Landscape Design & Installation in Chicago: What Homeowners Need to Know

Installation time varies significantly based on project scope. A small patio or planting project might take 2-5 days of active work. A medium project with multiple elements typically runs 1-3 weeks. Large, complex projects involving significant hardscaping, grading, and structures can take 3-8 weeks or more. Weather, material deliveries, and discovered site conditions can extend these timeframes. Your contractor should provide a realistic estimate based on your specific project.

The ideal approach is to design during late fall or winter and install in spring. This gives time for thorough planning while the ground is frozen, then positions you early in the installation season (typically mid-April through June) when contractor schedules are less compressed. Fall (September through mid-November) is also excellent for installation, particularly for planting—cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress, and plants can establish roots before winter. Summer installation works but requires more attention to watering new plantings.

In the Chicago area, the primary causes of premature hardscape failure are inadequate base preparation and poor drainage. Our freeze-thaw cycles are brutal—water trapped in or under hardscape elements expands when it freezes, causing heaving, cracking, and structural failure. Proper base depth, thorough compaction, and effective water management (both surface and subsurface) are essential. Retaining walls also fail when drainage behind the wall is insufficient, allowing hydrostatic pressure to build up. These aren't places to cut costs.

Chicago's clay-heavy soil doesn't drain well naturally. Combine that with relatively flat terrain and heavy seasonal rains, and water management becomes critical. Poor drainage leads to standing water, foundation problems, drowned plants, mosquito breeding areas, and accelerated deterioration of hardscapes. Proper grading (shaping the land so water flows away from structures) and drainage systems (French drains, catch basins, dry wells) protect your investment and your home. Any landscape design for Chicagoland should address drainage explicitly.

Before your consultation, think about how you want to use the space—entertaining, family activities, gardening, relaxation. Note any problems you want solved (drainage issues, lack of privacy, unusable slopes). Gather inspiration images showing styles you like. Know your approximate budget range (even a broad range helps). If possible, locate your property survey showing boundary lines. Note where utilities run. Be prepared to share any known history about the property—previous landscaping, buried structures, or problem areas.

Yes, phasing is common and practical for larger projects or when budget is a consideration. The key is developing a complete master plan before starting Phase 1. This ensures drainage is handled correctly from the start, utilities and irrigation are roughed in where needed, and each phase connects logically to the next. Without a master plan, Phase 2 often requires rework or compromise. Work with your designer to determine logical phase breaks—typically infrastructure (grading, drainage, hardscape) comes before softscape (planting, finishing).

Several factors significantly impact landscape project costs: Project scope and size (square footage of hardscape, linear feet of walls, number of plants). Site conditions (significant grading, drainage systems needed, difficult access). Material selections (natural stone vs. manufactured pavers, premium plants vs. common varieties). Structural elements (retaining walls, pergolas, outdoor kitchens add substantial cost). Base preparation requirements (deeper bases for heavy use or problematic soil). The most expensive changes happen when scope isn't clearly defined upfront—change orders during installation typically cost more than getting it right in design.