Maintaining a healthy lawn or beautifully landscaped yard in Chicago comes at a range of costs depending on service type, property size, and seasonal needs. In 2025–2026, basic lawn care in Chicago averages $50–$150 per visit, while complete landscaping projects range from $3,000 to $15,000. Homeowners typically spend $100–$300 monthly for routine maintenance. Costs vary by neighborhood, with downtown properties and lakefront homes tending to have higher service charges. Professional landscaping not only enhances curb appeal but also boosts property value in Chicago’s competitive housing market.
Lawn care in Chicago costs $50–$150 per visit in 2025–2026. Learn landscaping, mowing, and garden design prices, plus area-wise cost breakdowns and seasonal maintenance expenses for homeowners.
Average Lawn Care and Landscaping Costs in Chicago (2025–2026)
Lawn care services cover mowing, fertilization, and trimming, while landscaping involves design, planting, and hardscape installations. Prices depend on lot size and service frequency.
• Lawn Mowing ($40–$100 per visit): Includes mowing, edging, and cleanup for average ¼-acre Chicago lawns. Larger or sloped lawns may cost more.
• Seasonal Maintenance ($150–$400): Covers spring cleanup, leaf removal, and winter preparation for grass health.
• Landscaping Design ($1,000–$3,500): Professional design plans with 3D renderings for front and backyard layouts.
• Full Landscaping Installation ($5,000–$15,000): Includes sod installation, plants, pathways, irrigation, and decorative features.
• Monthly Lawn Care Plan ($100–$300): Ongoing services like trimming, watering, and fertilization during growing months.
Lawn Care Costs by Neighborhood in Chicago
Costs differ between urban, suburban, and residential areas depending on property access, lawn size, and service competition.
• Downtown Chicago (Loop, River North): $120–$250 per visit due to limited space access and high-end landscape designs.
• North Side (Lincoln Park, Lakeview): $80–$180 per visit for regular mowing and seasonal flower maintenance.
• South Side (Hyde Park, Bronzeville): Affordable rates between $60–$120 per visit for general lawn upkeep.
• West Side (Humboldt Park, Garfield Park): Lawn care services average $50–$100 per visit, ideal for budget-friendly homes.
• Suburbs (Oak Park, Evanston, Naperville): $90–$200 per visit, often with full maintenance packages.
Landscaping Installation and Enhancement Costs
Landscaping projects in Chicago vary in scale—from small flower beds to complete yard transformations with hardscaping.
• Sod Installation ($1.50–$3.00 per sq. ft.): Fresh sod gives instant greenery but needs proper irrigation to thrive.
• Planting Trees and Shrubs ($200–$2,000): Cost depends on species, size, and planting depth requirements.
• Flower Bed Installation ($800–$2,500): Includes soil preparation, edging, and perennials for colorful curb appeal.
• Mulching and Edging ($100–$400): Maintains moisture, prevents weeds, and improves yard aesthetics.
• Hardscaping ($3,000–$10,000): Covers patios, stone walkways, fire pits, and retaining walls for added outdoor living space.
Irrigation and Drainage System Costs
Proper watering and drainage are essential for maintaining Chicago lawns during summer heat and heavy rainfall.
• Sprinkler System Installation ($2,000–$5,500): Automatic systems with programmable timers for consistent watering.
• Sprinkler Repair ($100–$400): Fixes broken nozzles, leaks, or wiring issues in irrigation controllers.
• Drainage Installation ($1,000–$4,000): Prevents basement flooding and water pooling during storms.
• French Drain Systems ($2,500–$6,000): Ideal for properties with waterlogging issues or heavy clay soil.
• Smart Irrigation Upgrade ($300–$800): Integrates with mobile apps to reduce water waste and manage schedules remotely.
Lawn Treatment and Fertilization Costs
Seasonal treatments ensure healthy, green grass throughout Chicago’s weather fluctuations.
