Spring hits Chicago fast, and when it does, landscaping prices jump 20-30% as contractors get slammed with requests. If you’re looking for small job landscaping near me, understanding costs now saves you serious money later - whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with an urgent cleanup after one of our famous spring storms.
Here’s the reality: you’ll pay $29-48 per hour for professional landscaping in Chicago, with most jobs averaging $38.40 per hour. But that’s just the starting point. Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll spend at each stage of the process.
Getting Quotes: What Lawn Service Hiring Near Me Actually Costs
Most landscapers charge $50-75 for detailed estimates on complex projects, but waive this fee if you hire them. For small jobs under $500, expect free quotes.
Timeline for quotes:
- Peak season (April-June): 7-10 days
- Off-season (November-March): 2-3 days
- Emergency service: Same day, 25-40% premium
What quotes should include:
- Detailed breakdown of labor vs materials
- Start and completion dates
- Cleanup specifications
- Weather delay policies
I’ve seen too many homeowners in Lincoln Park get burned by verbal estimates. Always get it in writing, especially for jobs over $200.
| Quote Type | Cost | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic estimate | Free | 2-3 days | Jobs under $500 |
| Detailed assessment | $50-75 | 5-7 days | Complex projects |
| Emergency quote | $75-100 | Same day | Storm damage |
DIY vs Professional: The Honest Numbers
When DIY makes sense:
- Basic lawn mowing (saves $40-60 per visit)
- Weeding small flower beds (saves $30-45 per hour)
- Planting annuals (saves $25-35 per hour)
When to hire a pro:
- Tree trimming over 8 feet (insurance liability)
- Irrigation work (city permits required)
- Hardscaping (specialty tools needed)
Hidden DIY costs people forget:
- Tool rental: $45-85 per day for power equipment
- Disposal fees: $25-40 for yard waste at Chicago transfer stations
- Materials markup: Contractors get 20-30% discounts you won’t
- Your time: Factor in your hourly wage
A Lakeview client tried DIYing a retaining wall repair last year. After tool rental, three trips to Home Depot, and a weekend of frustration, he spent $340 and still called me to fix it properly. The total cost ended up 40% more than my original quote.
Understanding the Cost of Lawn Mowing and Basic Services
Regular maintenance pricing follows predictable patterns, but size and frequency matter more than you think.
Standard mowing rates:
- Small lot (under 5,000 sq ft): $35-45 per visit
- Medium lot (5,000-8,000 sq ft): $45-60 per visit
- Large lot (8,000+ sq ft): $60-85 per visit
Additional services:
- Edging: Add $10-15
- Bagging clippings: Add $15-25
- Trimming: Add $20-35
Frequency discounts:
- Weekly service: Base rate
- Bi-weekly: Add 15-20%
- Monthly: Add 30-40%
The math works out clearly: weekly service costs less per visit but more annually. A typical Wicker Park homeowner pays $180-200 monthly for weekly mowing and basic maintenance versus $280-320 for bi-weekly visits.
Emergency vs Scheduled Service Pricing
Chicago weather creates landscaping emergencies. That beautiful maple in your yard becomes a $1,200 headache when 60 mph winds hit.
Emergency pricing (same-day/next-day service):
- Storm cleanup: 40-50% premium
- Tree removal: 35-45% premium
- Irrigation repair: 25-35% premium
Scheduled service advantages:
- Lock in current rates
- Priority booking during busy season
- 10-15% discount for prepayment
Seasonal price fluctuations:
- March-May: Peak pricing, 20-30% above winter rates
- June-August: Standard rates
- September-October: Slight premium for cleanup
- November-February: 15-25% discount
Smart homeowners book spring cleanup in February. I offer 20% discounts for jobs scheduled before March 15th because I need to keep crews busy during slow periods.
What’s Behind the Going Rate for Lawn Mowing: The Real Numbers
Here’s something most landscapers won’t tell you: the $19.20 per hour you see in government wage data isn’t what you pay. That’s what workers earn. You pay $29-48 per hour because that rate includes:
- Liability insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually per crew)
- Equipment maintenance and replacement
- Vehicle costs and fuel
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Business licenses and permits
- Administrative overhead
- Profit margins (typically 15-25%)
Crew costs breakdown for a 2-person team:
- Worker wages: $38.40 per hour
- Insurance and benefits: $12-18 per hour
- Equipment depreciation: $8-12 per hour
- Vehicle and fuel: $6-10 per hour
- Business overhead: $10-15 per hour
Total hourly rate: $75-95 for the crew
This explains why you pay $38-48 per hour per worker, not the $19.20 base wage. Companies charging significantly less either cut corners or won’t stay in business long.
