Design-Build & Renovations
Planning a complete transformation? For patios, retaining walls, grading, and coordinated construction.
Chicago Landscaping & Design-Build Resource
Practical guidance for homeowners planning outdoor improvements in Chicago and the North Shore.
Where Should I Start My Landscape Project?
Select the path that matches your project needs:
General Maintenance
Looking for lawn care, seasonal cleanups, mulching, or basic sod installation?
Outdoor Living Advice for
Chicago Homeowners
This isn't a sales pitch. It is a practical planning resource.
We cover the outdoor services Chicagoland homeowners need—from managing heavy clay soil to navigating city permits. Our goal is to help you understand realistic timelines, costs, and materials before you hire a contractor.
Local Expertise No Hype
Timeline Reality Check
Why You Must Call in February for a Summer Patio
Most homeowners call in May expecting a June patio installation. Here's the reality of Chicago's landscaping calendar.
January – March
Design consultations, site surveys, and permit applications. This phase takes 3-4 weeks minimum.
March – April
Permit approval (4-8 weeks in Chicago proper) and materials ordering. Supply chains require lead time.
April – May
Materials delivery and site preparation. Ground thaw and weather windows dictate start dates.
May – October
Active build season. Installation takes 2-4 weeks depending on project scope and weather.
The Bottom Line: Top Chicago crews book out 3-6 months in advance. If you want your patio ready for summer entertaining, start the conversation in January or February—not May.
Critical Knowledge
The Truth About Chicago Clay Soil & Drainage
Stop focusing on "pretty plants" and start thinking about plants that won't drown.
Chicago sits on some of the heaviest clay soil in the Midwest. This isn't just a gardening inconvenience—it's the root cause of most landscaping failures in our region.
Why Pavers Heave in Chicago
Water gets trapped in clay soil → freezes in winter → expands up to 9% → pushes pavers upward. By spring, you have an uneven, cracked patio. This cycle repeats every year until proper drainage is installed.
The Professional Solution
Permeable pavers allow water to drain through, not around. Combined with proper soil amendments (compost and gypsum—NOT just sand), you create a system that handles Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles.
French Drains
Dry Wells
Permeable Pavers
Proper Grading
Permit Intelligence
The Chicago Landscape Ordinance Explained
Did you know new construction or renovations over 1,500 sq ft often trigger the "Parkway Tree" requirement?
Parkway Tree Requirement
The City of Chicago requires 1 tree per 25 feet of frontage. These must be planted in the parkway (the strip between sidewalk and street) and meet specific species requirements.
Tree Caliper Standards
Required shade trees must have a minimum 2.5" caliper (trunk diameter measured 6" above ground). Ornamental trees require 2" caliper minimum. These aren't small nursery trees.
Bureau of Forestry Approval
Your landscape plan must be approved by the Bureau of Forestry before you receive your building permit. This can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline if not handled correctly.
Pro Tip: Don't get your permit stuck in the Bureau of Forestry. Working with a design-build firm that understands Chicago's Landscape Ordinance compliance means your paperwork is handled correctly the first time, avoiding costly delays and resubmissions.
2025 Trend: Meadow Mania
Native Plants That Actually Survive Chicago Winters
The movement to reduce lawn size and embrace native plantings is growing across Chicagoland. Here's what actually works.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Attracts pollinators and provides winter interest with seed heads.
Zones 3-8 Full Sun
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
A Chicago classic. Blooms from July through September. Self-seeds readily for natural spreading. Tolerates clay soil better than most perennials.
Zones 3-9 Sun to Part Shade
Big Bluestem
Illinois' state grass. Grows 4-7 feet tall with stunning copper-red fall color. Deep roots (up to 12 feet) naturally break up clay soil over time.
Zones 4-9 Full Sun
Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm)
Lavender blooms from July to September. Highly aromatic foliage deters deer. Essential for pollinator gardens. Spreads via rhizomes.
Zones 3-9 Sun to Part Shade
Prairie Dropseed
Fine-textured, fountain-like grass perfect for borders. Orange-gold fall color. Fragrant seed heads smell like coriander. Extremely long-lived.
Zones 3-9 Full SunThe Deep Root Advantage
Native prairie plants develop root systems 3-15 feet deep—compared to 2-3 inches for typical lawn grass. These roots naturally break up Chicago's clay soil, improving drainage year after year.
