Top Lawn Care Companies in Waukegan, Illinois Ranked

Looking for a reliable lawn care company? Landscape Atlas makes it easy to find local lawn service pros for mowing, fertilization, weed control, aeration, and more. Browse nearby companies, compare services and reviews, and contact providers directly to get quotes that fit your yard and budget.

Emerald Lawn Care

574 Wheeling Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090

Emerald Lawn Care is a lawn care company serving Chicago, IL, and the northwest Chicago suburbs. They provide lawn fertilization, weed control, and general lawn care services. Their service area includes communities such as Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, and Schaumburg. Emerald Lawn Care is committed to customer satisfaction, offering re-application or refunds if clients are not happy with their lawn treatments.

4.9

1.4k Reviews

Winkler Tree & Lawn Care

115 E University Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Winkler Tree & Lawn Care is a landscaping and lawn care company based in Chicago, IL. They provide services including lawn mowing, tree removal, stump grinding, and general landscaping. Their team focuses on caring for trees and lawns with a passion for nature and landscaping.

5.0

106 Reviews

SavATree - Tree Service & Lawn Care

3520 Commercial Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062

SavATree - Tree Service & Lawn Care has been serving the Chicago, IL area and its surroundings for over 40 years. The company offers a wide range of outdoor services including tree and shrub pruning, lawn fertilization, weed control, insect and disease management, stump grinding, and landscape lighting installation. Their team of ISA Certified Arborists provides expert diagnosis and personalized care to maintain the health and beauty of residential and commercial properties. SavATree also offers 24/7 emergency tree services to address storm damage and other urgent tree-related issues.

4.9

249 Reviews

VILLA Property Maintenance

4140 N Monticello Ave APT 3, Chicago, IL 60618

VILLA Property Maintenance offers a wide range of property maintenance services in Chicago, IL, including lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, and junk removal. They serve both residential and commercial properties, as well as parking lots and condo associations. Their capabilities include lawn fertilization, weed control, shrub trimming, mulching, and hardscaping such as pavers and retaining walls. The company provides year-round routine maintenance to keep properties well-maintained throughout the seasons.

5.0

64 Reviews

Natural Innovations Landscaping

238 S Benton St, Palatine, IL 60067

Natural Innovations Landscaping is a family-owned landscape design and hardscape construction company serving Chicago, IL. With over 15 years of experience, they specialize in installing brick paver patios, driveways, walkways, steps, stoops, and retaining walls. They use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to create custom outdoor living spaces and offer services such as paver restoration, drainage and grading solutions, landscape lighting installation, sod installation, and tree and planting bed management. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, they focus on durable materials and precise installation techniques to enhance property aesthetics and functionality.

5.0

53 Reviews

See more providers in Waukegan, IL

#"Lawn care" covers the routine maintenance that keeps turf healthy, green, and tidy. It usually includes mowing, edging and blowing, fertilization and weed control, aeration, overseeding, and seasonal cleanups. Some companies also handle grub and mosquito control, irrigation tune-ups, and sod installation.

It's different from full-scale landscaping. Landscaping often means design and installation-think patios, plant beds, and hardscapes-while lawn care focuses on the ongoing health and appearance of your grass.

Why lawn care matters for your home

A well-maintained lawn does more than look good:

• Boosts curb appeal and can support resale value.
• Keeps weeds, pests, and diseases in check so problems don't spread.
• Improves safety and accessibility by trimming walkways and keeping sight lines clear.
• Helps turf handle heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic.
• Reduces runoff and supports healthier soil when maintenance follows best practices.

If you don't have the time, tools, or expertise to keep up, a local lawn service can take the heavy lifting off your plate.

What services do lawn care companies offer?