Quality Indicators and Red Flags
Green flags:
- Carries $1M+ liability insurance (verify with their carrier)
- Licensed through Illinois Department of Agriculture (for pesticide work)
- Provides detailed written estimates
- References from jobs in your neighborhood
- Crews wear company uniforms and use maintained equipment
Red flags:
- Door-to-door solicitation (reputable companies stay busy)
- Demands full payment upfront
- No written contract
- Significantly lower than other bids (usually 30%+ below market)
- Unlicensed for pesticide application
- No fixed business address
Insurance verification is crucial. I’ve seen homeowners liable for $15,000+ when uninsured landscapers got hurt on their property. Always call the insurance company directly - don’t just look at certificates.
Hidden Costs and Surprise Fees
Common surprise charges:
- Disposal fees: $25-50 per truckload
- Permit fees: $45-85 for tree removal near power lines
- Utility locating: $50-75 (required for digging)
- Weekend/holiday premium: 25-50% extra
- Equipment access fees: $100-150 for difficult-to-reach areas
Materials markup: Most companies mark up materials 20-40%. For large projects, consider purchasing materials separately if your contractor allows it.
Cleanup specifications: Define this clearly. “Cleanup included” can mean anything from basic sweeping to hauling away all debris. Specify in writing.
Change order costs: Modifications during work typically cost 25-40% more than if included in original scope. Plan thoroughly upfront.
Payment Stages and Timeline Expectations
Typical payment schedule:
- Small jobs (under $500): Payment upon completion
- Medium jobs ($500-2,000): 25% deposit, balance on completion
- Large projects ($2,000+): 25% deposit, progress payments, 10% retained until 30-day warranty period
Never pay more than 25% upfront. Legitimate contractors have enough working capital to purchase materials and start work.
Timeline expectations for common Chicago projects:
- Basic lawn cleanup: 2-4 hours
- Mulching flower beds: 1-2 days
- Small retaining wall: 3-5 days
- Complete landscape renovation: 1-3 weeks
Weather delays add 20-40% to timelines during spring and fall. Build buffer time into your expectations.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Essential questions:
- “Are you licensed for pesticide application?” (Required in Illinois)
- “Can I call your insurance company to verify coverage?”
- “What specific cleanup is included?”
- “How do you handle weather delays?”
- “What’s your warranty on the work?”
Pricing questions:
- “Is this estimate firm or could costs increase?”
- “What triggers additional charges?”
- “Do you offer discounts for multiple services?”
- “How do you price change orders?”
Timeline questions:
- “When can you realistically start?”
- “How many other jobs are ahead of mine?”
- “What happens if weather delays the project?”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does TruGreen cost?
TruGreen charges $50-80 per treatment for average Chicago lawns (5,000-7,000 sq ft), with 4-6 treatments annually totaling $300-480. Their pricing runs 15-25% higher than local competitors, but they offer consistent service and handle all licensing requirements. Many homeowners in neighborhoods like Lincoln Square prefer local companies that charge $35-60 per treatment and provide more personalized service. Always compare the actual services included - some companies bundle weed control while others charge separately.
How much does it cost to hire a landscaper?
Hiring a landscaper in Chicago costs $29-48 per hour for labor, with total project costs varying widely. Small maintenance jobs run $75-200, medium projects like garden installations cost $500-2,500, and major renovations can exceed $10,000. Most landscapers have minimum charges of $75-100 per visit. For regular maintenance, expect to pay $150-300 monthly during growing season. The key is getting detailed written estimates and understanding exactly what services are included in the quoted price.
How much does a professional landscaper cost for ongoing maintenance?
Professional landscape maintenance in Chicago runs $150-350 monthly during growing season (April-October), depending on property size and services. Basic mowing and edging for average lots costs $180-220 monthly, while full-service maintenance including pruning, fertilization, and seasonal cleanup runs $280-350. Many companies offer 10-15% discounts for annual contracts paid upfront. Winter services like snow removal and holiday lighting add $100-200 monthly during cold months.
How much is landscaping for a complete yard makeover?
Complete landscaping renovations in Chicago cost $8,000-25,000 for typical residential properties. This includes design ($500-1,200), grading and drainage ($1,500-3,500), plants and materials ($2,000-6,000), hardscaping like patios or walkways ($3,000-8,000), and installation labor ($2,000-5,000). Properties in areas like River North or Gold Coast often exceed these ranges due to access challenges and premium material selections. Always budget an additional 15-20% for unexpected issues like poor soil conditions or utility conflicts.
For small job landscaping near me, getting the right contractor at a fair price means understanding these real costs upfront. Chicago’s short growing season creates intense competition for quality landscapers, so start your search early and don’t just go with the lowest bid.
Need other home services? Check out our guides for electrician services, plumber services, and HVAC services to understand pricing across different trades.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.