch beds costs about $77+ per cubic yard ^{1 9}.
• Planting: Installing new garden beds or shrubs can start around $470+ for some plantings, with costs varying significantly based on plant type and quantity ^{3 10}.
• Grading and Leveling: Correcting drainage issues or creating a level lawn involves labor rates of $50 to $100+ per hour, making it a significant cost for larger areas ^{1 9}.

Hardscaping and Major Installations: These are the permanent, non-living elements of your landscape. Adding features like paver patios, retaining walls, or pathways adds thousands to a project budget but creates lasting functionality and value. For example, a simple paver path can start at $300+ for a 15-foot run, not including base material preparation ^{1 5}.

Key Factors Influencing Landscaping Costs in Chicago

The cost of hiring a landscape professional in Chicago is not one-size-fits-all. Several critical factors determine the final price, making it essential to get detailed quotes from local firms for accurate budgeting ^{1 11}.

Project Scope and Complexity: The difference between adding a few perennial beds and a full property redesign is vast. Larger projects naturally cost more. Complexity is a major driver-installing an irrigation system, managing significant excavation, or building intricate stonework requires specialized skills and equipment, increasing labor time and costs ^{1 2}.

Material Choices: Your selections have a direct impact on the budget. Exotic or imported plants and premium materials like natural stone or composite decking are more expensive than locally sourced plants and basic concrete pavers ^{1 2}. Discuss the cost-benefit of different materials with your contractor.

Labor Rates and Site Challenges: Professional labor is a significant portion of any landscape budget. Rates can vary based on the contractor's expertise and your project's demands. Furthermore, site-specific challenges like poor access, steep slopes, or rocky soil can increase the time and effort required to complete the work, raising the overall cost ^{1 9}.

The Value of Professional Landscape Services

Investing in professional landscaping offers tangible returns beyond a beautiful yard. A well-designed and maintained landscape significantly boosts your home's curb appeal, creating a strong first impression ¹¹. This often translates into a higher property value, with landscaping frequently cited as offering a high return on investment for homeowners ^{1 11}.

Perhaps just as valuable is the creation of functional outdoor living space. A professional can design areas tailored for your lifestyle, whether it's a patio for summer gatherings, a peaceful garden retreat, or a safe play area. They also bring expertise in selecting plants that will thrive in Chicago's climate and your yard's specific conditions, saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run ^{2 7}. Finally, regular professional maintenance protects your investment by keeping plants healthy, systems running efficiently, and hardscapes in good condition ⁸.

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