This means less standing water, healthier soil, and landscapes that improve with time instead of degrading.
Micro-Climate Considerations for Chicago Lots
Chicago Bungalow lots (narrow gangways, shade from neighboring buildings) need different plants than open suburban backyards. We design plant palettes specific to your lot's sun exposure, drainage patterns, and soil conditions—not generic nursery recommendations.
Landscape & Gardening Topics
Select a category to learn more about specific services:
Site Prep & Solutions
Maintenance & Planting
Budget Planning
Chicago Landscaping Cost Guide
Realistic price ranges for common projects in the Chicago area. These are professional-grade installations, not DIY or budget contractor estimates.
Paver Patio Installation
$25–$50
per square foot installed
- Includes excavation & base prep
- Premium pavers (Unilock, Belgard)
- Proper drainage installation
- Polymeric sand jointing
Retaining Wall
$40–$80
per square face foot
- Engineered block systems
- Proper drainage behind wall
- Geogrid reinforcement if needed
- Permit coordination included
French Drain System
$50–$100
per linear foot
- 4" perforated pipe minimum
- Washed gravel backfill
- Landscape fabric wrap
- Proper outlet to daylight/dry well
Custom Cedar Pergola
$8,000–$25,000
typical 12x14 structure
- Western red cedar construction
- Concrete footings per code
- Stainless steel hardware
- Optional: electrical, fan rough-in
Sod Installation
$2–$4
per square foot installed
- Soil prep and grading
- Premium Kentucky Bluegrass blend
- Starter fertilizer application
- Initial watering guidance
Landscape Design
$1,500–$5,000
comprehensive design package
- Site survey and analysis
- Scaled drawings and renderings
- Plant and material specifications
- Often credited toward build
Note: These ranges reflect 2024-2025 pricing in the Chicago metropolitan area. Factors affecting cost include site access, soil conditions, material selections, and project complexity. Always get 2-3 detailed written estimates for your specific project.
Common Outdoor Construction Questions
Expert answers to Chicago homeowner FAQs.
Landscapers typically handle installation and maintenance (mowing, planting, mulch). Landscape Designers create architectural plans, coordinating drainage, hardscapes, and plant palettes. A Design-Build Firm handles both the design and the installation in-house.
For installation, is the working season. However, you should begin the design phase in to secure a spot on the summer schedule, as top Chicago crews book out months in advance.
Chicago's native soil is predominantly heavy clay, which traps water. Combined with flat lots and freeze-thaw cycles, this leads to flooded basements and heaved patios. Proper grading and drainage systems (French drains, dry wells) are mandatory for long-term success.
It depends on the scope. Simple plantings and mulching don't require permits. However, retaining walls over 4 feet, structures like pergolas, fences over 5 feet, and significant grading work typically do. New construction or renovations over 1,500 sq ft trigger the Landscape Ordinance, requiring Bureau of Forestry approval and parkway tree installation.
Verify they have general liability insurance (minimum $1M) and workers' compensation. Ask for their contractor license number and verify it with your municipality. Request 3+ references from projects completed in the last 2 years, and actually call them. A professional will provide a detailed written contract specifying materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms.
Sod provides instant results but costs $2-4/sq ft installed. Seed costs $0.50-1.50/sq ft but requires 2-3 months of careful watering and won't be fully established for a year. In Chicago's climate, sod is usually the better choice because our short growing season and unpredictable spring weather make seed establishment difficult. However, seed allows for more variety in grass species selection.
Seasonal Landscaping Calendar
What Chicago homeowners should be doing each season to maintain healthy landscapes.
Winter
December – February
- Plan next year's projects
- Book design consultations
- Apply for early permits
- Prune dormant trees
- Review snow removal contracts
Spring
March – May
- Spring cleanup & debris removal
- Core aeration
- Pre-emergent weed control
- Mulch beds (2-3" depth)
- Divide perennials
Summer
June – August
- Deep watering (1"/week)
- Mow at 3-3.5" height
- Monitor for pests
- Deadhead perennials
- Installation season
Fall
September – November
- Best time for seeding/sod
- Fall aeration
- Plant trees & shrubs
- Winterize irrigation
- Final cleanup & leaf removal
Ready to Plan Your Project?
Get the right help for your specific needs.