Most providers offer a mix-and-match menu so you can tailor service to your property:

• Mowing, edging, and blowing: Weekly or biweekly cuts plus clean edges along driveways and sidewalks.
• Fertilization: Scheduled nutrients tailored to grass type and soil conditions.
• Weed control: Pre-emergent to block weeds before they sprout; post-emergent to spot-treat invaders.
• Aeration: Pulls small cores from compacted soil so water, air, and nutrients can reach roots.
• Overseeding and slit seeding: Thickens thin areas and improves turf density.
• Dethatching and power raking: Removes excessive thatch that can harbor pests and disease.
• Topdressing and soil amendments: Adds compost or sand and corrects pH with lime or sulfur.
• Pest and disease management: Targeted treatments for grubs, chinch bugs, fungus, and more.
• Irrigation start-up, midseason checks, and winterization: Keeps sprinkler systems efficient and leak-free.
• Leaf removal and seasonal cleanups: Spring refreshes and fall debris removal.
• Sod installation or spot repairs: Instant green-up for bare or damaged areas.
• Eco-forward options: Battery-electric mowing crews, organic or hybrid lawn programs, and water-wise strategies.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

Lawn care costs: typical prices and what affects them

Pricing varies by region, yard size, service frequency, and the complexity of the work. Use these national ballpark ranges as a starting point, then get a few local quotes for accuracy:

• Mowing (standard suburban lot): $35-$80 per visit depending on lot size, obstacles, and whether clippings are bagged or mulched.
• Fertilization and weed control programs: $250-$650 per year for several applications; larger properties or organic-only programs may cost more.
• Core aeration: $90-$200; add $60-$200 for overseeding depending on seed type and area.
• Dethatching/power raking: $120-$300, typically done in spring or early fall.
• Leaf cleanup: $100-$350, influenced by tree density and disposal fees.
• Grub control or targeted pest treatments: $80-$150 per application.
• Irrigation start-up/winterization: $80-$150 per visit; repairs are often $85-$150 per hour plus parts.
• One-time yard cleanup: $150-$500 depending on debris volume and labor time.
• Monthly maintenance bundles: $100-$300+ per month based on frequency and scope.

What drives price up or down?

• Square footage and layout: Fences, hills, beds, and playsets slow crews down.
• Frequency: Weekly service is more efficient (and often cheaper per visit) than sporadic visits.
• Yard condition: Initial cleanups, thatch removal, or heavy weed pressure add time and materials.
• Product choices: Organic fertilizers and premium seed blends cost more but may offer long-term benefits.
• Travel distance: Remote locations can add a trip charge.
• Contracts: Season-long plans may come with discounts and predictable monthly billing.

Tip: Ask for itemized quotes so you can compare apples to apples across providers.

How to choose a lawn care company with confidence

You don't need to be a turf scientist to hire well-just focus on the essentials:

• Licensing and insurance: If a company applies herbicides or pesticides, they should hold the appropriate state applicator license. Ask for proof of general liability and workers' comp insurance.
• Experience with your grass type: Cool-season grasses (like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass) behave differently than warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine).
• Clear scope and service schedule: What's included each visit? How often? What happens after rain?
• Equipment and practices: Sharp mower blades, correct mowing heights, and calibrated spreaders make a real difference.
• Responsible product use: Look for soil testing, targeted treatments, and integrated pest management rather than blanket applications.
• Communication: Easy scheduling, responsive customer service, and a straightforward way to request extras or reschedule.
• Guarantees and callbacks: Some companies offer free reservice for weeds between visits-ask for details.
• Reputation: Read recent reviews and look at before-and-after photos. Consistency over time is a good sign.

Remember: Landscape Atlas is a directory. We don't provide lawn services or pre-vet companies, so it's smart to verify licenses, insurance, and references before you hire.

Timeline: what to expect from first call through the season

Every yard is different, but here's a typical path:

1. Discovery and quotes (1-5 days)

   • You contact a few local pros with your address and basic goals.
   • Some can quote from satellite measurements; others may visit to assess slopes, obstacles, and access.

2. Initial visit or cleanup (same week to 2 weeks)

   • The first service may take longer if the grass is overgrown or there's heavy debris.
   • Crews confirm mowing heights and gate access, and note any irrigation heads or invisible fence lines.

3. Recurring maintenance (weekly or biweekly, in-season)

   • Mowing, edging, and blowing on a set weekday, weather permitting.
   • Fertilizer/weed control visits occur on a programmed schedule (often 4-7 visits per year).

4. Seasonal services

   • Spring: Dethatching (if needed), pre-emergent weed control, and a balanced fertilizer.
   • Late spring/early summer: Grub prevention and spot weed treatments.
   • Late summer/early fall: Core aeration and overseeding for cool-season lawns.
   • Fall: Leaf removal, winterizer fertilizer; warm-season lawns may scale back.
   • Winter: Irrigation blowouts in freezing climates; some providers offer snow services.