• Fertilization ($60–$150 per treatment): Applied three to four times yearly for best results.
• Weed Control ($70–$200): Pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments keep weeds from overtaking lawns.
• Aeration ($100–$250): Improves soil oxygen and nutrient absorption.
• Overseeding ($200–$400): Thickens lawns and repairs patches after winter.
• Pest and Grub Control ($80–$200): Protects grass roots from insects common in humid Chicago summers.
Seasonal Cleanup and Maintenance Costs
Chicago’s four-season climate demands year-round yard care, especially during spring and fall transitions.
• Spring Cleanup ($150–$400): Involves debris removal, pruning, and fresh mulch installation.
• Fall Cleanup ($100–$300): Raking leaves, trimming hedges, and fertilizing before winter frost.
• Snow Removal ($50–$200 per visit): Clearing driveways and sidewalks during heavy snow months.
• Winterizing Plants ($150–$350): Covers delicate shrubs and perennials to prevent frost damage.
• Lawn Inspection ($100–$150): Professional health check to prepare for the next growing season.
Labor and Hourly Rates for Lawn Professionals
Chicago landscaping and lawn care labor costs depend on company experience and service type.
• Hourly Rate ($50–$100): Charged by independent landscapers for basic mowing or trimming.
• Crew-Based Projects ($75–$150/hr): Larger companies use teams for faster and more complex jobs.
• Landscape Architects ($80–$150/hr): Professionals specializing in design, zoning, and 3D layout planning.
• Maintenance Workers ($60–$90/hr): Handle routine visits, edging, and leaf removal.
• Project Managers ($100–$180/hr): Oversee large-scale landscape installations or multi-property services.
Tips to Save on Lawn Care and Landscaping Costs in Chicago
Simple adjustments can reduce lawn care expenses while maintaining property beauty year-round.
• Bundle Services: Combine mowing, fertilizing, and cleanup in one contract to save up to 20%.
• Choose Native Plants: Local species like coneflowers and prairie grass require less water and care.
• Install Smart Irrigation: Saves money on water bills and prevents overwatering.
• DIY Minor Tasks: Handle edging or leaf removal yourself and reserve pros for complex jobs.
• Schedule Off-Peak Work: Spring and fall services often offer discounts before peak summer season.
Summary of Lawn Care and Landscaping Costs in Chicago (2025–2026)
| Service Type | Average Cost | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Mowing | $40–$100 | Weekly / Biweekly | Includes edging and cleanup |
| Landscaping Design | $1,000–$3,500 | One-time | Custom 3D plans and layouts |
| Full Installation | $5,000–$15,000 | One-time | Includes plants, sod, and hardscape |
| Irrigation System | $2,000–$5,500 | One-time | Smart or automatic sprinklers |
| Seasonal Cleanup | $150–$400 | Spring/Fall | Debris and pruning services |
FAQs about Lawn Care and Landscaping Costs in Chicago (2025–2026)
1. How much does basic lawn mowing cost in Chicago?
Most homeowners pay between $40 and $100 per mowing session, depending on lawn size and accessibility.
2. What is the average cost of a full landscaping project?
Complete landscape installations typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, including sod, planting, and hardscaping.
3. How often should my lawn be serviced?
Weekly or biweekly mowing during spring and summer ensures grass stays healthy and evenly trimmed.
4. Are irrigation systems worth the investment?
Yes, sprinkler systems ($2,000–$5,500) save time, conserve water, and maintain consistent lawn health.
5. What’s included in seasonal lawn maintenance?
Seasonal plans include fertilization, leaf removal, aeration, and pruning to prepare for changing weather.
6. Which Chicago neighborhoods have higher lawn care prices?
Downtown and North Side areas tend to have higher rates due to limited space and upscale property maintenance standards.
7. Can I reduce landscaping costs with DIY work?
Yes, homeowners can save significantly by handling simple tasks like weeding, trimming, and watering while hiring professionals for design and major installations.