Landscaping contractors in
Chicago, Illinois.
A public directory of licensed landscaping contractors serving greater Chicago. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Illinois does not require a state license for general landscaping. However, pesticide application requires Illinois Department of Agriculture certification. Tree care professionals need ISA certification for many municipal contracts. No exam required for basic landscaping, but pesticide applicators must pass state exam and renew every 3 years.
Permit Requirements
Tree removal permits required for trees over 8 inches diameter in most Chicago neighborhoods. Right-of-way permits needed for work in public areas. Irrigation permits required for new water connections. Electrical permits needed for landscape lighting installations.
Inspection Schedule
Tree removal inspections required before permit approval. Final inspections required for electrical work and water connections. No routine inspections for general landscaping work.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000 recommended, $1 million for commercial work. Workers compensation required for employees. Commercial auto insurance required for vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR.
How to Get Licensed
Business Registration
Register your business with the Illinois Secretary of State and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes.
Local Business License
Apply for a general business license with the City of Chicago through the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection department.
Pesticide Certification (if applicable)
If applying pesticides, obtain certification through the Illinois Department of Agriculture by passing the required exam and paying fees.
Insurance Setup
Secure general liability insurance (minimum $300,000), workers compensation for employees, and commercial vehicle insurance as required.
Permit Applications
Apply for specific permits as needed: tree removal permits for protected trees, right-of-way permits for public area work, and electrical permits for lighting installations.
About This Market
Chicago's landscaping market runs on weather and money. Short growing season means contractors pack 8 months of revenue into April through November. Competition is fierce among 4927 licensed establishments statewide, but demand stays strong from suburban homeowners and commercial properties. Costs get driven up by harsh winters that kill plantings, clay soil that's hell to work with, and customers who want everything done the minute snow melts. Tree work pays best, followed by hardscaping and irrigation installs that can weather the off-season. The real money's in maintenance contracts that guarantee steady cash flow. You don't need a state license to cut grass and plant flowers in Illinois, but that's where the easy money ends. Pesticide work requires state certification and testing. Tree removal means dealing with city permits and inspections that can drag for weeks. Smart contractors get liability insurance north of $1 million and workers comp locked down before taking on commercial jobs. Winter prep starts in August - successful shops diversify into snow removal or shut down operations and bank cash for the dead months. Know your soil conditions, understand Chicago's tree ordinances, and price jobs to cover the seasonal gap.
- median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau
- permit requirementsCity of Chicago Department of Buildings
- licensing requirementsIllinois Department of Agriculture
- insurance requirementsIllinois Department of Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to start a landscaping business in Chicago?
Illinois does not require a state license for general landscaping services like lawn care, planting, or garden maintenance. However, pesticide application requires Illinois Department of Agriculture certification, and tree removal requires city permits in Chicago.
What does lawn care cost in Chicago?
Basic lawn mowing ranges from $40-80 per visit depending on property size. Spring cleanup runs $300-800, while full landscape installation projects range from $3,000-15,000 based on scope and materials.
When is landscaping season in Chicago?
Peak season runs April through October, with heaviest demand May through September. Most contractors shut down or switch to snow removal during December-March due to ground freeze and plant dormancy.
What insurance do landscaping contractors need in Illinois?
General liability insurance minimum $300,000 is recommended, with $1 million coverage for commercial work. Workers compensation is required for employees, and commercial auto insurance is mandatory for vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR.
How much do landscaping workers earn in Chicago?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, landscaping workers in Illinois earn a median wage of $20.88 per hour or $43,430 annually, though experienced contractors and business owners typically earn significantly more.
Landscaping contractors in Chicago
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