5. Off-season planning

   • Review what worked, update your program, and schedule next year's services early to lock in pricing.

Key components of a healthy lawn

Healthy turf is built on a few fundamentals:

• Grass species and cultivars: Match the grass to your climate, sun exposure, and traffic levels.
• Soil health: Adequate organic matter, proper pH, and balanced nutrients. Soil testing guides smart applications.
• Mowing: Taller is usually better-most lawns thrive when maintained at 3-4 inches. Sharp blades prevent tearing.
• Watering: Deep and infrequent beats daily sprinkles. Early-morning irrigation reduces evaporation and disease.
• Fertility: Right product, right rate, right time-overfeeding creates thatch, weak roots, and runoff.
• Weed, pest, and disease pressure: Prevention and early treatment cost less than major fixes.
• Thatch and compaction: Aeration and occasional dethatching keep roots breathing.
• Sun and traffic: Thin trees or reroute footpaths to reduce stress in trouble spots.

Preparation tips before getting quotes or your first service

A few small steps smooth the process and can save you money:

• Measure your yard: Note total square footage and any separate fenced areas.
• Know your grass type (or snap a photo): It helps tailor mowing heights and product choices.
• List concerns: Weeds, bare spots, pooling water, shady patches, pet damage-rank them by priority.
• Share access details: Gate codes, narrow openings, pets on site, or areas to avoid.
• Mark hazards: Irrigation heads, shallow utility lines, and invisible dog fences before aeration or edging.
• Tidy up: Remove toys, hoses, and heavy debris. Pick up pet waste before service days.
• Preferences: Bag or mulch clippings? Electric equipment preferred? Child- and pet-friendly products only?

Smart ways to compare quotes

• Get at least two to four quotes: Prices and scope can vary more than you think.
• Ask for line items: Break out mowing, fertilization, weed control, aeration, and extras.
• Confirm mowing details: Height, edging included, bagging vs. mulching, and blower cleanup.
• Clarify product specifics: Fertilizer analysis, timing, pre/post-emergent herbicides, and whether grub control is included.
• Check schedules and small print: Service windows, rain delays, rescheduling, and holiday weeks.
• Understand commitments: Month-to-month versus season contracts, auto-renew terms, and cancellation policy.
• Look for guarantees: Weed re-treats or service callbacks between scheduled visits.
• Payment and fees: Trip or disposal fees, credit card surcharges, and whether autopay is required.

Questions to ask lawn care companies

• Are you insured, and do you have the required state licenses for applying pesticides?
• What's included in the standard visit, and how long does it take?
• What mowing height will you use for my grass type, and how often are mower blades sharpened?
• Do you mulch or bag clippings by default? Is there an extra fee for bagging and disposal?
• How many fertilizer/weed control applications are in the program, and what products do you use?
• Do you recommend a soil test before beginning a program?
• How do you handle grubs, fungus, or other unexpected issues?
• What's your policy on rain delays, missed visits, or weeds appearing between treatments?
• Will the same crew service my property each time?
• Do you offer eco-friendly options like battery equipment or organic programs?
• How do you protect irrigation heads and invisible fences during aeration or edging?
• Can you provide recent references from customers with similar lawns?

Signs you might need professional lawn service

• Uneven cuts, scalping, or ragged leaf tips (often from dull mower blades).
• Stubborn weeds that keep returning despite DIY efforts.
• Thin, patchy areas or bare spots that don't respond to basic seeding.
• Spongy thatch layer or compacted soil where water pools or runs off.
• Brown patches, mushrooms, or other signs of disease.
• Grubs, mole tunnels, or bird activity pecking for insects.
• Overgrown edges and grass invading beds or walkways.
• You're short on time-or the yard is starting to feel like work, not pride.

About Landscape Atlas

Landscape Atlas is a service directory that helps you connect with lawn care companies in your area. We don't perform lawn services, endorse specific providers, or pre-vet listings. Always confirm a company's licensing, insurance, and experience, and review contracts carefully before you sign.

When you're ready, explore local lawn service options, compare a few quotes side by side, and choose the fit that matches your goals, timeline, and budget. With the right pro and a clear plan, a healthier, better-looking lawn is closer than you think.

Frequently asked questions