Landscaper License

The City is accepting Landscaping License Applications online, USPS mail, or by dropping completed applications off with the Community Development Department, at the Municipal Services Building, 800 N Field Drive.  For questions please call 847-234-2600 x2.

Annual Landscape License renewals will be processed after January 3rd of the new calendar year. Please feel free to submit  the renewal paperwork  prior to the license expiration date.  A completed application and the required documents, as noted in the application packet, and payment of $100 before June 1st ($125.00 on or after June 1st) can be submitted by the following methods:

USPS Mail:  Mail your completed application packet, including all insurance certificates and $100 for applications before June 1st and $125.00 for applications on or after June 1st  to:
City of Lake Forest
c/o Community Development
800 N Field Drive
Lake Forest, IL 60045

Municipal Services Drop Box/Front Counter:  The office is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and is accepting applications at this time.  Submit the completed application packet, including all insurance certificates and $100 before June 1st ($125.00 on or after June 1st) payment in the drop box container or at the front counter.  The drop box is located adjacent to the front door.

BS&A Online:  Applications may also be submitted online through the BS&A Online Business Portal.  In order to access and utilize the Online Business Portal, Landscaping firms must provide and maintain a valid e-mail address.  For more information regarding the online process, please review the Managing Landscape License Guide.

Landscaper License Application Packet
Lawn Equipment Hours of Operation

  • Weekdays:  7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays:  8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Sundays and Holidays:  10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Lake Forest City Council approved an ordinance requiring that landscaping maintenance and arborist firms obtain a license in order to work within the City limits.

Other important information for Landscaping firms:

Please note that Tree Removal Permits are handled separately at the Municipal Services Building, 800 N. Field Drive.  The Landscape firm must have a current landscaper license.  For further information, click here or contact the Community Development Department at 847.810.3517.


List of Landscaping Firms Registered to Operate in Lake Forest
This list represents Landscaping License holders that met the requirements for licensure under Article VII of Chapter 23 of the City Code at the time of publication of this list. The City of Lake Forest makes no representation as to whether the Landscaping License holders are current on all requirements, and encourages residents to confirm with any landscapers that their licenses are current, as this list is not actively maintained. Further, the City makes no representation regarding the quality of service provided by any licensed landscaper listed on this page, and makes no endorsement of any of the services provided by such landscapers.  While the City maintains a list of registered firms, it cannot endorse a particular firm over another.
Stay Informed!

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